Reason #73 why charter schools are wrong: they teach creationism

Written By: - Date published: 11:46 am, July 31st, 2018 - 78 comments
Categories: child abuse, education, national, same old national, schools, Simon Bridges - Tags: ,

So it appears that one reason the right is so keen on charter schools that do not have properly qualified teachers or the need to comply with a state curriculum is so they can teach all sorts of things. Like creationism.

From Farah Hancock at Newsroom:

A former student of a Villa Education Trust private school claims creationism was taught as a preferred theory of how the world began in science classes he attended.

The student from Mt Hobson Middle School said Darwinism was taught as an unproven theory and students were shown a video purporting to show science had found proof of God’s existence.

His impression was the school backed the concept of creationism “100 percent”.

The science teacher was Rachel O’Connor, sister of National Party leader Simon Bridges and wife of National MP Simon O’Connor.

Of course the trust denies it.

Alwyn Poole, a board member of Villa Education Trust and principal of Mt Hobson Middle school, said all the trust’s schools stick to the New Zealand Curriculum which includes Darwin’s theory of natural selection and does not teach other theories.

In 2013 RNZ reported South Auckland Middle School planned to teach a number of theories about the origins of life.

Poole described questions asked by Newsroom as “a big red herring”.

The Mt Hobson student said in 2016 a Year 10 class of 13 and 14-year-old students was shown a video in a science lesson. The video was entitled Science Has Found Proof of the Existence of God.

“They [O’Connor] said, we’re going to watch a video. They didn’t tell us anything about it, they just started showing it. What followed was a documentary of twisted quotes trying to prove how scientists had discovered God.

And here is the video:

Is this the reason for National’s newly found preference for charter schools? So that the religious fundamentalists in the party can ensure that creationism is taught as a serious subject?

78 comments on “Reason #73 why charter schools are wrong: they teach creationism ”

  1. greywarshark 1

    Question – Why do they teach creationism children?
    Answer – Because they can if they want.

    There is too much opportunity for charter schools to go off on any path they wish
    and cover it up with words that sound as if they are on track.

    And further there is too much opportunity for ordinary state schools to reflect board members’ fixations – religious for example.

    This should be looked at – the emphasis should be on factual stuff generally acceptable by educated people and some time for discussion of matters to encourage thinking, which parents can join in. It is good to know what your children are being taught, and could be useful to parents of limited experience.

    • Sacha 1.1

      “Because they can if they want.”

      Nope. A private school like the subject of the article can, but the charter ones run by the same people cannot.

      “MacGregor-Reid said no current charter school is allowed to teach creationism or intelligent design in a science class as a preferred theory: “… in terms of science class they must teach to the curriculum in their contracts.”

      • Sacha 1.1.1

        From Russell Brown’s twitter:

        “Curiously, the website of Mt Hobson Middle School says it teaches “exactly the same curriculum” as its Villa Education *charter school* sibling South Auckland Middle School.”

        • mickysavage 1.1.1.1

          Thanks looks like two of the schools run by VET are charter schools but two including the one that I refer to are not.

          I think the concern is still valid. The entity is being funded by Government money.

          • Enough is Enough 1.1.1.1.1

            It might be best to change the very misleading title to your post then

  2. indiana 2

    From Farah’s article:

    “The mother of the student is a trained secondary teacher. She said she was shocked the video had been shown in a science class.”

    Why was this child sent to a charter school in the first place? Was this school providing something more than trained qualified teachers at a state school?

    • In fact all of the NZ Charter schools teach the NZ Curriculum …. and in most cases they employ registered teachers. There are very few situations where non registered teachers are used. Vanguard Military School for example uses ex Forces trades people such as ‘aircraft engineers’ to teach their students technology.

    • Sacha 2.2

      It’s a private school, not a charter.

  3. Cinny 3

    So I listened to the full clip…

    Because of the delicate balance of nature and complexities of DNA, SOME scientists question if in fact a ‘higher being’ could have created us and the universe.

    SOME scientists believe in the big bang theory… ie there was nothing then a big bang and there was the beginnings of life etc.

    The makers of the above video, take this information and claim that they too believe there was nothing, then the beginnings of life and that everything was created by a higher being; so of course it must be god.

    Then at the end of the clip it’s all about Jesus.

    Could in fact their higher being, be an alien, or a super computer? If they want to go down that road…. but no, no, it must be god.

