Latest news with #TimO'Connor
NZ Herald
04-08-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
NCEA scrapped: Will new NZ Certificate of Education fix ‘tarnished' system?
Auckland Grammar headmaster Tim O'Connor was among supporters of the revamp, saying change was desperately needed. Many students had coasted under NCEA rather than striving for excellence, he said. That led to NCEA becoming 'tarnished' as the 'flexible anything qualification', with students looking for easy ways to gain credits and more than 250,000 instances of skipped exams last year. It was critical to rebrand NCEA to restore parent faith, O'Connor said. He urged everyone to give feedback on the proposed changes because – like NCEA before it – the radical shake-up could affect students for decades to come. The proposed changes The scheme proposes axing NCEA 1, giving students respite from high-pressure exams in Year 11. However, they would now be expected to focus on literacy and numeracy in a 'Foundational Skills Award' that aimed to provide the base skills to tackle their senior studies. Year 12 students would then seek to attain the NZCE and Year 13 students the NZ Advanced Certificate of Education. Students could still potentially take two essay-based assessments and one exam per course as with NCEA, but the Government argued that even essays would be graded in a more standardised way under its new plan. Common-sense grading, such as awarding As and marks out of 100, would not only make more sense to parents but also employers and universities at home and abroad, it said. The changes would kick in at Year 11 level in 2028, with the same set of students then moving into the NZCE and NZACE in 2029 and 2030 respectively. The Government's proposed implementation timeline for its education plans. Supplied / Ministry of Education 'When do you use calculus after school?' Mount Albert Grammar principal Patrick Drumm was another school leader hailing the changes as a 'huge step in the right direction'. Excessive flexibility in NCEA had meant even science subjects could be taught differently at different schools, he said. 'Doing chemistry at Mount Albert Grammar is not the same as doing chemistry in other parts of Auckland or New Zealand.' Working together to build more consistent lessons across all schools would help raise the bar across the country, Drumm said. For too long, students had on average been achieving far different results in different socio-economic areas, he believed. Improving simple things, such as grading, could be a step forward, he said. Under NCEA, an A stands for achieved, which is a lesser mark than the E for excellence. Drumm said overseas universities had called his school up because they were confused by the school reports students had submitted in their uni applications. They would ask: 'What are all these Es?' Drumm also praised the dropping of NCEA Level 1 as a 'no-brainer'. His school had already dropped out of NCEA Level 1 and created its own curriculum for its Year 11 students this year. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford have revealed NCEA's fate. Photo / Alex Cairns Papakura High School principal Simon Craggs earlier told the Herald that NCEA Level 1 had been poorly designed, and tested students on technical skills, like grammar syntax, that they would never need to remember or use later in life. Still, he had heard from some principals upset the NCEA Level 1 qualification was being dropped altogether. That's because it was the only qualification early school leavers had to show future employers, he said. Without it, these school leavers had no official school document to add to their resumes. Balancing university entrance with trade careers Craggs also had 'mixed feelings' about the wider changes. One of his biggest concerns was the seeming tilt towards favouring students wanting to enter university. Practical skills rather than advanced maths were typically more relevant to students pursuing vocational training and a career in jobs like the trades, he said. 'I don't know about you, but when do you use calculus after school? Why do you need to learn that if that's not the pathway you're interested in pursuing?' Craggs also believed vocational training needed flexibility. He gave an example of a school located near a unique local industry. Some students might want to get jobs with that local employer and so would be interested in gaining credits for 'learning about health and safety' more than maths, he said. Drumm and O'Connor agreed striking a balance in an education system that aimed to help all students – from those seeking entrance into Ivy League US universities to those wanting to be plumbers – was a tough and complex task. The proposed new record of achievement. Supplied / Ministry of Education Drumm suggested vocational training could be carved out into a different but equally valued education pathway. He said you only had to look at the utes and work cars parked in front of Coromandel holiday homes to realise how financially successful trade careers could be. Vaughan Couillault, principal of Papatoetoe High School and a member of the principals' advisory group working with the Government on the reforms, said there might be less flexibility under the new vocational training system. However, he said it aimed to provide more rigorous and standardised lessons by bringing in industry bodies to create the curriculum and ensure it included skills employers wanted. The changes aimed to have 'calculus' and 'tradie' skills equally valued and marked within the school system, he said. Education Minister Erica Stanford received multiple briefings on the current set-up. Photo / Alyse Wright Is the consultation period just a tick box exercise? Looming over the debate are concerns about the process itself, with Craggs questioning the shortness of the six-week consultation period. He hoped the consultation was genuine 'and not just a tick box exercise' with decisions already made. He didn't want change to be made merely as a statement for political gain. 'Education has become a real political football. 'It is really wearying on the profession, to be honest, to be constantly going backwards and forwards.' Education researcher Michael Johnston, from the NZ Initiative, who advised the Government, praised the reforms. He claimed they equally aimed to raise academic standards and use 'industry-designed vocational pathways' to give equal weight to trade and other career paths. Papatoetoe High School's Couillault urged everyone to work together as ultimately there may be bigger challenges waiting outside the curriculum itself. He claimed a digital divide was already threatening to create different classes of students as emerging tech and artificial intelligence gave some students better resources than others. Using the upcoming consultation period wisely to give feedback was crucial, he said. 'I want to live in a New Zealand where our qualification is... respected nationally and overseas, and gets our kids where they want to go.'
