Hekia Parata Passes Buck On Teacher Pay

Hekia Parata is blaming schools and passing the buck over the massive problems that have plagued the $26 million implementation of the new Novopay payroll system, says Labour’s Associate Education spokesperson Chris Hipkins.

“Under questioning in the Parliament today, Hekia Parata refused to assure those who have defaulted on automatic payments or incurred late payment penalties that they would be compensated for any hardship caused by the bungled pay system. That’s just not good enough.

“Hekia Parata also had the audacity to blame schools for teachers not being paid on time and even suggested schools should have to stump up to cover any penalties or default fines incurred. That’s just an out and out abrogation of the Government’s responsibilities as teachers’ employer.

“Teachers work hard. They deserve to be paid on time. Schools are being driven to distraction by the bungled implementation of the new payroll system. We want them focused on educating kids, not dealing with bureaucratic cock-ups.

“Hekia Parata should stop passing the buck, accept some responsibility, and get the problem fixed,” said Chris Hipkins.