Addressing Compulsory Cultural Practices in Early Childhood Centers
Emily D made this Official Information request to Ministry of Education
The request was refused by Ministry of Education.
From: Emily D
Dear Ministry of Education,
I am writing to urgently express my deep concern regarding the compulsory teaching of te reo Māori and the practice of karakia (prayers or incantations) in early childhood centres, particularly when it goes against the wishes of students’ families.
While I acknowledge the cultural significance of te reo Māori and its importance in preserving New Zealand’s heritage, I firmly believe that educational choices should respect individual rights and family preferences. Here are my specific concerns:
Parental Rights and Informed Consent:
Parents have the right to make informed decisions about their children’s education.
Forcing te reo Māori education or karakia upon young children without parental consent undermines this fundamental right.
Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity:
New Zealand is a diverse nation with families from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
While te reo Māori and karakia are essential, they should not be imposed on children who may have different cultural affiliations or religious beliefs.
Balancing Priorities:
Early childhood education should prioritize core developmental skills, social-emotional learning, and play-based activities.
While te reo Māori and cultural practices have their place, they should not overshadow other critical aspects of early learning.
These concerns align with key legal principles and laws in New Zealand, including the Human Rights Act 1993, New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, and Education Act 1989. These laws protect individual rights, freedoms, and cultural diversity, and any action that contravenes these principles could be subject to legal challenge.
I kindly request that the Ministry of Education consider the following immediate actions:
Respecting Family Choices: Ensure that te reo Māori education and karakia practices in early childhood centres are optional, allowing families to decide whether their children participate.
Transparent Communication: Clearly communicate to parents the options available for language learning and cultural practices and respect their decisions.
Urgent Professional Development: Provide immediate and ongoing professional development for early childhood educators to support diverse language needs while maintaining a child-centred approach.
Our goal should be to create an early learning environment that celebrates cultural diversity, respects individual rights, and fosters a love for learning. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, and I appreciate your immediate attention to the well-being of all New Zealand’s youngest learners.
Thank you for your commitment to education and the holistic development of our children.
Yours faithfully,
Emily
From: Enquiries National
Ministry of Education
Tēnā koe mō tō īmēra mai ki te Tāhuhu o Thank you for your email to the
te Mātauranga. Ministry of Education.
He urupare aunoa tēnei hei whakaatu kua This is an auto generated response
tae mai tō īmēra confirming your email has been
ki a mātou. Kaua noa e whakautu i tēnei received. Please do not respond to this
karere. message.
Mea ake nei ka urupare tonu atu mātou ki We will respond to your email as soon
tō īmēra. as possible.
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From: Enquiries National
Ministry of Education
Kia ora Emma
Thank you for your request for information below. The Ministry will
consider and respond to your request in accordance with the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act).
Under section 15(1) of the Act, we are required to make and inform you of
our decision on your request as soon as reasonably practicable and in any
case not later than 20 working days after the day on which your request is
received. You can therefore expect to receive our decision on your
request on or before the 21 May 2024. If more than 20 working days are
needed due to the potential workload and/or consultations involved in
answering your request, we will notify you accordingly.
The Ministry may publicly release on our website the response to your
request five days after you have received it. Any personal information
will be removed.
In the interim, if you have any questions about your request, please email
[1][email address].
Ngā mihi
Enquiries National Team | Ministry of Education - TW
[2]education.govt.nz | [3]Follow us on Twitter: @educationgovtnz
[4]Te TD huhu o te MD tauranga
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From: Enquiries National
Ministry of Education
Kia ora Emily,
Thank you for your email of 22 April 2024 to the Ministry of Education via
the FYI website.
We would like to thank you for your comments and feedback. Please be
assured that we have noted your concerns for consideration.
Thank you again for your email.
Ngâ mihi nui
Enquiries National Team | Te Tâhuhu o te Mâtauranga | Ministry of
Education | TW
[1]education.govt.nz
We shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent
outcomes
He mea târai e mâtou te mâtauranga kia rangatira ai, kia mana taurite ai
ôna huanga
[2]Te TD huhu o te MD tauranga
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From: Emily D
Dear Ministry of Education,
Thank you for your response to my recent inquiry. However, I must express that your answer does not address my concerns as expected. I urge you to immediately halt the illegal activities that are being directly dictated to day cares by your office.
This matter is of utmost urgency, and I expect swift action to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. Please inform me of the steps you will take to rectify this situation.
I look forward to your prompt response and the necessary corrective measures.
Yours sincerely,
Emily D
From: Enquiries National
Ministry of Education
Tēnā koe mō tō īmēra mai ki te Tāhuhu o Thank you for your email to the
te Mātauranga. Ministry of Education.
