Public statement regarding findings of Timothy Fisher report
13 October 2026
Regulatory Review of Timothy Fisher case
The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand accepts unequivocally the report and its findings released today.
The report found that a range of interventions had been available to the Teaching Council that could have been used to exclude Mr Fisher from teaching in schools after he gained entry to the profession in 2011.
Failure to do so resulted in Mr Fisher being employed in education settings and harming victims in those settings.
The Teaching Council apologises unreservedly to the victims of Mr Fisher for its failings.
The Teaching Council apologises to the schools and communities affected.
The Teaching Council apologises to the wider profession.
These failures are unacceptable and must not be repeated.
Organisation-wide changes are underway to address the issues identified in the report. A newly formed Governing Council and new Chief Executive have been appointed. Both have an unwavering commitment to child safety and to decisive and robust regulation of the teaching profession.
The Teaching Council has developed a detailed action plan to ensure accountability and prioritise child safeguarding. Progress will be reported monthly to the Ministry of Education.
The Teaching Council acknowledges the detail and care taken by Katherine Anderson KC in the preparation of this report.
Statement issued by Patrick Walsh, Governing Council Chair, Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
Read the Independent Regulatory Review: Interim Report—Fisher File (a case study)
Anyone who wishes to make a report or speak with Police about Mr Fisher or other previous incidents of child abuse can dial 105 from anywhere in New Zealand; or submit a report through the NZ Police 105 website.
