Education Minister Chris Hipkins has responded to a principal group's full-page NCEA review attack ad which criticised Mr Hipkins' review as "too rushed".
The advertisement appeared in major newspapers yesterday and was paid for by the Principals NCEA Coalition - a group of about 40 principals who say they represent schools with about 45,000 pupils ranging from decile 1 to 10.
"Too rushed, Minister Hipkins, not enough thought. Must do better for our young people," the ad read.
"We agree a review of NCEA is necessary because the framework can be improved to better prepare our young people for the challenges ahead ... however, the review is flawed and we will not stand idle on the sidelines watching a fraught process pass us by."
Mr Hipkins, speaking this morning to TVNZ 1's Breakfast programme, said he is always interested in hearing from those with input on the process, and denied it is being rushed.
"We're taking our time - this is not a rushed process," he said.
"I want to ensure that everybody's voices are heard in this discussion ... not just those who can afford to take out a full-page newspaper advertisement."
Mr Hipkins said while principals obviously have in important viewpoints, the views of young people, parents and employers are also being considered.
"It's important that this is not just captured by teachers and principals, athough their voices are incredibly important," Mr Hipkins said.
He said a review period of four months is long enough, but also said he is open to extending that period if needed.
"The Government has not made any decisions about what the future of the NCEA might look like," he said yesterday.
Mr Hipkins also said yesterday he was not surprised at some of the names attached to the Coalition - "their views on NCEA are well known - they are much more traditional in their thinking".
Principals NCEA Coalition Signees:
Brent Lewis, Avondale College
Sandy Pasley, Baradene College
Craig Waller, Birkenhead College
Myles Hogarty, De la Salle College
Paul McKinley, Glenfield College
Steve McCracken, Kaipara College
Simon Lamb, King's College
Chris Rooney, Liston College
CJ Healey, Long Bay College
Steven Hargreaves, Macleans College
Nick Coughlan, One Tree Hill College
Patrick Gale, Rangitoto College
Nixon Cooper, Rosmini College
Gary Moore, Rutherford College
Jim Dale, Sacred Heart College
Robin Staples, Southern Cross Campus
Justine Mahon, St Cuthbert's College
Kieran Fouhy, St Paul's College
James Bentley, St Peter's College
Mark Shanahan, Waitakere College
Brian Evans, Wesley College
Tim O'Connor, Auckland Grammar School
Donald MacLean, Dilworth School
Heather McRae, Diocesan School for Girls
Michael Purcell, Henderson High School
Grant McMillan, James Cook High School
Adeline Blair, Kelston Boys' High School
Glen Denham, Massey High School
Patrick Drumm, Mt Albert Grammar School
Alex Reed, Pinehurst School
Mary Nixon, Takapuna Grammar School
Rockley Montgomery, Vanguard Military School
David Ferguson, Westlake Boys' High School
Jane Stanley, Westlake Girls' High School
John Morris, Past Headmaster Auckland Grammar
Byron Bentley, Past Principal Macleans College
John Taylor, Past Headmaster King's College
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