Changes to the teaching regulatory system: Frequently asked questions
06 July 2026
We've answered some of the most common questions about the recent changes, including what has changed, why the changes were made, and what they mean in practice.
The Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Act 2026 changed how responsibilities are shared between the Ministry of Education and the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
These changes clarify the respective roles of the Ministry, as the education system steward, and the Teaching Council, as the independent professional regulator for teachers.
While some responsibilities have changed, teachers, initial teacher education providers and the public will continue to access Teaching Council services in the same way. The Teaching Council continues to make independent regulatory decisions and apply the standards set by the Ministry.
Why has the Government changed who sets standards?
Moving standard-setting functions to the Ministry supports closer alignment between regulation of the teaching profession and wider government education policy, including curriculum priorities and workforce planning.
As system steward, the Ministry can also take a system-wide view of how standards interact with other education policy and regulatory settings over time.
Is the Teaching Council still independent?
Yes.
The Teaching Council continues to make independent regulatory decisions about:
- approving teacher education programmes
- determining who can teach
- dealing with competence and conduct that falls below expected standards.
What has changed?
The Ministry is now responsible for setting, maintaining and reviewing the regulatory standards that apply to teachers and ITE providers.
The Teaching Council continues to apply those standards when carrying out its regulatory functions.
Was there consultation?
Yes.
In 2024, the Ministry consulted on proposed changes to the Teaching Council's functions.
In 2025, Parliament's Education and Workforce Select Committee considered public submissions on the legislation, including the changes to standard-setting responsibilities.
What does this mean for teachers and ITE providers?
For most teachers and providers, day-to-day interactions remain the same.
Teachers continue to:
- register with the Teaching Council
- apply for and renew practising certificates
- apply for Limited Authorities to Teach through the Teaching Council.
ITE providers continue to apply to the Teaching Council for programme approval, monitoring and review.
The difference is that the Ministry now sets the standards that the Teaching Council applies when carrying out these regulatory functions.
Do the current standards still apply?
Yes.
Existing standards remain in effect unless and until they are changed by the Ministry.
The legislation also requires standards to be reviewed at least every seven years unless there is a good reason to review them sooner.
How will the profession be involved in future changes?
The Ministry is required to consult with the Teaching Council and sector representative organisations before changing any standard, code or requirement.
The Ministry also works with the Teaching Standards Expert Advisory Group and engages with employee organisations, Deans of Education, early childhood organisations, ITE providers and other education experts.
This engagement helps ensure proposed changes are practical, evidence-based and informed by professional experience.
Following consultation, the Ministry will publish submissions and explain how feedback has informed decision-making.
How will future changes be communicated?
The Ministry and the Teaching Council will work closely together to ensure any future changes are communicated clearly and implemented effectively.
The Ministry will publish updated standards and supporting guidance.
The Teaching Council will update its regulatory processes, guidance, systems and communications so teachers, professional leaders and ITE providers understand how any changes affect them in practice.
Will the Standards for the Teaching Profession change soon?
Not immediately.
The Ministry's initial priority is reviewing the Initial Teacher Education Programme Requirements to ensure graduates are well prepared for a range of learning environments.
Implementation of the 2026 Standards for the Teaching Profession will continue as planned. Teachers, professional leaders and employers should continue working with the existing implementation timeframes unless advised otherwise.
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