Figure 1.--Few of the students were aware of it, but major reforms were being made in New Zealand schools during the 1990s. Many were focused on promoting competiotion between schools. There has also been competition with the private schools, but the MOE has promoted competition within the state sector. |
New Zealand schools in the 1980s and 1990s were undergong a range of reforms and reorganization. This included the integration of some private schools into the state sector, expanding local controls, and changes in how the schools were financed. The integration process begun in the 1970s with the Catholic schools was largely completed. The remaining private schools by the 1990s were largely financially sound and committed to remaining in the private sector. The integration process has, however, left New Zealand with a very small private or independent sector. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has also persued policies to shift the management of schools to the local level rather than from Wellington. The MOE has also made major changes in how the schools were financed. One of the the affects of these changes has to intensify competition between schools which now have to attract students more than was the case earlier. MOE authorities believe that the resulting competition will result in more effective schools.
The financial position of the school is sound and the financial statements have been audited. If we want to make any further improvements to the buildings we will need to get a considerable cash injection from the Ministry of Education. We are long overdue for this when you consider what assistance other schools in the area have received ver the last five years or so. Kelston Boys have relied on their own resources for too long. At this point I would like to congratulate the parents who fundraised for the Cricket Tour to England and the USA. It was a marvellous effort!
Irene Wai-Poi, Chairperson, Board of Directors, Kelsonian (Kelston Boys' High School), 1996
