Talk to me, Carter urges principals

Education Minister Chris Carter is urging all schools to take part in Schools Plus consultation in the face of a boycott by the North Shore Principals' Association and other schools nationally.

"They will be listened to and their concerns will be taken into account," he said.

"It's important we work together to make Schools Plus a success and we can do that by having a robust discussion on how it can best be implemented. Only then will the Government know what is required in terms of funding."

The North Shore Principals' Association this week wrote an open letter to the minister withdrawing support for the plan until their worries about funding were recognised.

Schools Plus is a major initiative which will aim to keep New Zealanders in education or training until age 18.

Mr Carter yesterday reiterated that the Government was committed to fully resourcing the new policy.