1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY
1.1 This submission on the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No. 2) is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative), a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. In combination, our members employ more than 150,000 people.
1.2 The Initiative undertakes research that contributes to developing sound public policies in New Zealand. We advocate for the creation of a competitive, open and dynamic economy and a free, prosperous, fair and cohesive society.
1.3 The Initiative's members span the breadth of the New Zealand economy. The views expressed in this submission are those of the authors rather than the New Zealand Initiative's members.
1.4 This submission addresses two aspects of the Education and Training Amendment Bill, No. 2 (ETAB2), both pertaining to the school system; the School Board Objective Proposal and the Initial Teacher Education Proposal. Aspects of the Bill pertaining to universities are covered in a separate submission.
1.5 The Initiative supports both of these proposals. Indeed, the School Board Objective Proposal reflects a recommendation in a 2023 report from the New Zealand Initiative.1 We suggest minor amendment to this proposal below.
1.6 We would welcome the opportunity to appear before the Committee to speak to this submission.
