A year in review: Reflecting on 2025
18 December 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, the Teaching Council reflects on the breadth of mahi done to strengthen the mana of teaching so teachers can change lives.
This work hasn’t been done in isolation, in fact, it’s a reflection of the profession who continue to nurture the mokopuna, tamariki and rangatahi of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Kaiako across the motu have worked alongside our teams - providing feedback, attending workshops, smiling for photos, welcoming us into schools and engaging in meaningful korerō – and we are so grateful.
Take a look at the mahi we have achieved together.
Ngā Pātū o te Whare | The Wall of Identity
The Teaching Council proudly introduced our Ngā Pātū o te Whare | Wall of Identity - a new powerful symbol of unity across the teaching profession. Each panel represents a group, a story, a whakapapa, and a way of belonging.
While the physical wall sits proudly in our office’s reception, we have also launched a free, self-paced online course for kaiako to explore their own story. This collection aims to build cultural confidence and deepen understanding of identity and belonging in Aotearoa.
Ngā Pātū o te Whare | The Wall of Identity
Every teacher in Aotearoa brings their kōrero, whakapapa, and purpose. Ngā Pātū o te Whare | The Wall of Identity acknowledges and celebrates this.
Royal Commission Pledge
In response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, the Council reviewed their policies and processes to strengthen the protection and care of children and rangatahi.
Pāke (capes/cloaks) now stand in our reception as a tangible reminder of our responsibility to uphold the mana of the teaching profession, protect children, and to remember those who have experienced abuse by Teachers.
The 2026 Standards for the Teaching Profession
The Teaching Council is grateful for the thoughtful feedback received during consultation and encouraged by the positive response from the profession.
Working alongside sector leaders from across Aotearoa, the Council co-designed practical resources to help bring the 2026 Standards to life through the Professional Growth Cycle. These resources are now available on our website.
We also acknowledge the commitment of initial teacher education providers, who are working diligently to embed the 2026 Standards into their programmes for 2027.
A new digital home for the profession
We know kaiako time is precious, so we brought Teaching Council tools and processes together into one trusted digital home - a new website and teacher portal, My Rawa.
My Rawa makes it easier to manage your professional journey, from renewing your practising certificate to accessing professional learning. It’s part of our commitment to creating a modern, supportive experience that better values the time and professionalism of teachers.
Tagata o le Moana cultural intelligence workshops
The Teaching Council participated in in-person workshops led by Vasa Fia Collins, a Diversity & Inclusion Specialist, focused on Pacific cultural intelligence. Vasa brings extensive experience in designing and delivering national training on unconscious bias, cultural responsiveness, and inclusive leadership.
These workshops broadened perspectives and deepened understanding across the Council’s work, reinforcing our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Teaching Shapes What Matters Most
This mahi was aimed to lift the mana of the profession, remind the country of the impact teachers have, and celebrate the expertise, skill, and humanity of kaiako.
Teaching Shapes What Matters Most highlights the everyday moments between a learner and a kaiako where confidence grows, identity forms, and curiosity begins. Moments that matter not just for today, but for life.
This campaign had great success, and the results speak for themselves:
- Over 5.3 million impressions - one view for every New Zealander.
- A 183% increase in public conversation about teaching expertise.
- More than 36,000 visits to our campaign website.
Telling our 'why' video for World Teachers Day
This short film reflects our shared purpose, and the heart, skill, and humanity that define the teaching profession in Aotearoa.
We spent time in real classrooms with real teachers, filming genuine moments of connection.
This video was launched on World Teachers’ Day. It now lives proudly on our new website and has already been viewed more than 50,000 times across our social channels.
Our Why
A partnership with teachers to strengthen the mana of teaching, so teachers can change lives.
Stepping into Leadership (SITL)
The Council introduced SITL, a culturally responsive leadership learning collection, with strong engagement and positive feedback from kaiako.
SITL has resonated strongly with teachers, with 89% of participants believing that the learning will influence their practice.
The course engaged over 1,325 teachers which is continuing to grow via learners sharing with colleagues. 86% of learners who believe the learning is relevant to their practice.
SITL has now been scaled up and is on offer to the whole profession through the teacher portal | My Rawa.
These highlights are just a glimpse of the mahi achieved this year - there are many more initiatives and efforts that continue to strengthen the profession.
The Teaching Council looks forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead. Ngā mihi nui to our kaiako for your dedication and the incredible work you do every day.
