Out, damned text: Why it's time to retire Shakespeare from NZ schools
Insisting teenagers read Shakespeare is a sure-fire way to turn them off his works forever. And besides, such pedantry would have the man himself chuckling in his grave.
The plays of William Shakespeare are traditionally divided into comedies, tragedies and histories. Attempts to impose him on New Zealand secondary school students involve a bit of all three.
A draft of Te Mātaiaho/The New Zealand Curriculum was released at the end of March. There is much to consider and praise
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NZ Herald
2 days ago
- NZ Herald
Out, damned text: Why it's time to retire Shakespeare from NZ schools
Insisting teenagers read Shakespeare is a sure-fire way to turn them off his works forever. And besides, such pedantry would have the man himself chuckling in his grave. The plays of William Shakespeare are traditionally divided into comedies, tragedies and histories. Attempts to impose him on New Zealand secondary school students involve a bit of all three. A draft of Te Mātaiaho/The New Zealand Curriculum was released at the end of March. There is much to consider and praise
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Scoop
Forest Owners Support Restoration Of National Consistency To Forest Regulation
The New Zealand Forest Owners Association (FOA) says proposed reforms to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) will go some way in addressing the challenges forest owners face due to variable and unjustified local council rules. Announced today by Forestry Minister Hon Todd McClay, the reform looks to tighten and clarify the conditions under which councils can impose rules more stringent than the NES-CF and review forestry operations requirements for management of harvest debris. New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the forestry sector has long called for clearer, nationally consistent regulation that provides certainty for growers. 'Forest owners have been subject to a growing patchwork of conflicting council rules that contradict national policy,' Elizabeth says. 'Over time, these local variations have disrupted forestry operations, jeopardised long-term investment and undermined confidence in one of New Zealand's most sustainable and regionally significant industries.' 'The NES-CF was originally designed to ensure national consistency in how forestry is managed. It's hoped that, from our initial reading, these proposed changes will help restore that intent and recognise the vital role forestry plays in New Zealand's economic and environmental future.' Elizabeth says forestry is not looking for a regulatory pass – but a fair, science-based regulatory environment that reflects forestry's important contributions to sustainable fibre production, biodiversity and climate outcomes and regional employment. 'It's critical that the reform strikes a careful balance between enabling operational efficiency and strong environmental safeguards by remaining rooted in scientifically supported change.' Elizabeth says the proposed introduction of a mandatory Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment could be a constructive, practical tool for the industry that will reinforce the work the sector is already undertaking to mitigate climate-induced risk. 'We want to be good neighbours and we want to operate to high standards,' Elizabeth says. 'But we need a framework that's predictable, proportionate and nationally coherent. That's what these changes could offer.' Consultation on the proposed changes to the NES-CF is open until 27 July 2025 through the Ministry for the Environment's website. The NZFOA encourages all those with a stake in the future of forestry in New Zealand — including landowners, wood processors, regional communities and iwi — to engage with the consultation process.
Scoop
29-05-2025
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Government Backs Commercial Forestry With Practical Rule Changes
Minister of Forestry The Government is taking firm action to ensure commercial forestry – one of New Zealand's most productive and sustainable export sectors – is not stifled by red tape and inconsistent council rules Minister of Forestry Todd McClay announced today. Public consultation opens this week on proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF), aimed at restoring national consistency and protecting the sector's right to operate. 'Our fibre sector – from forestry to wood processors – plays a crucial role in New Zealand's economy, particularly in regional communities,' Mr McClay says. 'These changes are about getting foresters and wood processors back in the driver's seat and stopping councils from using their plans to rewrite the rules on forestry through the back door.' The current NES-CF was designed to provide a nationally consistent framework for managing the environmental effects of plantation forestry. However, recent changes have allowed councils to bypass that intent by imposing more stringent rules without justification – a trend that is now undermining investment and confidence in the sector. Key proposed changes include: Clarifying regulation 6(1)(a) to tighten the conditions under which a council can impose rules that are more stringent than national direction. Repealing regulation 6(4A), which currently gives councils broad discretion to override the NES-CF for afforestation without justification. Strengthening slash management by requiring a Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment as part of all harvest management plans, and considering refining requirements to remove all slash above a certain size from forest cutovers. Tidying up the NES-CF with minor amendments to remove duplication and improve clarity for foresters and councils alike. 'We are hearing loud and clear from the forestry sector – and from regional New Zealand – that the current rules aren't working,' Mr McClay says. 'Too many councils are starting to use vague discretion to block or delay forestry operations that meet national environmental standards. That's not what the system was designed for, so we're fixing it.' The forestry sector has been vocal about the need for a consistent regulatory environment that enables long-term planning and sustainable growth. These proposed changes are intended to support that vision while still managing environmental risks, including from storm events and slash. 'This Government backs the fibre sector – and that means making sure regulation is clear, practical, and nationally consistent,' Mr McClay says. 'Whether you're planting trees, harvesting them, or processing them into world-leading products, you shouldn't be subject to a different set of rules just because of which council you happen to fall under.' Consultation on the proposed changes to the NES-CF is now open via the Ministry for the Environment's website and will run until 27 July 2025. Note: The National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) set consistent baseline environmental rules for plantation forestry across New Zealand. The Government is proposing targeted amendments to restore national consistency, support forestry productivity, and improve slash management.
