Rata wants to end decolonisation's success

It will be tempting for many to think that if science is behind the decision by the Ministry to stop printing 'At the Marae', then the decision is rational and thus one to accept.

But it is important to keep science, for all its value and wonder, in its place. As Guy Claxton said in my initial report into the subversion of democratic process by the MAG: "Science cannot tell you what you should do; that is the realm of philosophy and ethics. Science can only tell you what is possible or likely given certain values and aims."

Elizabeth Rata has been a constant presence in Erica Stanford's remodelling of our education system. She was on the MAG. She led the Years 7-13 English curriculum writing team.

On the morning of 20 October, 2024, she emailed Erica: 

"I was so pleased to have spoken with you yesterday and to have arranged to talk again", and attached the speech notes from "yesterday", with references "removed to the policy day in order to maintain Chatham House rules". These notes, she says, she "would be grateful if you can read them before we talk".

In those speech notes we read the following: 

"Earlier this year I was privileged to be the Lead Writer for the years 7-13 knowledge rich English curriculum (and yes – Shakespeare and Grammar are there). It will be, I hope, along with still-to- be-written Science and History curricula, the circuit breaker in replacing the Learning Approach and ending decolonisation's success."

Rata is on a mission to end decolonisation's success. Given this stated aim by one of the more influential people in Erica's orbit, can we accept the decision to stop printing 'At the Marae' as science, not ethics?