    Handpicked facts and pretty graphics make for compelling propaganda, in the end it’s nothing more than a religion conversion film.

    Students should not be shown just ONE point of view, they should be shown MANY. Unless we want a nation of people unable to think for themselves. Hmm maybe some national party people do…. lololz

    Religion is a form of control. I betcha they don’t show the kids a zeitgeist film.

    “Religion the Greatest Story Ever SOLD”

  4. SpaceMonkey 4

    As far as the creation of this universe goes, I always thought most major religions and the big bang theory were in alignment – the difference was in the telling. Except Hinduism and it’s off shots appear to describe this universe as just one cycle of many. The key ingredient seems to be the injection of time and the foundations are frequencies in the form of sound and light. But I digress.

    It’s a tricky path for schools to teach any of these stories as fact for we may never fully know. The reality may well be beyond the capacity of the human mind to ever understand.

    • RedLogix 4.1

      Exactly. Fundamentally reality must have a coherent unity, therefore when you get both the science and religion correct, they will be in harmony.

      The useful contribution of postmodernism, is the realisation that there is a limitless number of ways of interpreting reality, but all can be broadly grouped as being rooted either in the material or spiritual domains.

      What binds them is consciousness.

  5. Rosemary McDonald 5

    But, but, it was Slartibartfast and his mates who created the Earth!

    Humans eh? Always asking why? Who? How? When?

    • halfcrown 5.1

      I liked that Rosemary but not as good as the original TV series. I remember Marvin had such a pessimistic face. I thought this version of it was pathetic

      • Rosemary McDonald 5.1.1

        Oh god…Marvin the Paranoid android. “Brain the size of a planet and they have me parking….”

        I’ve not actually seen the version above…I just googled that particular scene.

        You’re right..the original telly series was good. Brilliant in fact. The books even better.

        Adams certainly had a novel take on life, the universe etc etc.

        I most especially liked the bit planning the evacuation of Golgafrincham.

        https://fordprefecthitchhikersguide.wordpress.com/2016/12/12/golgafrincham/

        • Halfcrown 5.1.1.1

          Yeah great books Rosemary, brings back memories of better times when everybody got a fair go.

          Getting back to this teaching creationist rubbish, why don’t they teach Pratchett s Disc World
          Just as valid and a lot science theory there on the Big Bang theory and in the last novel I read the sex of the gaint turtle discworld is on.had not been determined
          Not good science but just as valid as this creationist rubbish and a lot more funnier

          • halfcrown 5.1.1.1.1

            Can I correct that? The original I wrote on my new TAB A useless. Too fat fingers and slow. So have written it again and corrected my bad grammar on my PC.

            Yeah great books Rosemary, brings back memories of better times when everybody got a fair go.
            Getting back to this teaching creationist rubbish, why don’t they teach Pratchett’s Disc World? Just as valid and a lot of scientific theory there on the Big Bang theory and in the last novel I read, the sex of the giant turtle GREAT A’Tuin that Discworld is on, had not been established. Not good science but just as valid as this creationist rubbish and a lot more funnier

      • Draco T Bastard 5.1.2

        The original Deep Thought was awesome

  6. Tricledrown 6

    Job creationists for their fundamentalist mates.
    Simple Simon lives up to his moniker

  7. millsy 7

    Charter school are more or less a trojaan horse for US style evangilical protestants to infiltrate the school system. They see the bottom brown 20% tail as plump picking for a radicalized church congregation. Science is under threat in this country.

    • NZJester 7.1

      The evangelicals using them as a trojan horse to push their ideas is just a secondary problem with them in the US. The primary reason they were created in the US was to get teachers in environments where they could prevent them from joining unions and to allow large amounts of public money to be funneled to donors as well as politicians own pockets through investments in the companies running them.

  8. SPC 8

    Hilarious conclusion to the “science” video – basically nothing new on the creation proves creator line of scholaticism, that this creator would want to communicate with us, is known to us as Jesus Christ, and he does so via the bible word.

    It’s not science, it’s a theist argument, that a religious authority on earth based on heavenly agency exists and is supreme to our own democratic/sovereign governments. It results in end time Kingdom come faith common in the USA and id destructive to their society well-being, end our human dominion and reign over us – man created by the “chosen of God” bowing down to these overlords of Zion.

    Who will save us from the moneychangers of the Temple/capitalists of mammon/imperial coin paying for the stormtrooper occupation…?

