Consultation on the Proposed Alternative Constitution for Newton Central School Board

Overview

Overview 

The Ministry of Education, on behalf of Minister Tinetti, has approval to consult on the proposed alternative constitution for Newton Central School Board.  

The Board has worked to ensure that this proposal reinforces its primary objectives in governing Newton Central School with a commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The Board positions provide for equal parent representation between the non-Māori medium pathway (Auraki) and Māori medium pathway (Te Aka Pūkāea), led by Co-Chairs. The Board is proposing to adopt up to one seat on the Board for a Ngāti Whātua representative, appointed by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, to ensure the schools plans, policies, and local curriculum reflect local tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te ao Māori. The Board is seeking to move to an alternative constitution so that the governance can reflect the unique structure of the school, to ensure parent and whānau representation with respect to Te Aka Pūkāea, and to attain a Board composition not currently achievable through a standard constitution.  

The Alternative Constitution (if approved) will consist of:  

• The Principal of Newton Central School;  
• One staff representative;   
• Four parent representatives appointed by parents from Te Aka Pūkāea (Māori Medium);  
• Four parent representatives elected by parents from Auraki (non-Māori Medium); and  
• Up to one Ngāti Whātua representative appointed by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.  

We are seeking your opinion through this survey as part of the consultation process. 

FAQ’s

Can I discuss this proposal with someone from the Board?

Yes. Please contact Newton Central School Board of Trustees at board@newton.school.nz 

Is my submission confidential?

No. Submissions are official information

Submissions you make become official information. The content of submissions can be asked for under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). Under the OIA, we must make information available unless there is good reason for withholding it.

Tell us if you have any objections to the release of any information used in your submission, particularly which part(s) you believe should be withheld, along with the reason. Reasons might include that it is commercially sensitive, or it is personal information. We will take into consideration any objections when responding to OIA requests. However, any decision the Ministry of Education makes to withhold information can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may tell us to release it.