Education Minister and Principals’ Federation Chief Exchange Accusations Over Global Convention Speech

Speech and Response

Education Minister Erica Stanford and New Zealand Principals’ Federation president Jason Miles have publicly attacked each other following Stanford's address at last week’s International Confederation of Principals Convention. The federation described the minister’s remarks as embarrassing, disappointing and disrespectful. In return, Stanford labelled Miles’ conduct as rude, aggressive and unprofessional.

Ongoing Dispute

Miles wrote to federation members saying Stanford used the platform to further her party’s agenda, despite the speech focusing on government education reforms aimed at improving declining achievement and noting several successes. He argued the event was meant for a brief, non‑political welcome and that the convention coordinator had instructed the minister’s office accordingly. After the talk, Miles questioned why Stanford kept refusing meetings; she replied that his frequent media appearances were the cause.

Wider Issues

The federation is pushing for an independent curriculum and assessment council, arguing that expert‑led changes would prevent politically‑driven disruption. Miles said he had sought several meetings with Stanford, but her schedule did not allow it. The controversy appears amid broader concerns about secrecy in curriculum revisions, with the Ombudsman now probing claims that Ministry officials tried to circumvent the Official Information Act. Stanford maintains her speech, available online, did not contain political content and she expressed disappointment at Miles’ “inappropriate” follow‑up communications.