Christian education in state schools is in the spotlight after a parent laid a complaint with the Human Rights Commission about bible lessons at an East Auckland primary.
Roy Warren, whose 5-year-old son goes to St Heliers School, says he complained to the principal about the 30-minute sessions but the school refused to cease the classes.
Families can opt out of the programme but Warren did not want to isolate his son.
"I thought it was very unfair to take him away from his classmates and get him sitting by himself colouring in and making him feel ostracised," he says.
"And then have to explain to him he hasn't been bad or naughty, but it's just against what we believe in as a family."
Warren appeared at a Human Rights Commission mediation this month with school representatives to try and find a solution.
Once again a reasonable compromise appears further down in the article. Some schools hold similar classes at lunch time with parents having to opt in their children rather than opting out. There's no state church in New Zealand, and religion shouldn't be coercing students in state schools.