Relevant To Society

Underlying the attempt to advance a philosophy of education for the Auckland association was the understanding of the manner in which the present education system in New Zealand had come about.

"We assume that an education system must be relevant to the needs of a society, and the needs of the individuals within it.

"As we understand it, the education system in New Zealand society has been developed pragmatically in response to social and economic pressures.

"Further expansion in response to social pressures, most importantly the increase in numbers, and political expediency has obscured the idea of 'direction' in the education system and qualitative considerations."

Few attempts had been made by the government or any planning body to develop a coherent plan for consistent education development, the report said.

Thus the association had taken upon itself to try to rectify this situation, tailoring it "to the needs of our future society, and which can be used as a long-term end to justify and guide change in the present system."

The Auckland model considers two needs of the individual—personal and vocational.