A Member of Parliament’s decision to distribute National Party-branded merchandise to school children has sparked concern among some parents.
Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick visited numerous schools in his district, handing out tote bags, pens, notebooks, stress balls, lunchboxes, and mints, all featuring the National Party logo, his contact details, and the House of Representatives’ crest.
The Ministry of Education stated that while schools can educate students about politics, they must not permit political promotion, campaigning, or advertising on their premises.
Butterick argued that his actions were not intended as campaigning or advertising but as a means to share his contact information with constituents through students and their families.
One school contacted by RNZ expressed discomfort with the situation but admitted uncertainty about how to proceed.
A social media post depicted the lunchboxes being discarded in a bin, reflecting some of the discontent.
A parent from Norsewood reported that her children returned home with two bags of Butterick merchandise last term, which made her uneasy. She believed politicians should not use schools and children for self-promotion.
Another mother was surprised when her child brought home the political merchandise the previous year. She felt that regardless of the political party, schools should not be venues for advertising.
“They aren’t even old enough to vote or fully grasp what these MPs represent, so why are they targeting such young children?” she questioned.
Her daughter, she noted, was unimpressed by the items, as they were already politically aware and did not favor Mike Butterick or the National Party. However, she acknowledged that other families might feel uncomfortable about it.
In contrast, a friend’s child was quite pleased with the free stationery.
The Ministry of Education enforces strict guidelines on political engagement within schools, emphasizing the need for political neutrality. Schools can teach politics but must avoid endorsing or facilitating promotion.
“Schools can interact with elected officials and candidates when it supports educational goals, such as civics education,” the ministry said.
“However, these interactions must remain educational and not promote any political party or campaign.”
According to the guidelines, schools cannot display political party information or advertising material.
School leadership is responsible for ensuring these standards are met.
Butterick maintained that his actions were not political advertising and had received publicity approval under the speaker’s directions.
“These bags are a practical way to share my contact information as the local MP, making it easier for students and their families to reach me and engage with parliamentary processes or address local issues,” he stated.
He also offered to retrieve the bags from any schools that did not wish to keep them for redistribution.
The ministry noted that it was not aware of the specific circumstances of this situation and that any assessment of compliance with the guidelines would depend on the particular facts involved.
