NZEI Te Riu Roa is calling on the government to recognise and resource the role of school and early childhood education staff in disaster response and recovery, following their increasing use as community emergency hubs during severe weather events and other natural disasters.
“As torrential rain and flooding triggered emergencies across the North Island this weekend, schools were once again among those impacted,” NZEi Te Riu Roa President Ripeka Lessels said. “We saw, for example, Ōtorohanga Primary School inundated by floodwaters.”
Citing findings from nearly three years of research conducted by NZEI Te Riu Roa into the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, Mrs Lessels said schools need recognition, resourcing, and respite for their role on the emergency frontline.
“Educators must be recognised for the extra load they carry as first responders and for providing ongoing community crisis and psychosocial support when students return,” Mrs Lessels said.
“This recognition must include additional staffing and management allowances to account for the immense workload that follows any disaster.”
She added that schools and early childhood education centres also require post-disaster grants for lost resources and the facilities to pivot into community hubs at a moment’s notice.
“Mental health support, such as the Mana Ake counselling programme, must be rolled out for all affected tamariki as a priority. This support is vital for long-term recovery and should be a guaranteed resource, rather than provided on an ad-hoc basis.”
Mrs Lessels noted that the physical, psychological, and emotional toll of these extra responsibilities often surfaces long after the initial crisis.
“Recovery is a long journey. Schools and early childhood education centres should not face bureaucratic hurdles but be supported with compassion, understanding, and guaranteed resourcing.”
ENDS