Goodhew Jo: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
Goodhew Jo: Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
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JO GOODHEW (National—Rangitata) 
: 
 I rise to take a call in the third reading debate of the Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill. I begin by congratulating Sir Roger Douglas on bringing us back to what really matters—the students. The students really do matter—believe or not I say to the Labour members—and because they matter the governance of these polytechs matters. I will address and perhaps counter the culture of fear evil prophecy and scaremongering that we have heard about from the other side. This is not just today in the House; it happened repeatedly throughout the process of this bill. 
There are 20 polytechnics. They have been allocated $596 million for 2009 and we as taxpayers should want value for money. We should want good governance. We should want delivery of good education standards coming out of these polytechs and educational outcomes that improve those who actually study there. There are more than 186000 students at our 20 polytechnics. There are 68000 fulltime-equivalents and they deserve no less than good governance. The sector is diverse. There are many subject areas and many communities to serve. Polytechs need to run effectively; they need to run efficiently. So why do we need this legislation? Well I ask members to think about the $416 million good money after bad that was spent by Labour in trying to correct—no no it just threw the money at the polytechs and hoped that they would get better from the gift. It does not work like that. 
This bill does not remove the voice of students. It does not remove the voice of staff. It does not stop Maori representation Pacific Island representation or female representation. Believe me it does not. Four members of a polytechnic council will be selected by the current council. They can be four students if the council wants them four staff members if it wants them or whoever it thinks represents the community. They can be four Maori. 
Hon Member 
: The Minister’s choice! 
JO GOODHEW 
: The current polytechnics will select them not the Minister. The Minister will appoint four members. It is clear to me that Labour members have not been awake in the select committee process. They have not read the bill. Maybe they simply do not want to understand. 
However good governance is what polytechnics like my own Aoraki Polytechnic are looking for. They have accepted the challenge of making selections prior to the implementation date. They have said that they are looking for good governance skills good high-level business and financial skills legal skills strategic thinking skills governance experience leadership ability and knowledge of the sector. They have said that eight members can achieve that and they look forward to being able to rise to the challenge of selecting four. They have also said to the Minister that they will be looking for her help in appointments to their council. Having 12 to 20 members on a council did not mean good governance nor does eight. Good skills mean good governance and eight members are plenty to achieve that. This bill addresses the issues within the sector. It is a good bill and I commend it to the House.