He urupare aunoa tēnei hei whakaatu kua This is an auto generated response
tae mai tō īmēra confirming your email has been
ki a mātou. Kaua noa e whakautu i tēnei received. Please do not respond to this
karere. message.
Mea ake nei ka urupare tonu atu mātou ki We will respond to your email as soon
tō īmēra. as possible.
show quoted sections
From: Enquiries National
Ministry of Education
Kia ora Emily
Thank you for your follow up request for information below. The Ministry
will consider and respond to your request in accordance with the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act).
Under section 15(1) of the Act, we are required to make and inform you of
our decision on your request as soon as reasonably practicable and in any
case not later than 20 working days after the day on which your request is
received. You can therefore expect to receive our decision on your
request on or before the 6 June 2024. If more than 20 working days are
needed due to the potential workload and/or consultations involved in
answering your request, we will notify you accordingly.
The Ministry may publicly release on our website the response to your
request five days after you have received it. Any personal information
will be removed.
In the interim, if you have any questions about your request, please email
[1][email address].
Ngā mihi
Enquiries National Team | Ministry of Education - TW
[2]education.govt.nz | [3]Follow us on Twitter: @educationgovtnz
[4]Te TD huhu o te MD tauranga
show quoted sections
From: Enquiries National
Ministry of Education
Tēnā koe Emily
Please find attached a response to your request.
Nāku noa, nā
Enquiries National Team | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of
Education | KJ
8 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington
[1]education.govt.nz
He mea tārai e mātou te mātauranga kia rangatira ai, kia mana taurite ai
ōna huanga
We shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent
outcomes
[2][IMG]
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From: Emily D
Dear Ministry of Education,
Your response regarding Te Reo Māori and Karakia in Early Childhood Centres (ECCEs) is frankly insulting. You call it "acknowledging and reflecting culture"? That's a far cry from shoving mandatory prayers and a language down toddlers' throats!
Where's the respect for parental choice in this? Are you implying parents can't raise their own children to understand and appreciate Māori culture without this state-sanctioned brainwashing?
This isn't about "understanding and respect." This is about forcing a specific belief system onto children who are too young to understand or consent. It's a blatant violation of their rights and a clear line crossed.
Frankly, your citations about curriculum requirements reek of bureaucratic doublespeak. They don't address the core issue: forcing participation in religious practices and a specific language.
Here's a suggestion: How about focusing on actual education instead of this cultural appropriation charade? Teach kids about different cultures, sure, but let them make their own choices about participation in religious activities.
I expect a real response this time, one that outlines a plan to make ECCEs truly inclusive, where participation is voluntary and all cultures are treated with equal respect. This forced indoctrination has to stop, and I won't be the only parent demanding it.
Sincerely,
Emily D
From: Enquiries National
Ministry of Education
Tēnā koe mō tō īmēra mai ki te Tāhuhu o Thank you for your email to the
te Mātauranga. Ministry of Education.
He urupare aunoa tēnei hei whakaatu kua This is an auto generated response
tae mai tō īmēra confirming your email has been
ki a mātou. Kaua noa e whakautu i tēnei received. Please do not respond to this
karere. message.
Mea ake nei ka urupare tonu atu mātou ki We will respond to your email as soon
tō īmēra. as possible.
show quoted sections
From: Enquiries National
Ministry of Education
Kia ora Emily
Thank you for your further request for information below. The Ministry
will consider and respond to your request in accordance with the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act).
Under section 15(1) of the Act, we are required to make and inform you of
our decision on your request as soon as reasonably practicable and in any
case not later than 20 working days after the day on which your request is
received. You can therefore expect to receive our decision on your
request on or before the 20 June 2024. If more than 20 working days are
needed due to the potential workload and/or consultations involved in
answering your request, we will notify you accordingly.
The Ministry may publicly release on our website the response to your
request five days after you have received it. Any personal information
will be removed.
In the interim, if you have any questions about your request, please email
[1][email address].
Ngā mihi
Enquiries National Team | Ministry of Education - TW
[2]education.govt.nz | [3]Follow us on Twitter: @educationgovtnz
[4]Te TD huhu o te MD tauranga
show quoted sections
From: Enquiries National
Ministry of Education
Kia ora Emily
Thank you for your email of 22 May 2024 to the Ministry of Education via
the FYI website.
Regarding the concerns raised in your email, we direct you to our response
of 21 May 2024 to your email of 8 May 2024 and we consider this matter
closed.
Please note that early childhood education is not part of the compulsory
education sector and therefore attendance is not mandatory.
Ngā mihi nui
Official and Parliamentary Information | Ministry of Education | AM
[1]education.govt.nz
He mea tārai e mātou te mātauranga kia rangatira ai, kia mana taurite ai
ōna huanga
We shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent
outcomes
[2][IMG]
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