Summaries of United Future's position papers are available by clicking a link below

GENETIC MODIFICATION   1. General Principles   2. Family   3. Education   4. Health   5. Finding Futures   6. Economy   7. Law & Order   8. Immigration   9. Electoral System 10. New Zealand Superannuation 11. Drug Abuse & Dependency 12. Golden Plan for Positive Ageing 13. Treaty Issues 14. Caring for Kids 15. Young New Zealanders 16. Information Technology 17. Environment 18. Transport 19. Arts & Culture 20. Local Government 21. Emergency Services 22. Foreign Affairs & Defence 23. Government that Works

New Zealand children need high quality learning opportunities in a safe and stimulating environment. United Future believes that quality education is the key to a fair, strong and prosperous society. It leads to full participation in community life, to enhanced employment opportunities, health and well-being and the formation of strong relationships.

Objectives:

• quality education
• effective education
• accountability

United Future will:

• guarantee all pre-school children over the age of 3 years, access to 15 hours per week early childhood education
• increase funding to ensure early identification of children with special needs and disabilities and target systematic, intensive and high quality interventions
• encourage schools to implement a character education system in their school curriculum, in accordance with the 1993 Curriculum Framework, by establishing character education grants to schools to train teachers in methods of incorporating character building lessons and activities into the classroom
• establish links between the private sector and schools in order to facilitate community involvement and support for character education
• increase funding for information technology and communications so that schools are empowered locally but informed globally
• ensure all graduate teachers are supervised and supported by the Ministry of Education through a supportive advice and guidance programme
• implement performance appraisal systems and professional development programmes tailored to identified needs
• apply universal student allowances for students over 20 years
• increase rates of A and B Bursary, which have not increased since 1982
• establish a system of scholarships between tertiary providers and the private sector.

If you require more information about this or other United Future policies, please contact the United Future NZ Parliamentary Unit, Parliament Buildings, Wellington; email ; telephone (04) 471 9041.