Disciplinary Tribunal information moves to Teaching Council website
04 November 2026
Information about teacher disciplinary processes, decisions and support is now easier to find and understand, with a new dedicated Disciplinary Tribunal section on the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand website.
Previously hosted on a standalone website, the New Zealand Teachers' Disciplinary Tribunal's online information is now available through the Teaching Council website, with clearer guidance, improved search functionality and practical resources to better support people involved in disciplinary proceedings.
The changes are part of ongoing work to improve access to regulatory information, strengthen transparency and help people better understand the processes that support professional accountability and the protection of children and young people.
The Disciplinary Tribunal remains independent
The move to the Teaching Council website does not change the Disciplinary Tribunal's independence or how disciplinary decisions are made.
The Tribunal is an independent statutory decision-making body under the Education and Training Act 2020. Its hearing panels are chaired by experienced legal professionals and include registered teachers from the profession. Teaching Council staff do not sit on these panels or make Tribunal decisions.
The Tribunal considers the evidence and submissions presented and makes its own disciplinary decisions independently of the Teaching Council.
The Teaching Council is responsible for publishing Tribunal decisions and making this information accessible to the public. Bringing the Tribunal's information onto the Teaching Council website supports this responsibility, making decisions, hearing information and guidance easier to find and understand.
The changes are about improving access to information, not changing who makes disciplinary decisions or how those decisions are made.
What's changed?
The new Tribunal section has been designed to make information easier to find, navigate and understand for teachers, employers, early childhood services, schools, witnesses, whānau and members of the public.
Improvements include:
- easier access to decisions: improved search functionality makes published Tribunal decisions easier to find
- clearer disciplinary processes: step-by-step guidance explains how matters reach the Tribunal, what happens during proceedings and how decisions are made
- better support for those involved: practical guides explain what to expect, individual rights, representation options and available support
- understanding the Tribunal: clearer information about its role, members and hearing panels
- connected regulatory information: easier access to guidance on reporting concerns, the Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC) and Teaching Council processes.
Supporting people through the disciplinary process
Being involved in disciplinary proceedings can be complex and challenging. Clear, accessible information helps people understand the process, their rights and responsibilities, and the support available to them.
The new section provides practical guidance for people at different stages of the process, including information about preparing for hearings, legal representation, support people and non-publication orders.
These improvements aim to help those involved feel better informed and prepared, supporting fair and effective participation in Tribunal proceedings.
Supporting transparency and public protection
Making disciplinary information easier to find and understand is an important part of supporting transparency and public confidence in the regulation of the teaching profession.
The improvements help teachers, employers, whānau and the public better understand how serious conduct concerns are considered, how decisions are made and the processes in place to protect children and young people.
They also reflect ongoing investment in making regulatory processes clearer, more accessible and accountable.
Visit the new Disciplinary Tribunal pages on the Teaching Council website to search published decisions, learn about the hearing process and find guidance and support.