    Just how a universe comes out of nothing is ignored. E = MC2 after all. What was surmised before the bible was that energy came from the balls of a god (Egypt) or the egg of a goddess (China), today in our modern globalism collequially summed up as a big bang – invitation to real scientists to witness the consummation of a marriage and its consequences.

  9. I don’t have a problem with Christian versions of science being taught in schools, – primarily because evolution was only ever a ‘ theory’ to begin with. A theory. Not the gospel truth or solid facts.

    And it is poor science in itself to simply settle for a theory when it has been successfully challenged. Crazy as that may seem regards the theory of evolution.

    For more than one hundred years whole streams of education , well paying academic careers have been devoted to what amounts to just a theory. A whole myriad of industry’s have built up around this theory. As well as political careers.

    And yet it remains ,… just a theory.

    I do however have a problem just with charter schools as it is one way of consolidating the neo liberal agenda of privatization , – with dire results for the poorer sectors of society. I also resent the fact that neo liberal ideology purports to support the idea of private concerns not needing handouts or concessions from the govt when in actual fact they do. And that’s called hypocrisy.

    When even scientists are met with inexplicable facts that deny , challenge and contradict their firmly held beliefs the classic approach is usually to try to tear down and drown out those facts or to quietly adopt a policy of deliberately ignoring them.

    Here is one such:

    Polystrate Fossils – Examining the Evidence for Evolution – YouTube
    Video for Polystrate Fossils – Examining the Evidence for Evolution you tube▶ 8:55

    • SPC 9.1

      An intended irony with “gospel truth”?

    • Draco T Bastard 9.2

      I don’t have a problem with Christian versions of science being taught in schools, – primarily because evolution was only ever a ‘ theory’ to begin with. A theory.

      Your ignorance and stupidity are showing.

      https://www.dictionary.com/browse/theory

      1. a coherent group of tested general propositions, commonly regarded as correct, that can be used as principles of explanation and prediction for a class of phenomena: Einstein’s theory of relativity.
      2. a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural and subject to experimentation, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact.
      3. Mathematics. a body of principles, theorems, or the like, belonging to one subject:

      Darwin’s theory of evolution fits number 1.

      Creationism doesn’t even get to number 2. It’s been tested and proved wrong.

      Of course, wrong information is still valid so Creationism should be taught at school with the proviso that the kids are told that it’s completely and totally wrong.

      • Monty 9.2.1

        Don’t worry world, DTB who tho thinks we can just print money and nothing happens. (DTB is a fucking idiot)

        DTB would be the person at the gulag turning the valve on the special showers to happily cleanse anyone who didn’t fit DTB’s world view. (Fucking evil authoritarian)

        DTB refuses to accept any other ideas unless it his fucked in the head ideas.

        I picture DTB as a miserable loser who is jealous as he has failed at life and has no friends and potentially is so repressed that DTB thinks he has purpose in life. (DTB reminds every one that idiots exist)

        DTB was always the last selected in any team and the laughing stock and has now proven that a complete joke exists.

        DTB i have heard that nylon rope provides better results. You should Give it a go. It may save you from those extreme ideas that the majority prefer.

        • corodale 9.2.1.1

          Hey Monty,
          let me guess; do your religous beliefs find opposition to quantitative easying anti-semitic? Pull-your-head-in regarding that sleazy ignorance on finance.

          • Monty 9.2.1.1.1

            so what do you know about finance. W

            I have no religious views, please explain how religion comes into this or are you just stupid.

        • Draco T Bastard 9.2.1.2

          Typical RWNJ ad hom attack as they’ve got no argument.

          • Monty 9.2.1.2.1

            We have had this before. I am not RW I just believe your ideas are evil and should be challenged.

            But go on use a label to defend your retarded ideas. Please produce a situation when your ideas have worked and not lead to mass killings and repression of people.

            • Draco T Bastard 9.2.1.2.1.1

              We have had this before. I am not RW I just believe your ideas are evil and should be challenged.

              You’re a RWNJ who’s never challenged my ideas and has always done an ad hom attack as you did above.

              It is capitalism that is evil. Capitalism has destroyed more throughout history than any other form of governance and instituted huge amounts of oppression.

              Please produce a situation when your ideas have worked and not lead to mass killings and repression of people.

              Many civilisations throughout history (Debt: The first 5000 years). Go read a bit of it.

              • Monty

                Please show me where I have shown to be RW. Moments other the. Thinking your evil.

