Calls for open university entrance - lockdown highlights inequities in education

School is back today for one million students after nearly eight weeks at home, and new research shines reveals the impact of the lockdown particularly on Maori and Pasifika students. From Evaluation Associates, education researcher Dr Melanie Riwai-Couch surveyed Maori and Pasifika families about their experiences with online learning during levels three and four. Respondents spoke of lockdown magnifying their experience of feeling overwhelmed and left behind. We also hear from Greymouth High School Principal Andy England and Ragne Maxwell, Principal of Porirua College, whose roll is predominantly made up of Pasifika and Maori students.