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James Meager can always be relied upon to write a reasoned article (The Courier, June 11), careful to omit anything that is questionable regarding the legislation his government approves. As the election approaches, time is running out and more is passed undemocratically "under urgency". We are increasingly aware of the extent to which his party gives favour to its benefactors to the detriment of our way of life. The "Budget" provides little for workers and further disadvantages the already disadvantaged. Social housing tenants "winning Lotto", indeed, when good housing is a right and not subject to chance.
This week, James chooses education. He takes care not to mention the new school curriculum, purchased at great cost from an offshore supplier with no New Zealand input and not taking into account our unique cultural and social differences. A one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, he puffs the funding of trade "academies" to feed workers to industry while the higher end of education teaching critical thought is discouraged by neglect. The much-vaunted school building and solar programme makes a virtue of necessity and construction jobs are a by-product that will cease when the work is done.
After three years of coalition rule, we can be sure that our government is filling an agenda which fits the needs of its paymasters who, at this time, donate millions to influence the coming election. Some may call it corruption.
