From deepest Ponsonby to way out West... the NZEI bus hits Auckland!

The NZEI bus has spent the last week in Auckland, and the reception has been pretty amazing. I think I must have succumbed to the Wellington belief that everyone north of the Bombays has somehow lost their judgement in the search of the perfect mansion by the sea.... and that therefore, people wouldn't care about National Standards.... but in fact, we have had a very strong and supportive welcome from parents and schools all over the Auckland region who have backed the call for a trial and signed up for the petition in their hundreds.

Today we were in West Auckland. It started a bit wobbly....with the news that our bus had broken down and we were getting one without any signage on it. Fortunately the starter motor problem on our bus was fixed quickly, and we could "make do" with banners and placards at Henderson Intermediate. It was a real pleasure to start there with a warm welcome from the principal, Bruce Dale. Talk about two degrees of separation in this village we call New Zealand... Bruce is an old family friend and had taught at the intermediate I attended! Mayor Bob Harvey turned up too, promising Waitakere Council support for the call for a trial. As a council with a strong commitment to education, it's great to have them "on board"!

Then on to Don Buck primary, where teachers from the adjacent kindergarten rushed up to bring petitions and have their photo taken with the bus. We had an impromtu meeting with teachers outside before heading to a mall for lunch time signing up. Lots of people of all ages, genders and ethnicity signing up, reflecting the diversity of West Auckland and its multi-ethnic community. At Kaurilands Primary we got a hearty "Hands Up For Learning" cheer from the children, and a warm welcome from the principal, neighbouring school principals, and teaching staff. Then it was on to St Leonards for a much-needed glass of water and lots of lively conversation with parents as they picked up kids from school. Teaching staff from the school, joined by principals from a couple of nearby schools then braved the humidity for an after-school meeting. We're off to Howick and east Auckland tomorrow, and I'm off to put my hot feet in a cold bath!