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Teasdale Latin Foods Strengthens Commitment to Plant Sustainability and Workforce Investment at Hoopeston Facility
HOOPESTON, Ill., July 29, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As one of Hoopeston's two major employers, Teasdale Latin Foods (Teasdale) plays a vital role in the community. Despite the strike by the Grain Millers Union, Teasdale remains committed to sustainability, workforce stability, and the local economy. "Our focus is on the future. Investing in people, processes, and equipment to ensure our Hoopeston plant remains a cornerstone of quality and reliability," said Tim O'Connor, CEO. "We're proud to build on this legacy while enhancing work-life balance for our team." To support long-term sustainability and employee wellbeing, as product demand and capabilities increases, our Hoopeston facility will transition from the current four-day, 12-hour shift schedule to a five-day, 8-hour shift schedule, providing greater predictability and work-life balance for employees. To support the enhanced production schedule, our Hoopeston facility will be adding up to 32 new positions, expanding job opportunities and boosting operational capacity. Teasdale has adopted a new single-tier wage structure in the canning department, eliminating the previous 6-year progression model to ensure equity across all roles. The newly implemented contract includes year one raises ranging from 5% to 17%, with on-going hourly rates ranging from $17.45 to $34.38, depending on the role, reflecting Teasdale's ongoing investment in its workforce. As Teasdale looks to ramp up production and continue bringing in new local talent, Tom Tripp, COO, emphasized, "Safety, both people safety and food safety, is paramount. Every product that leaves our plant meets the highest Teasdale quality standards. Nothing substandard leaves our facility." To maintain consistent availability of product during the training of new teams, Teasdale is also utilizing production support from its Atwater, CA canning facility. By investing in people and operations, Teasdale ensures the long-term viability of our Hoopeston plant, supports community resilience, supports our customers, and upholds its values of transparency, integrity, and sustainability. Teasdale Latin Foods is the leader in the manufacturing and marketing of a full line of Mexican and Latino-inspired foods. We take great care in delivering the highest quality foods that consistently help customers grow. View source version on Contacts Contact: Anya Goosev Phone: (559) 420-0125 Email: anya@ Website: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Teasdale Latin Foods Strengthens Commitment to Plant Sustainability and Workforce Investment at Hoopeston Facility
HOOPESTON, Ill., July 29, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As one of Hoopeston's two major employers, Teasdale Latin Foods (Teasdale) plays a vital role in the community. Despite the strike by the Grain Millers Union, Teasdale remains committed to sustainability, workforce stability, and the local economy. "Our focus is on the future. Investing in people, processes, and equipment to ensure our Hoopeston plant remains a cornerstone of quality and reliability," said Tim O'Connor, CEO. "We're proud to build on this legacy while enhancing work-life balance for our team." To support long-term sustainability and employee wellbeing, as product demand and capabilities increases, our Hoopeston facility will transition from the current four-day, 12-hour shift schedule to a five-day, 8-hour shift schedule, providing greater predictability and work-life balance for employees. To support the enhanced production schedule, our Hoopeston facility will be adding up to 32 new positions, expanding job opportunities and boosting operational capacity. Teasdale has adopted a new single-tier wage structure in the canning department, eliminating the previous 6-year progression model to ensure equity across all roles. The newly implemented contract includes year one raises ranging from 5% to 17%, with on-going hourly rates ranging from $17.45 to $34.38, depending on the role, reflecting Teasdale's ongoing investment in its workforce. As Teasdale looks to ramp up production and continue bringing in new local talent, Tom Tripp, COO, emphasized, "Safety, both people safety and food safety, is paramount. Every product that leaves our plant meets the highest Teasdale quality standards. Nothing substandard leaves our facility." To maintain consistent availability of product during the training of new teams, Teasdale is also utilizing production support from its Atwater, CA canning facility. By investing in people and operations, Teasdale ensures the long-term viability of our Hoopeston plant, supports community resilience, supports our customers, and upholds its values of transparency, integrity, and sustainability. Teasdale Latin Foods is the leader in the manufacturing and marketing of a full line of Mexican and Latino-inspired foods. We take great care in delivering the highest quality foods that consistently help customers grow. View source version on Contacts Contact: Anya Goosev Phone: (559) 420-0125 Email: anya@ Website:
Business Wire
29-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Teasdale Latin Foods Strengthens Commitment to Plant Sustainability and Workforce Investment at Hoopeston Facility
