An education development initiative for Northern Wairoa

Content Partner: Lincoln University. The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme develops emerging agribusiness leaders to help shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs. Lincoln University has been involved with this leaders programme since 1979 when it was launched with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, USA.This project reviews the government's Education Development Initiative (EDI) as it may apply to Northern Wairoa area in Northland. It is noted that a move by Selywn Park School to change its status is the principle driver behind the proposed EDI. Four EDI viability criteria - Excess Pupil Capacity, Deferred Maintenance, School Transportation & Community Views were selected and examined for their potential influence on the Northern Wairoa EDI. The study also reports on the results of a community survey, which clearly demonstrates that parents/caregivers, and other interested persons are highly resistant to change, and consider that the local school -especially in the rural areas is the centre of community activity. The study has two major conclusions. The first is that the proposed EDI will not get off the ground as it has been predicated on a time generating, defensive strategy of other schools. The second is that the time is right for schools in the area to take stock of education and give serious consideration to undertaking an EDI for the right reasons.