Changes suggested to the Education Acts 1964 and 1989
The Minister of Education Hon. Chris Hipkins has brought a Bill to Parliament with a large number of changes to the Education Act 1964 and 1989. One of these changes would see Religious Instruction in state schools become an "opt-in" system from the current "opt-out" system. Submissions to Select Committee are currently open.
The Education and Training Bill is currently in the Select Committee stage (having passed its first reading in Parliament on the 5th December 2019). This means that you now have the opportunity to make submissions to the Select Committee regarding this Bill.
The Education and Training Bill 2019 introduces a number of changes including:
Requiring state primary and intermediate schools and kura that allow religious instruction to do so on an ‘opt- in’ basis. This will ensure parental consent for a student’s participation.
The Diocese recognises that this might affect some of the ministries provided in Southland and Otago in schools, so would encourage anyone who wishes to make a submission to do so. Submissions close on the 14 February 2020.
If you wish to make a submission to the Select Committee go to click here
More information:
https://www.education.govt.nz/our-work/legislation/education-and-training-bill/
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/bill-has-biggest-education-changes-decades
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