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Raising the potential for digital technology to transform learning in New Zealand schools

Introduction - the Government’s vision for the future of digital education

New Zealand’s education system has long provided the foundation for the social and economic success of our country.  We know that differences in education and skills between countries explain the difference in rates of economic growth more than any other single factor.

Thank you for the invitation to participate in this summit and for the opportunity to share New Zealand’s recent investments, progress, and experience with the ongoing development of our education system; in particular with transformative partnerships and technology.

New Zealanders are rightly proud of our education system. It produces well-rounded, curious, creative, problem-solvers, sought after the world-over.

Tēnā koutou katoa.

Firstly I’d like to acknowledge Oliver Hartwich and Rose Patterson. Thank you for inviting me to the launch of the New Zealand Initiative’s report on maths education, I think.

As the Minister of Education speaking at the launch of a report that is critical of the education system I confess to feeling a little like Marie Antoinette approaching the guillotine.

From the outset I would say there are some findings I agree with your researchers on, and some about which I possess less certainty.

Hi everyone. It’s great to see you all again this afternoon. Some of you are new to this lock-up; others have been here before. Regardless, I welcome you all and thank you for your ongoing commitment to education and to the future for all our children and young people. 

I’d also like to welcome the Under-Secretary for Education David Seymour who is here with us today. Like me, and all of you, Mr Seymour believes passionately in the ability of education to transform the lives of young people and I’m delighted he’s been able to join us.

On behalf of the Ngārimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarship Fund Board, I wish to welcome you all here this evening. 

Among our guests are fellow board members, ministers of the Crown, Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association National Vice President Bob Hill, Chief of the Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Mike Yardley, members of the Iwi Chairs Forum, ministry and government agency representatives, members of the Alumni Establishment Committee, parents, whānau and friends.

Tēnā koutou katoa and warm Pacific greetings.

It is my great privilege to speak to you all at this fifth International Summit on the Teaching Profession 2015 here in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

Tēnā koutou katoa.

Welcome everyone, to the first national cross-sector forum for 2015. We’re in for another exciting year in education with more opportunities for further outbreaks of achievement.

Thank you for your contributions to that educational success and to the work we can do together to create more of it.

I’d like to especially acknowledge a few people.

Thank you Lex Henry for that introduction.  I’m delighted to be here talking to you as business leaders, but also as parents, and people invested in the future of our country.

Ours is a small nation with a far reach and big ambitions – and the full realisation of those ambitions relies on ensuring that we have a highly skilled workforce and well qualified New Zealanders.