                Unless. as I said unless people have to agree with you, anything else is RW. Which shows how much of a idiot you are. So if you don’t agree with DTB you are a RWNJ.

                My god what sort of world do you want.

        • KJT 9.2.1.3

          No one, including DTB, ever said nothing happens. For example, in the 1950‘s and 60’s, “printing money produced thousands of State houses. While in the 2010’s banks, printing money for existing houses, has simply inflated house prices.

          I know which I would prefer.

          • Monty 9.2.1.3.1

            DTB has constantly said the govt can just create money to pay for what DTB wants.

            That has never worked and lead to
            Misery, death and failure.

            • Draco T Bastard 9.2.1.3.1.1

              ?

              DTB has constantly said the govt can just create money to pay for what DTB wants.

              Oh look – the RWNJ lied.

              I’ve never said that. I’ve said that the government can create money and spend it into the economy to utilise the countries resources. It can do this because it already owns those resources.

              That has never worked and lead to
              Misery, death and failure.

              Actually, it’s always worked and has never led to misery death and failure (the Money Masters).

              On the other, whenever the private banks create money it always fails and leads to mass poverty, death and failure. Exactly what’s happening now around the world in fact.

              • Monty

                How do governments create money.

                Convince me it can happen.

                As how you have suggested and implied is about printing money in how I view your views.

                • corodale

                  Treasury could borrow money from our central bank, but this is against orthodox Basal banking norms, and against NZ’s own laws. Therefore the international rating agencies would sentence the NZD to death. Low unemployment rates are only a slight problem, as structural employment adjustments are realistic in NZ’s well educated workforce, which is over employed in service sector.

                  The restriction on Social Credit is an ugly risk reduction from international finance and industry.
                  But without a solution to this debt crisis, and peace in the Middle East, then all dreams like carbon neutrality, or prosperity, etc. are all just dreams.

                  Welcome to the politics of globalisation vs decentralisation. It would seem that UN and Agenda 21 etc are just hollow, finance controlled, austerity. But hope may remain in decentralised regional developement, and simple stuff like nitrogen limits to promote agricultural diversification via organic farming.

                  (We mention god knowledge (and neo-pagan-semitism), as this is the topic of the article above, and it’s also one of the control mechanisms which the banking class of Israelites (including Jesuits and Masons) use to maintain their power. Though I don’t say this critically, as I’m not saying that these Babylonian Bankers are any different to the UN or other contenders for global power, as global power is corrupt by nature, thus decentralised resiliance, especially economic and financial, is the healthy way forward.

              • Monty

                Do you believe in punching a far right person

                • corodale

                  Yeah, the left are brainwashed by political science degrees, that “forget” to mention that the left-right thing died 50 years ago. Divide and conquer is the tool, and PC-crap vs RW-power is the way it is done, but who cares, lets just fix our own backyards, and see how it goes.

        • Sacha 9.2.1.4

          Monty, that is a disgusting attack on another commenter. How about sticking to actual arguments rather than personal smears.

          • Monty 9.2.1.4.1

            In most cases I have, but with commenters like DTB I will call a spade a spade. so I suggest you go back and look at DTB’S personal attacks on other commenters then make judgement on me.

            As soon as DTB doesn’t like what the person says, instantly DTB attacks them as RW. No thought, no ability to have discussion or debate. Unless you agree with DTB your wrong and RW.

      • WILD KATIPO 9.2.2

        Well for starters, mate , you’ve messed up on the first qualifier because evolution cant even explain the missing link in any coherent fashion. Their still looking for him / her.

        But we’ve got some nice humanoid looking apes bones along the way.

        Now I don’t go along with Loyd Pye about aliens from planet whatever coming here to mine gold and whatnot and making a hybrid race to do all the sweaty stuff while they get to sit around drinking rum and cokes and watching the football but it seems hes got some pretty good points in regards the quackery of the theory of evolution and some of the ridiculous assumptions made thereof…

        Lloyd Pye Everything You Know Is Wrong – YouTube
        Video for lloyd pye youtube▶ 1:58:35

        Number two pretty much states what I’ve just been saying so that hardly changes things.

        And as far as I am concerned what you wrote is only your subjective opinion. Like a lot of the other scientists who’s assertions are baseless because their theory holds water like a sieve. People, even academics including scientist’s only believe what they want to believe. Especially if it suits their govt funded salary’s to do so.

