Letters to Editor: Bad crowd on parade

Bad Crowd On Parade

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Hawke's Bay. It was a trip I always looked forward to, catching up with friends and family.

On Saturday I was in the main street near the clock tower around midday to watch the blossom parade.

I was quite shocked to encounter a hostile crowd gathered around the centre listening to music.

There were a lot of threatening youth wearing red standing around, blocking footpaths and intimidating people.

I was not the only one who felt this as I spoke to a few people who took refuge in a shop in Russell St.

It seemed as if the council were almost encouraging the wrong sort of crowd into town by the entertainment they had provided.

This spoiled an otherwise good Hawke's Bay weekend.

A Cavaney, Hamilton

Challenge to parents

In response to Monday's letter "parent challenge", I too urge all parents to investigate National Standards.

As outlined in a report last week - Labour has promised to drop National Standards and redirect $36 million earmarked for the scheme towards helping struggling students.

Education spokeswoman Sue Moroney has said they see little point in forcing schools to do something that their hearts are not into. And Principals' Federation president Peter Simpson has said that 85 per cent of school principals have no confidence in National Standards and that they simply want to get on with helping children learn - not fighting political battles.

So instead of the Government bullying discerning but unwilling schools (choosing not to comply with the standards) and threatening them with statutory management, maybe it is time for the Government to change direction on this and take a leaf out of Labour's book.

For me this is a no-brainer, parents need to rally together and question these standards and the wider implications of their use in our schools.

So to all parents, can you honestly say that you support these standards? If you are unsure, then now is the time to act.

I personally think that $36 million could be better spent. What do you think?

Jackie Blair, Hastings