MP for Auckland Central

Media Statement

3 April 2012

Inquiry into 21^st Century Learning Environments and Digital Literacy

Nikki Kaye, MP For Auckland Central, today called for a select committee inquiry into 21^st Century Learning Environments and Digital Literacy.

“Tomorrow I intend to ask the Education and Science Committee to initiate an inquiry into 21^st Century Learning Environments and Digital Literacy,” Ms Kaye, the National MP for Auckland Central, said.

“The select committee is evenly split between Government and Opposition MPs. In order for the motion initiating the inquiry to be passed, an Opposition member on the committee must vote in favour of the motion.

“Our Government is investing more than $1 billion in ultra-fast broadband, and has planned another $1 billion investment through the Future Investment Fund to modernise schools.

“Ultra-fast broadband is likely to see a rapid change in our school environments and open up many more opportunities in online learning through the Government’s Network for Learning.

“Some schools are very advanced in adopting new technologies, but for other schools the installation of fibre will bring challenges and previously unavailable opportunities. We need to make sure those schools are well equipped for these challenges and opportunities.

“I can see the benefit of having an inquiry that investigates issues such as the best flexible teaching spaces, how handheld devices can promote more independent learning, new online learning opportunities and other technologies and infrastructure that better support teaching and learning in the 21^st Century.

“The advantage in having a split select committee is that any recommendations that emerge from a final report will have been the result of a positive collaborative process, involving political parties right across Parliament.

“I hope that the overall outcome is that we are able to identify possible savings in technology and buildings, develop recommendations regarding optimal learning environments, and identify the skills required for teachers and students to achieve their full potential in the modern world.

“Through the inquiry there would be an opportunity to hear from stakeholders across both the education and technology sectors about how we ensure that New Zealand children can become even more digitally literate.

“Digital literacy is an increasingly important skill in a modern world, and with the right policies and environment, we have an opportunity to help New Zealand school children to become the most digitally literate in the world.”

ENDS

Authorised by Nikki Kaye MP, 82 College Hill, Freemans Bay, Auckland

Terms of Reference for Education and Science Committee Inquiry into 21^st Century Learning Environments and Digital Literacy

Purpose of Inquiry

The term learning environment suggests learning happens in a place and space such as a school, a classroom, or a library. However, while much of 21^st Century learning takes place in physical locations, in today’s technology driven world, a learning environment can also be virtual, online or remote.

The purpose of this inquiry is to investigate and provide recommendations on the best structures, tools and communities that could better enable students and educators to attain the knowledge and skills, such as digital literacy, that the 21^st Century demands of us all.

Terms of Reference

• Investigate possible options for the best facilities that support teaching and learning in 21^st Century schools. In particular, investigate how we can better utilise land for more flexible teaching spaces.
• Investigate possible changes to the timing of when learning can occur, given the spread of handheld devices.
• Investigate possible options for the best technological infrastructure that supports teaching and learning in 21^st Century schools.
• Consider how the rollout of ultra-fast broadband (UFB) will affect teaching techniques and processes, and whether additional resources or training may further enhance the positive effect of UFB on teaching and learning outcomes. In particular, investigate the role and efficiency of the Network for Learning.
• Consider whether current generations of learners more readily adopt new technology, and whether increasing base levels of technological proficiency may promote independent learning.
• Investigate the opportunities for technology to increase collaboration between neighbouring schools, and between distance learners.

Nikki’s News – March 2012

Greetings, I have now returned to my monthly newsletter. As the recently appointed Chair of Education and Science Select Committee, I have had the privilege of attending various events relating to education. Earlier this month, I had to opportunity to join several of my colleagues, including the Prime Minister, at Orientation Week at the University of Auckland.

Over the last couple of months, it has been exciting to see Auckland become a real events destination. Post Rugby World Cup we have hosted the Volvo Ocean Race. It is also encouraging that we have secured the hosting of the 2012 ITU World Triathlon Championship as well as the 2017 World Masters Games, an event which is projected to attract more than 35,000 visitors to our city.

Event highlights:

Lantern Festival

I was delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate the Chinese New Year festivities marking the Year of the Dragon with the Prime Minister and some of my fellow National MPs. The three day festival held in Albert Park not only marked the shift from one year to another, but was also a celebration of the rich cultural diversity in Auckland. Events like this and the Pasifika Festival are great events for demonstrating Auckland’s rich cultural diversity, and present good opportunities for us to learn more about our Asia Pacific neighbours.