        At one time what passed for scientists , – believed the earth was flat and if you sailed too far you’d sail off the edge. So which group / era of scientists do you mean?. A 19th century bloke called Darwin who recanted on his theory laying on his deathbed and declared it was just a theory ? .Well , we’ve traveled a long way since then , – split the atom, fired men off to the moon , discovered the existence of DNA and supposedly even invented a better mouse trap. Just ask DOC.

        And they still haven’t found that dastardly missing link. But what they have found is human footprints alongside dinosaur ones. Fossilized ones . But most choose not to make a big fuss out of that and instead keep looking for that blasted missing link… ” Its there! , we know its there !! , – it’ll turn up if we just keep digging !!! ”… Id say that takes a whole lot more faith than simply believing there’s a ‘God’ in my book.

        And as for number three , – well math is math and is an abstract theory converted into tangible and practical use ie: measurements to make rocket ships to fire men off to the moon and design better mousetraps, – but the difference is it doesn’t have a missing link problem like evolution and thus is more like a pot than a sieve and actually holds water.

        Don’t worry mate, … when I was 12 years old, I too , … believed in evolution. But as I got older I started to realize some scientists, – particularly evolutionists ,- had a nasty habit of stretching the truth a bit to suit their purposes. And some of them came up with some real whoppers. And continued to receive that handsome govt funded salary just for doing so.

        But scientists did achieve the monumental task of inventing and then building a better mousetrap and that’s whats really important.

        Just ask DOC.

        • Gabby 9.2.2.1

          They’ve found that humans were once long ago near some dinosaur bones? Well I’m convinced.

        • Draco T Bastard 9.2.2.2

          https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/whats-missing-link-180968327/
          https://answersingenesis.org/creationism/arguments-to-avoid/darwins-deathbed-conversion-a-legend/

          You’re still talking BS. In fact, I’d call it lying.

          But that’s what I expect from Christians as they’re as corrupt as the RWNJs. Which probably explains why so many of them are RWNJs.

          • WILD KATIPO 9.2.2.2.1

            Nice broad generalizations, mate !

            You quote the Smithonians as reservoir’s of truth and guardians of all orthodoxy?

            Well there’s your problem right there.

            Smithsonian Admits to Destruction of Thousands of Giant Human …
            https://worldnewsdailyreport.com/smithsonian-admits-to-destruction-of-thousands-of-

            The truth about giant skeletons in American Indian mounds, and the …
            https://www.sott.net/…/281093-The-truth-about-giant-skeletons-in-American-Indian-…

            Genesis 6:4 King James Version (KJV)
            4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

            The Ancient Giants of Nevada and the Mystery of Lovelock Cave …
            earthmysterynews.com/…/the-ancient-giants-of-nevada-and-the-mystery-of-lovelock-…

            M.K.Davis discusses the giant hand print on a cave wall. – YouTube
            Video for mk davis lovelock cave you tube▶ 18:04

            Pssst !- I already said the Darwin renouncing thing was probably incorrect further on down the post. Without the insults and without the broad sweeping generalizations about large numbers of people…

            • arkie 9.2.2.2.1.1

              World News Daily Report (WNDR) is a fake news website run by Canadians Janick Murray-Hall and Olivier Legault. Snopes.com reports that the website perpetrates hoaxes and rumors to prey on credulous readers. The website combines religious and scientific fakery, political conspiracy theories, and “the occasional seed of truth” to create its false reports.

              https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_News_Daily_Report

              Its disclaimer states, “World News Daily Report assumes all responsibility for the satirical nature of it’s articles and for the fictional nature of their content. All characters appearing in the articles in this website—even those based on real people—are entirely fictional and any resemblance between them and any person, living, dead or undead, is purely a miracle.”

              https://worldnewsdailyreport.com/disclaimer_/

              • Yep. And that grain of truth goes a long way when backed up by recent finds. And just because one site says one thing… when a raft of others back it up then you’ve got to start asking a few questions…

                Seems like MK Davis did his homework. Which seems to validate the Native American accounts of their tribal history in fighting these things at Lovelock cave. And that hand-print was rather large…

                And then there’s this from Catalina Island…

                PPS Report Feb. 26th, 2018 – Catalina Island! Land of the … – YouTube
                Video for l a marzulli catalina giant you tube▶ 7:05

      • One Two 9.2.3

        Draco, all you’ve achieved is validating what WK had already stated…

        ‘Evolution’ = creation..

