Richard Dykes
Principals expect crackdown on school charges
Principals are bracing for a crackdown when the government's new school donation scheme begins next year, after the change highlighted that many schools are charging parents for things they shouldn't… Audio
Donation dilemma for mid-decile schools
Ditch controversial school "donations", win over parents, but lose money for schools and students. That's the dilemma facing many principals assessing the value of the government's scheme for… Audio
Principals worrried by teen vaping epidemic
Auckland secondary school principals are backing the government's plan to ban sweet vape flavours. They say it will help curb an epidemic of vaping among teenagers at some schools. The government is… Audio
Auckland schools struggling to find teachers
Auckland primary school principals are warning that the city's long-running teacher shortage is as bad as ever and some say it is worse. They say some job vacancies are attracting no applications at… Audio
Auckland schools overcrowded with out-of-zone students
Many Auckland schools are making their over-crowding problems worse by enrolling children from other neighbourhoods. Education Ministry figures show Auckland was the only region where enrolments at… Audio
Birkenhead college criticised for requiring "spyware"
Auckland's Birkenhead college has been criticised by civil liberties advocates for requiring parents to install what it calls "spyware" on their children's devices. The college has advised parents… Audio
Auckland principals appalled by attendance services
Auckland secondary school principals are appalled by the poor performance of attendance services that are supposed to bring the city's truants and non-enrolled children back to school. They say three… Audio
Overseas teacher recruitment a 'band-aid' - principal
The Ministry of Education's international recruitment drive appears to have headed off a looming teacher shortage crisis. It launched the drive last month after predictions primary and secondary… Audio
Govt underestimating looming shortage - Auckland teachers
Teachers fear the Ministry of Education is underestimating a looming teacher shortage in Auckland. The Ministry is forecasting a 2,000 teacher shortfall by 2025, but the Auckland Secondary Principals… Audio
Principals fear more unfilled teacher vacancies
Auckland primary school principals expect to finish the year with a hundred unfilled vacancies and they are nervous about their chances of starting next year with enough teachers. The city's secondary… Audio
Principals support union's claim for housing allowance
Auckland principals are backing the PPTA's plan for a housing allowance for teachers working in expensive areas like Auckland and Queenstown. Audio
Schools fear flu season will worsen teacher shortage
Auckland schools fear they will not be able to cope with the winter flu season because there are not enough relief teachers left in the city to cover for sick teachers. Health Ministry figures show… Audio
NZ Rowing fails to ban lightweight rowing for teens
Rowing New Zealand says it's frustrated and disappointed that secondary school principals have voted to continue lightweight rowing in school rowing regattas. The sports body says weight-restricted… Audio
