Stories by John Gerritsen

Schools in economically disadvantaged communities are doing just as good a job as those in the wealthiest, a study of NCEA and University Entrance results for 400,000 people has found. Audio

A parliamentary select committee is giving gun owners one day to make oral submissions on the government's fast-tracked firearm law changes. Audio

Is the government's goal for New Zealand to be smokefree by 2025 a pipe dream? Anti-smoking groups want bold action, writes John Gerritsen.

A Palmerston North teacher is urging students to take down white supremacist signs popping up around the city in the wake of the 15 March attacks.

Secondary school teachers have cancelled next week's nationwide strike, but are not abandoning their claim for better conditions and higher pay.

First Person - There's fresh paint on the walls, but the new carpet hasn't arrived yet. John Gerritsen visits the Al Noor Mosque as it reopens its doors, and is reclaimed by its community.

Christchurch people are hoping to find solidarity, hope and love today when they mark a week since the deadly mosque attacks in their city. Video

Christchurch schools are reviewing their security procedures after angry parents took children from schools locked down after last week's mosque attacks. Audio

Jacinda Ardern has opened an official book of condolences for the victims of the Christchurch attacks with the words "they are us".

A group of high-profile secondary schools are preparing to fight what they say are radically aggressive plans to change the school system.

Climate Change Minister James Shaw has reassured young people organising Friday's school strike against climate change that he is listening to their demands.

The nurses union has warned hospitals' ability to cope with major disasters is at risk because nurses cannot afford to live nearby.

Principals are facing a dilemma over next month's school strike for climate change - should they punish students who wag school to protest, or encourage them?

Former Labour MP John Tamihere has threatened to appeal the party's decision to refuse to renew his membership. Audio

Organisations that provide last-chance education for at-risk teenagers are hoping the government will deliver on a promise of increased support for their sector.

The government's announcement of mandatory qualifications for home-based early childhood workers has divided the sector.

The government has told home-based early childhood businesses to get their carers qualified or lose access to subsidies totalling more than $150 million-a-year. Audio

Fewer girls and teachers were involved in secondary school sports teams last year, an annual sport survey has found.

Analysis - The government's plan for a monster merger of all 16 polytechnics and institutes of technology has taken everyone by surprise, writes John Gerritsen.

Officials last year warned the government not to merge the 16 polytechnics into a single institute.

All 16 polytechs would have a single governing council and take over work-based industry training under the government's proposal. Audio

The Industry Training Federation says its students and apprentices will be disadvantaged by the plan, but the union for polytechnic staff is backing the idea. Audio

A blow-out in waiting times for Education Ministry support for children with disabilities and behaviour problems is leaving some children waiting 10 months or more for help. Audio

In the lead-up to Waitangi Day, history teachers are calling for compulsory teaching of New Zealand's Māori and colonial history in schools, but government representatives are rejecting the idea.

Farmers want the government to fix what they say are long-standing problems with training courses for farm workers amid warnings the sector is under-funded.