        It is ALL creation…whichever theory one subscribes to…

        ‘Ignorance and Studpidity’…

    • KJT 9.3

      You are misunderstanding the use of the word “theory” in science.
      The word you are looking for is hypothesis.
      A “theory” is something that is proven, so far as we can tell with the current state of our knowledge.

      Evolution is apparent all around us. The only scientific doubt is exactly how the mechanism works. New research on genetic inheritance for example.

      Creationism is pure bullshit.

      • WILD KATIPO 9.3.1

        Yeah mate and I’ll believe evolution when a horse decides to turn into a frog.

        Provided that in the process we see legitimate examples of the thousands and thousands of ‘missing links’ required during that process.

        But be my guest mate, – carry on believing in the primordial soup and that one day a tadpole decided it’d had enough of the swamp , swam its little fishy tail up onto the beach and decided on a course of action that included morphing into a Lemur (and dodging the dinosaurs in the meantime ) with the view to one day becoming a renowned Wall Street Stock Exchange executive instead.

        Oh , and btw … you can bang on all day about specific word meanings that no one but a dry as toast English language Professor in some musty library would care about but frankly most of us don’t need our hands held to understand plain-speak and whats patently obvious to even the least educated among us.

        • KJT 9.3.1.1

          If you are claiming to talk about science, at least enough knowledge of basic science concepts is required.

          This is primary school level.

          • WILD KATIPO 9.3.1.1.1

            Yeah funny that.

            Seems DTB seems to have had the same problem .

            Went along with the whole deal about theory’s as opposed to ‘hypothesis’.

            But finding the correct words when writing a post to always placate the sensibility’s of one oh – so knowledgeable and enlightening , – who at the same time is more concerned with diversionary tactics , points scoring and in offering up pithy one liners to back up ones ‘ intolerance, bigotry and denial of reality ‘ instead of focusing on the issue at hand maturely and looking at all of the facts is kinda Primary school level all in itself.

            Wouldn’t you agree?

  10. Zack Brando 10

    I believe the Earth is young, I believe science agrees. I challenge evolutionists to watch the following 4 part presentation on YouTube:

    https://youtu.be/uJGairhrPGc

  11. Yeah , I knew Id get a visit from DTB firing off on all cylinders.

    The tolerant left.

    Complete with some beautiful put downs. The real problem with a ‘ God’ however is that ‘God’ may require something from us . That troubles some of us. The other is a convenient excuse for pinning mankind’s murderous excesses on the same. Yet still others are that ‘God’ may require a certain code of behavior that may be seen to curb ones activity’s.

    Oh well.

    • KJT 11.1

      I don’t see how superstitious rubbish moderates behaviour.
      Evidently, it makes for intolerance, bigotry and denial of reality.

      For example, research shows that children bought up in a religious faith, have less empathy for others.

      • WILD KATIPO 11.1.1

        [ ” I don’t see how superstitious rubbish moderates behaviour . Evidently, it makes for intolerance, bigotry and denial of reality ” ].

        ——————————–

        Yeah , neither do I. And that’s exactly my point , – evolution theory does tend to make for intolerance, bigotry and denial of reality.

        I’m glad we see eye to eye on this and cleared that one up.

        Cheers.

        Oh,… just a little confused as to your statement regarding ”children bought up in a religious faith, have less empathy for others ”.

        I dunno about you bud, – but I don’t think Pol Pot expressed any particular religious faith, likewise Idi Amin and a fair swag of all the other genocidal mass murdering dictators.

        • KJT 11.1.1.1

          Clever. But most of our current problems are people who disregard evidence, and rely on “reckons”.

          Disregarding the evidence for evolution, anthropogenic global warming, the effectiveness of vaccination. And denying the evidence against charter schools, trickle down”, lower Government spending, and, of course a whole lot of others, “because God, Milton Friedman, Trump or the flying sphagetti monster said”. Pick your guru of choice.

          • WILD KATIPO 11.1.1.1.1

            [ ” But most of our current problems are people who disregard evidence, and rely on “reckons ” ]

            And I reckon your right. Bang on , mate!

            And that’s just the problem . Too many Tom Dick and Harry’s running around reckoning things. I reckon it has something to do with fervently reckoning that all we are , – are nothing but glorified tadpoles reconstituted. Last time I heard tadpoles had no morals. They are amoral. Do anything. Eat your smaller brother . And if your still hungry nibble on the tail of your sister. Hell , – she wont need it. She’ll be a frog soon anyways!

            Waddaya reckon ?

