National’s decision on bulk funding issue pleases teacher unions

RADIO NEW ZEALAND: The National Party's decision not to reintroduce the controversial bulk funding of teachers salaries is being welcomed by organisations representing principals and teachers.

Party leader John Key says it is unlikely bulk funding will be part of its programme for this year's election.

Mr Key says the issue of bulk funding is a 1990s argument, and National wants to take a 21st century perspective.

Three years ago the party had called bulk funding the first step towards providing the flexible education system that it said parents wanted.

The party's current education spokesperson Anne Tolley says National is now looking at other ways to provide flexibility.

The teacher unions and the Secondary Principals Council say they are pleased and relieved bulk funding is off the table.