Request an extension to teach
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What is an extension to teach?
An extension to teach allows you to continue teaching lawfully if your practising certificate or Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) has expired and your renewal application is still being processed.
You can teach for up to 10 days (or 20 half-days) without a current certificate. Beyond that, you must apply for an extension.
How to request an extension
Teachers can now submit the request directly. You must:
- have already submitted your renewal application via My Rawa
- not be under investigation or subject to a mandatory report.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if:
- your application is delayed due to admin processing
- you’re completing a Teacher Education Refresh (TER) programme or review
- you’re a relief teacher (only one school’s approval is needed).
Steps to request an extension
Click 'My Login' in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
This will take you to the teacher portal | My Rawa.
Log in using your My Rawa details.
If you haven’t created a My Rawa account, see our webpage on getting started.
Scroll down to the section named ‘I want to’.
Click on the card called Maintain my practising certificate.
This will take you to Hapori Matatū.
Select 'Apply for extension'.
Fill out the short form
Your principal/tumuaki will receive an email to approve it.
Once approved, the extension expiry date will appear on the Online Teacher Register.
FAQs
Whilst an extension can be issued to any teacher who meets the requirements, extensions are only recognised in schools where holding a practising certificate is compulsory. It is not compulsory to hold a practising certificate to work in early childhood settings.
A teacher can request an extension to teach once an online application has been submitted in Hapori Matatū.
A tumuaki or principal can request for an extension to teach once an application has been submitted.
Instead of completing an extension to teach form, tumuaki or principals can now approve an extension to teach once the teacher has submitted a request in Hapori Matatū.
Find more information on our webpage on how to approve an extension to teach request.
The essentials? Sorted.
My Rawa helps you get the essentials done so you can focus on being a teacher. Renew your practising certificate, view your digital certificate or make requests in Hapori Matatū - it’s your go-to space for tailored support and practical tools.