  12. corodale 12

    Some of that “Proof of God” video was quite good, but to end with the neo-pagan-semitic measage; “OMG, it was Jesus Christ!!!”, that was a bit of a fizz.

    Yeah, I’m open to our kids hearing alternatives. Wasn’t Darwinism modelled on market competition in industrial Victorian England?

    • Gabby 12.1

      Neo pagan?
      Classic corry!

    • [ ” Wasn’t Darwinism modelled on market competition in industrial Victorian England?”]

      Survival of the fittest.

      Sounds about right. The Nazi’s and the Austrian school of economics basically had that same idea. So too did a bloke called Thomas Robert Malthus :

      [ ” Of the relationship between population and economics, Malthus wrote that …. as to why he refuses to donate to the poor and destitute: “If they would rather die they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population” ].

      Thomas Robert Malthus – Wikipedia
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Robert_Malthus

      Charles Darwin was a great reader of Malthus apparently…

  13. Now this is an article about charter schools and not necessarily ones faith in whether God does or does not exist.

    However it would be wrong to try and use the secular versus faith science debate to try and inhibit what that school chooses to teach. Especially in this age of so called tolerance.

    But I would like to clarify something I typed about Darwin – it appears he never recanted his theory. So my mistake. Now just to show there’s a lot of good material out there regarding secular science and faith based science , there’s this:

    ( Its a massive site but you can see the articles by clicking on the ‘about us’ thingy on the first page.)

    Answers in Genesis
    https://answersingenesis.org/

  14. the other pat 14

    in the beginning there was nothing………………then…………….you were born!!!!!……all the rest is hype for the sheeple………everything is made from stardust and that’s where we end up……….anything after that is a nice surprise….or not.
    donations welcome!

    • [ ” everything is made from stardust ” ]

      Including charter schools.

      But hopefully our children wont end up there as we already have state owned schools instead that may have the good fortune under this govt to receive adequate funding, – unlike under the last National government.

  15. Lucy 15

    I would have thought that someone would have asked about the fact that the charter school was staffed by the wife of a Cabinet Minister (then) and the sister of the now leader of the opposition. This appears the most problematic for me as the charter schools seem to be filling staff with people who would get them influence in Government – not necessarily teachers who can teach.

  16. One Two 16

    The insidious relationships and family trees require deeper investigation…

    Politics…sport…business…

    Inside or outside…it’s a stich up

  17. KJT 17

    https://thestandard.org.nz/the-real-aims-of-nationals-education-policy/

    “When you see that the real goal is to commercialise public education………….

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    7 hours ago
  • Rangatahi inspire at Ngā Manu Kōrero final

    Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini kē - My success is not mine alone but is the from the strength of the many. Aotearoa New Zealand’s top young speakers are an inspiration for all New Zealanders to learn more about the depth and beauty conveyed ...
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    7 hours ago
  • Driving structured literacy in schools

    The coalition Government is driving confidence in reading and writing in the first years of schooling. “From the first time children step into the classroom, we’re equipping them and teachers with the tools they need to be brilliant in literacy. “From 1 October, schools and kura with Years 0-3 will receive ...
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    21 hours ago
  • Labour’s misleading information is disappointing

    Labour’s misinformation about firearms law is dangerous and disappointing, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.   “Labour and Ginny Andersen have repeatedly said over the past few days that the previous Labour Government completely banned semi-automatic firearms in 2019 and that the Coalition Government is planning to ‘reintroduce’ them.   ...
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    23 hours ago
  • Govt takes action on mpox response, widens access to vaccine

    The Government is taking immediate action on a number of steps around New Zealand’s response to mpox, including improving access to vaccine availability so people who need it can do so more easily, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. “Mpox is obviously a ...
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    1 day ago
  • Next steps agreed for Treaty Principles Bill

    Associate Justice Minister David Seymour says Cabinet has agreed to the next steps for the Treaty Principles Bill. “The Treaty Principles Bill provides an opportunity for Parliament, rather than the courts, to define the principles of the Treaty, including establishing that every person is equal before the law,” says Mr Seymour. “Parliament ...
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    1 day ago
  • Government unlocking potential of AI

    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced a programme to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake among New Zealand businesses. “The AI Activator will unlock the potential of AI for New Zealand businesses through a range of support, including access to AI research experts, technical assistance, AI tools and resources, ...
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    1 day ago
  • Government releases Wairoa flood review findings

