Hipkins: There's no silver bullet for the education system

SEEING RED: Labour Party MP Chris Hipkins talks with the Labour candidate for Whanganui, Steph Lewis. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

The pre-election roll of politicians into Whanganui continues, with Labour MP Chris Hipkins visiting Whanganui on Wednesday.

Mr Hipkins, who is Labour's education spokesperson, was accompanied by the Labour candidate for Whanganui, Steph Lewis. The pair met with a group of principals at Keith Street School to talk about issues around education.

Mr Hipkins then held a public meeting at the Labour Party headquarters in Victoria Ave, before heading off to Stratford.

Mr Hipkins said the meeting with principals had been valuable.

"We talked about the issues that they want to bring up. Principals are concerned about National Standards, inclusive education and learning support.

"Funding is huge - it's barely kept pace with inflation. There are more students with high and complex needs than ever before, and schools are struggling to keep up," Mr Hipkins said.

He said there was no quick-fix for New Zealand's education system.

"People often want us to find the silver bullet, but there isn't one.

"However, Labour will increase funding for professional development for teachers. We also need to change the way we fund teacher aides, and train a lot more specialist teachers."

Mr Hipkins said he believed schools throughout the country faced similar issues.

"Obviously there are regional variations, and socio-economic conditions vary from place to place, but the issues are the same."