We invite you to have your say on the proposed changes to the Language Competency for Teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand policy.

Have your say!

At a glance

An invitation to shape the policy on language competency

The Teaching Council is considering changes to the Language Competency for Teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand policy. We would greatly value your feedback and suggestions on the changes that we're proposing.

We recognise that there is a significant shortage of registered teachers who are speakers of indigenous Pacific languages, and that current language competency requirements may be a barrier to increasing the numbers of such teachers here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Read about the recommendations here

Pre-consultation engagement 

In September and November 2023, a series of online and in-person hui were held with education agencies, stakeholders, and peak body groups to discuss draft policy options for the review of our Language Competency for Teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand policy. 

Read the language competency policy review - pre-consultation feedback summary.

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What will we do with your feedback?

The Council will analyse and consider your feedback before making decisions on amendments to the policy. An analysis of the submissions will be published. The Council is required to consider any request to release the submissions under the Official Information Act (OIA). Any submissions released under the OIA will be anonymised. You cannot veto the release of your submission under the OIA, but you can let us know if there are specific reasons why you would like your feedback to remain confidential, and we will consider those reasons before deciding on any OIA request that is received.

Te Whare o te Matatū Aotearoa | House of the Teaching Profession

All the Council’s work is underpinned by recognition of our partnership responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We have illustrated this using a whare metaphor, which includes a depiction of our Tiriti partnership relationship using the tukutuku panels.

Ngā Pātū o te Whare | Wall of Identity

Ngā Pātū o te Whare reminds us of our responsibilities as Tiriti partners, and the accountability we have to all communities. This includes our responsibility to (amongst other things) support the protection and revitalisation of te reo Māori as a taonga for iwi, hapū and whānau and as a language integral to our national identity. It also provides space for us to respond to needs and aspirations of different communities as these are identified.

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Read our current language competency policy