    The independent rapid review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has been released, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “We welcome the review’s findings and recommendations to strengthen Wairoa's resilience against future events,” Ms ...
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    1 day ago
  • Promoting faster payment times for government

    The Government is sending a clear message to central government agencies that they must prioritise paying invoices in a timely manner, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. Data released today promotes transparency by publishing the payment times of each central government agency. This data will be published quarterly ...
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    1 day ago
  • Acknowledgement to Kīngi Tuheitia speech

    E te māngai o te Whare Pāremata, kua riro māku te whakaputa i te waka ki waho moana. E te Pirimia tēnā koe.Mr Speaker, it is my privilege to take this adjournment kōrero forward.  Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership. Taupiri te maunga Waikato te awa Te Wherowhero ...
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    2 days ago
  • Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses

    Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...
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    2 days ago
  • Strong uptake for cervical screening self-test

    More than 80 per cent of New Zealand women being tested have opted for a world-leading self-test for cervical screening since it became available a year ago. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello, in her responsibility for Women’s Health, say it’s fantastic to have such ...
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    2 days ago
  • Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction

    Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...
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    2 days ago
  • Māori Education Advisory Group established

    The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...
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    2 days ago
  • Government welcomes findings of NZ Superannuation Fund review

    The Government has welcomed the findings of the recent statutory review into the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis says. The 5-yearly review, conducted on behalf of Treasury and tabled in Parliament today, found the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation ...
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    2 days ago
  • First of five new Hercules aircraft takes flight

    Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...
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    2 days ago
  • Have your say on suicide prevention

    Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. We must do ...
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    2 days ago
  • Action to grow the rural health workforce

    Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...
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    3 days ago
  • Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost

    Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...
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    3 days ago
  • Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians

    Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris.  “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...
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    3 days ago
  • Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations

    A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report.  “It will have the mandate ...
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    6 days ago
  • Passport wait times back on-track

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...
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    6 days ago
  • New appointments to the FMA board

    Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...
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    6 days ago
  • District Court judges appointed

    Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...
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    6 days ago
  • Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand

    Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...
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    6 days ago
  • New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender

    New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...
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    1 week ago
  • Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease

    Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...
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    1 week ago
  • Improving access to finance for Kiwis

    5 September 2024  The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.  “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...
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    1 week ago
  • Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia

    As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...
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    1 week ago
  • Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer

    Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations.   “The Government has committed to restoring confidence and certainty across the sector by removing unworkable regulatory burden created by the previous ...
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    1 week ago
  • More choice and competition in building products

    A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Today we have introduced legislation that will improve access to a wider variety of quality building products from overseas, giving Kiwis more choice and ...
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    1 week ago
  • Joint Statement between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand 4 September 2024, Seoul

    On the occasion of the official visit by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand to the Republic of Korea from 4 to 5 September 2024, a summit meeting was held between His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as ...
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    1 week ago
  • Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the goal for New Zealand and Korea

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. “Korea and New Zealand are likeminded democracies and natural partners in the Indo Pacific. As such, we have decided to advance discussions on elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive ...
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    1 week ago
  • International tourism continuing to bounce back

    Results released today from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) confirm international tourism is continuing to bounce back, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. The IVS results show that in the June quarter, international tourism contributed $2.6 billion to New Zealand’s economy, an increase of 17 per cent on last ...
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    1 week ago
  • Government confirms RMA reforms to drive primary sector efficiency

    The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector, as part of its work to get Wellington out of farming. “The primary sector has been weighed down by unworkable and costly regulation for too long,” Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.  “That is ...
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    1 week ago
  • Weak grocery competition underscores importance of cutting red tape

    The first annual grocery report underscores the need for reforms to cut red tape and promote competition, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “The report paints a concerning picture of the $25 billion grocery sector and reinforces the need for stronger regulatory action, coupled with an ambitious, economy-wide ...
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    1 week ago
  • Government moves to lessen burden of reliever costs on ECE services

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government has listened to the early childhood education sector’s calls to simplify paying ECE relief teachers. Today two simple changes that will reduce red tape for ECEs are being announced, in the run-up to larger changes that will come in time from the ...
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    1 week ago
  • Over 2,320 people engage with first sector regulatory review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says there has been a strong response to the Ministry for Regulation’s public consultation on the early childhood education regulatory review, affirming the need for action in reducing regulatory burden. “Over 2,320 submissions have been received from parents, teachers, centre owners, child advocacy groups, unions, research ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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