Walk to Work Day

This past week I had the pleasure of participating in the “Walk to Work” where I walked to breakfast in Pigeon Park from Ponsonby. The 6K walk to K Road was an enjoyable alternative to my normal running routine, and was a great way to start off my morning! This event encourages people to walk more in their daily lives, and especially hopes to inspire people to incorporate walking into their daily commute.

Big Gay Out

In February, I had the opportunity to attend the Big Gay Out festival held annually in Coyle Park. It was great to see all the support Aucklanders have for our LGBT community, and I’d like to give a big thanks to everyone who came out, and to all of the National volunteers and the six MPs who attended. It was fantastic to see all the support that the Auckland Pride Festival has garnered and I hope that support continues to mount and that we can see the festival in the near future.

Government initiatives:

Creating the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

One of National’s priorities is building a more productive and competitive economy. To help drive this we are establishing a single, dedicated business-facing government department to strengthen the public service’s ability to work on business policy, regulation and engagement.

On 1 July, the new Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will merge:

• Ministry of Economic Development
• Department of Labour
• Ministry of Science and Innovation
• Department of Building and Housing.

The new ministry will make it easier for New Zealand businesses to engage with government, rather than dealing separately with a number of different agencies when they are seeking advice or support.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38115

Keeping our young people in education

More of our young people are benefiting from Youth Guarantee.  A total of 9616 training places will be created in 2012 for 16 and 17 year olds under National’s Youth Guarantee Scheme.

And enrolments have trebled this year at our 16 trades academies with 1936 learners.  This is a huge increase on the 625 who participated last year.  Numbers are set to increase further with another five academies opening later this year.

The Youth Guarantee Scheme, which now encompasses trades academies and Youth Training fees-free tertiary places, gives our young people the opportunity to gain practical skills and a career.

National is investing more than $100 million in the scheme this year to continue our focus on engaging youth at risk of dropping out of school.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38060

We’re changing the give way rule

We’re making changes to give way rules on March 25 and it’s really important to be prepared. We’re changing the law to make it simpler, bringing us into line with the rest of the world. There are two key changes. If you’re turning right, give way to vehicles turning left; and at a T-intersection, give way to vehicles on the continuing road.

Changes to the give way rules are one of many actions the National is taking under the Safer Journeys action plan, to improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. You can learn more about the changes at www.giveway.govt.nz.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38111

Broadband to be rolled out to hundreds more schools

National announced this week that a further 693 schools will be connected to the ultra-fast broadband network.  We are investing $1.35 billion on the ultra-fast broadband initiative and $300 million on the rural broadband initiative.

By July next year, more than 410,000 students at over 1500 schools around the country will be connected under both initiatives.

Ultra-fast broadband is a vital part of National’s plan to build a more competitive and productive economy – one of the four key priorities for our second term.

By the end of 2015, 97.7 per cent of schools and 99.9 per cent of students will receive ultra-fast fibre enabling speeds of up to 100Mbps.

The remaining schools in the most remote locations will receive a high-speed wireless or satellite connection.  Our commitment means no school will miss out once the roll-out is complete.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38038

Submission in Support of a New Great Barrier Island Rural Broadband & Telecommunications Facility

Earlier this month I was pleased to make a submission to Auckland Council in support of Vodafone New Zealand Ltd’s application for a resource consent to be granted to construct a new rural broadband and telecommunications facility on Great Barrier Island.

The new facility would provide a communications tower and support equipment, and would service the communities of Claris, Okupu and surrounding areas. This new facility will enable tourists and residents on the Island to have cell phone and internet communication while staying in these areas. It will also help children living on the Island to develop their digital literacy skills in a way not previously possible.

There are also hundreds of holiday home and full time residence owners on Great Barrier Island who will also benefit greatly from this package. I believe that if people are able to work from their holiday homes, and stay extra nights on the Island because of it, then the local economy could benefit from this.

Have your say

For all other news, photos and updates on my work around the electorate, keep an eye on my website www.nikkikaye.co.nz which is updated regularly.

My website is also an easy way to make contact with me.  If you have any issues, let me know through my ‘Contact’ page.

Best wishes,

Nikki Kaye

Member of Parliament for Auckland Central

Chair of Education and Science Select Committee

www.nikkikaye.co.nz

The new facility would provide a communications tower and support equipment, and would service the communities of Claris, Okupu and surrounding areas. This new facility will enable tourists and residents on the Island to have cell phone and internet communication while staying in these areas. It will also help children living on the Island to develop their digital literacy skills in a way not previously possible.

