New Zealand's government decision to remove a legal requirement for schools to incorporate Māori culture into their curricula has sparked significant backlash from educators and community leaders. Meanwhile, a severe hailstorm in Queensland has resulted in the hospitalization of nearly 120 flying foxes, highlighting the impact of extreme weather on wildlife.

New Zealand Education Policy Change
On Tuesday, New Zealand's Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the removal of the treaty obligation that required school boards to integrate Māori culture into educational policies. This decision is controversial, as it has been a legal requirement since 2020, aimed at ensuring that local Māori customs and perspectives are reflected in school curricula. Critics, including teachers and school boards, argue that this change undermines the visibility of Indigenous culture and could harm social cohesion among students.

Stanford defended the decision by stating that the treaty obligation had not significantly improved educational outcomes for Māori children. She emphasized that it was unfair to place such responsibilities on school boards, which consist of elected representatives, including parents and teachers. The new guidelines will still encourage schools to pursue equitable outcomes for Māori students and to provide Māori language instruction upon request.

Educators have voiced their concerns, asserting that the removal of the treaty clause risks marginalizing Māori culture in schools. Meredith Kennett, president of the school boards association, noted that the clause had fostered inclusivity and reflected the diverse needs of all students. Leanne Otene, president of the principals' federation, highlighted the positive impact of the treaty obligation in creating a supportive environment for Māori children.

Queensland Wildlife Crisis
In Queensland, a severe hailstorm over the weekend caused extensive damage, injuring nearly 120 flying foxes, many critically. The storm hit the township of Esk, prompting a rapid response from local wildlife rescue groups. Volunteers from Bat Conservation and Rescue Queensland (BCRQ) found numerous bats injured on the ground and in trees, with many orphaned pups left without their mothers.

David Zammit from the RSPCA's animal rescue department reported that the hail caused severe injuries, including broken wings and facial trauma. The Bureau of Meteorology noted that the storm brought giant hailstones up to 10 centimeters in diameter, alongside damaging winds and intense rainfall, affecting central and southern Queensland.

The injured flying foxes were taken to the RSPCA wildlife hospital in Wacol for assessment. Unfortunately, many of the bats had to be euthanized due to the severity of their injuries, with only a small number surviving. Lead clinical vet Emily Drayton explained the rehabilitation process for the surviving pups, which involves intensive care and hand-rearing to ensure their recovery.

Wrap-up
The contrasting events in New Zealand and Queensland highlight pressing issues related to cultural preservation and environmental challenges. The backlash against New Zealand's education policy change underscores the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives within the educational system, while the plight of the flying foxes serves as a reminder of the impact of climate events on wildlife.

Sources
theguardian.com
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team