Articles by Dave

The Māori Party view on religious instruction is that community consultation is the way to go. Democratically deciding on issues of culture hasn’t worked out too well for Māori historically, so why on earth would they suggest that it’s ok when it comes to religious indoctrination of children?

Find out what all the main political parties think about religious instruction in our state primary schools. If you want to watch them squirm and fight amongst themselves, ask about this issue!

Catherine Delahunty of the Green Party has been a vocal opponent of religious instruction. Their policy remains the same but unfortunately, she is retiring from Parliament. Hopefully their policy won’t change.

The Democrats for Social Credit are a party I remember from years ago. They don’t have a large following but they’re active on economic policy. Here’s what they have to say about religious instruction

I think that the Conservative party is probably dead in the water. They just don’t know it yet. Party Secretary, Kevin Stitt gives an expansive response to my questions about religious instruction and once again gives the strong impression that the Conservatives are promoting a Christian agenda.

The Opportunities Party are looking to rock the boat. They have proposed some pretty significant changes to the way we run our country. What will they say about religious instruction in state primary schools?

Find out what the ACT Party think about religious instruction in state schools. Are they for it? Are they against? I’m still not sure. I doubt that they really know either.

Tracey Martin is the Education spokesperson for New Zealand First. Known as a party appealing to more “traditional” views and an army of grey-haired followers, I wondered what sort of response I would get. Tracey was willing to discuss the issue and seemed open to different views to her own but ultimately failed to respond when asked if her role as Minister for Children meant protecting their right to freedom of belief and a secular education.

The Labour Party have long held the stance that a review of religious instruction is needed. Regardless of what you think of them, you have to respect their open stance on this issue. Chris Hipkins was informed on the issue and was also willing to give a straight answer. Full credit to him.

When I asked all the main political parties about their policies on religious instruction in NZ state primary schools, Nikki Kaye, Minister for Education did not reply (she did 2 months later). Neither did the National Party office. So I asked Todd Muller who sits on the Education and Science Select Committee. Find out what he said.