There are also hundreds of holiday home and full time residence owners on Great Barrier Island who will also benefit greatly from this package. I believe that if people are able to work from their holiday homes, and stay extra nights on the Island because of it, then the local economy could benefit from this.

This is a very good application, and I encourage people to make their own submissions to Auckland Council. Submissions close at 5pm, Friday 16th March

This year BNZ will be expanding its initiative and welcomes members of the community to volunteer alongside BNZ staff.

BNZ is now calling for submissions from community groups for projects that need doing around the community. All you need to do is submit the project online at www.closedforgood.org  before 16 March.

This is a great initiative that I would encourage community groups and individuals to get behind

During the opening ceremony, some of the students performed a Haka commissioned especially for University Hall, and were kind enough to send me a copy of the words and their translation. I think the words really capture the essence of education – growing up and looking to the future, while remembering and cherishing your past.

Ko Wai rā

Ko wai ra?

Ko wai ra?

Ko ahau tenei he uri no ratou ma

E rapu nei I te matauranga

Kia tu rangatira i tenei ao

Waitemata

te moana　!

Rangitoto

te maunga

Ko ahau tenei e haruru mai nei

au, au, aue ha HI　!

Who am I?

Who are we?

I am a descendant of those gone before me

Seeking out knowledge and education

That I am able to stand proud in this world

Waitemata the harbour

Rangitoto the mountain and island

This is me, this is who we are.

Auckland Bluegreens looking pleased with themselves after another weeding day at Meola Creek. They removed close to 100kg’s of weeds to ensure that previous plantings would not be blocked out by the sun.

Before….

…. After:

If you wanted to view the work the Bluegreens have done you can visit the Meola Creek site located beside the Auckland Horticultural Society building at 990 Gt North Td, Pt Chev (opposite Motions Rd).

A further weeding day is planned for late April early May.

–

NZ Fauna is a new free app for Apple and Android devices that contains heaps of interesting information about our native and introduced animals. It’s been created with conjunction with DOC, Forest and Bird and the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, and stands as a really cool platform for learning more about the wildlife that makes New Zealand so special. It also helps that this app has a really slick design and aesthetic and is plain fun to navigate around.

The next incarnation of the app is going to be bundled with links to animal welfare groups like Forest and Bird.

If you want to see it for yourself they have a website at www.youtube.com/kiwipedianz.

Nikki

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Auckland Lantern Festival with the Prime Minister, John Key, and my Parliamentary colleagues Peseta Sam Lotu-liga, Dr Jian Yang and Alred Ngao. The Lantern Festival has been a highlight of the Auckland event calendar for 13 years now, and is held on the 15^th day of the first month of the lunar Calendar.

This year the festival celebrated the Year of the Dragon, an auspicious year in the Chinese Zodiac.

The Lantern Festival is just another example of the great mix of culture that we enjoy in Auckland, and I was very pleased to have the opportunity to be a part of it.

Nikki

Today I made my own online submission to the Council. I think the plan is a massive improvement for Auckland. The Great Barrier Island Local Board has made its own contribution on the Plan, and I support the comments made in its submission.

I am committed to minimising Auckland’s waste output, and I will continue to work closely with local and national government as we head towards our goal of Zero Waste by 2040.

If you want more information on Auckland Council’s Waste Management and Minimisation Plan you can find it here on their website:

Nikki

We’re building more layers on to our investment in early childhood education, National Standards, and skills training for our young people looking to enter the work force. We’ll make secondary school performance information available to parents, and we’re commencing a review of the Teachers Council to find ways to improve the quality of teaching. We have also set the goal of 98 per cent participation in early childhood education.

In the health sector, we’re going to further increase the number of elective operations by over 4000 per year. Coupled with this, we plan to shorten waiting times for specialist appointments, and progress the setup of free after-hours GP visits for children under six. We’ve set a target for 95 per cent of all eight-month-old children to have up to date immunisations.

In a nutshell, the National Government is committed to delivering the highest quality, modern public services within tighter budgets, while reducing back-office costs.

Contrast this with the last five years of the Labour government, where public services numbers ballooned by almost 30 per cent, and overall government spending increased by 50 per cent, despite sparse improvement in front line services. The National Government inherited a large budget deficit and an over-sized public sector.

That’s why we’re committed to returning to surplus in 2014/15. This is a significant challenge, which is going to require on-going spending constraint, and a tight focus on results.

We have redirected $8 billion of funding for frontline health, education and other services. That’s 1600 more teachers, 2000 more nurses and 800 more doctors. We’re committed to getting the best results from our frontline public services, New Zealand families rely on it.