HOOPESTON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As one of Hoopeston's two major employers, Teasdale Latin Foods (Teasdale) plays a vital role in the community. Despite the strike by the Grain Millers Union, Teasdale remains committed to sustainability, workforce stability, and the local economy. Teasdale Latin Foods adds 32 jobs, raises wages, and invests in work-life balance at its Hoopeston plant. Share 'Our focus is on the future. Investing in people, processes, and equipment to ensure our Hoopeston plant remains a cornerstone of quality and reliability,' said Tim O'Connor, CEO. 'We're proud to build on this legacy while enhancing work-life balance for our team.' To support long-term sustainability and employee wellbeing, as product demand and capabilities increases, our Hoopeston facility will transition from the current four-day, 12-hour shift schedule to a five-day, 8-hour shift schedule, providing greater predictability and work-life balance for employees. To support the enhanced production schedule, our Hoopeston facility will be adding up to 32 new positions, expanding job opportunities and boosting operational capacity. Teasdale has adopted a new single-tier wage structure in the canning department, eliminating the previous 6-year progression model to ensure equity across all roles. The newly implemented contract includes year one raises ranging from 5% to 17%, with on-going hourly rates ranging from $17.45 to $34.38, depending on the role, reflecting Teasdale's ongoing investment in its workforce. As Teasdale looks to ramp up production and continue bringing in new local talent, Tom Tripp, COO, emphasized, 'Safety, both people safety and food safety, is paramount. Every product that leaves our plant meets the highest Teasdale quality standards. Nothing substandard leaves our facility.' To maintain consistent availability of product during the training of new teams, Teasdale is also utilizing production support from its Atwater, CA canning facility. By investing in people and operations, Teasdale ensures the long-term viability of our Hoopeston plant, supports community resilience, supports our customers, and upholds its values of transparency, integrity, and sustainability. Teasdale Latin Foods is the leader in the manufacturing and marketing of a full line of Mexican and Latino-inspired foods. We take great care in delivering the highest quality foods that consistently help customers grow.
1News
12-06-2025
- Sport
- 1News
Auckland Grammar principal calls out Sport NZ over 'Year 14' athletes
Auckland Grammar principal Tim O'Connor has challenged Sport NZ to take a stand on extra-year students returning to schools on sporting grounds. The issue of "Year 14" athletes has raised its head again, with Marlborough Boys' College admitting it had five such players in its First XV, which scored a historic – and controversial – win over Nelson College last month. That 28-26 result came after Marlborough were awarded a first-half penalty and, instead of aiming for the posts, the goalkicker struck for the corner, where one of his teammates chased it down for a try that was eventually awarded. O'Connor told RNZ that bringing students back for an extra year for sporting purposes was a distortion of their roles as educators and openly wondered where the national sporting administrators were in this debate. "Really, our role as principals and our role as schools is to educate young people," he said. "Sport NZ talks about balance is better, but where are they in this discussion? ADVERTISEMENT "They haven't come out to say, 'why are we allowing this to occur'? "I'd love to see them being more proactive and having the courage to speak up on this. "Perhaps there are organisations that want to turn a blind eye to what is the pathway for young men and rugby in this country frankly. We need to get beyond that." RNZ has approached Sport NZ for reaction to O'Connor's comments. Auckland's 1A competition has put is members on notice that Year 14 players will not be permitted from next season. O'Connor admits two of the 12 teams currently have two such players each on their rosters. "We discussed that at the beginning of the year and felt the fair thing to do was give everyone 12 months' notice, and then we wouldn't be allowing that to occur again." Earlier this year, the issue led to a ban on extra-year rowers at the prestigious Maadi Cup regatta at Lake Karapiro. ADVERTISEMENT School Sport NZ is now considering a total ban on the Year 14 athletes. "There is no doubt there is a distinct advantage – muscle co-ordination and technical ability – in a sixth-year student," O'Connor said. "They're taking away positions from students who are coming through their natural schooling years. "For example, Rieko Ioane could have returned – we could have encouraged him to return, because he would have met all the other criteria, and he could have returned to play rugby for another year, which would have been a huge advantage to our school. "Our view was Rieko should actually carry on with his life and move to the next stage, and we'd fully support him in doing so." Now an 81-test All Black, Ioane debuted for Auckland and the NZ sevens team the year after leaving Auckland Grammar, and made his test debut aged 19. O'Connor insisted his school would not take the field against Marlborough with their Year 14 players. "I don't know why there would be a reason to play them," he told RNZ. "I'd rather play in a competition where we know there is a level playing field and we're treating each other with respect. "In the 1A competition, mid-season, we have about six teams who could still win it – that's a great competition, that keeps it alive across multiple schools."
