Teaching Council failures exposed following investigation

Public Service Commissioner, Sir Brian Roche, has today released the findings of the Commission’s investigation into the Teaching Council of New Zealand’s conflict of interest and procurement practices.

The investigation began after Education Minister Erica Stanford received an anonymous complaint in June last year raising concerns about procurement, conflicts of interest and wider organisational practices involving the Council’s chief executive and senior leaders.

The review examined procurement linked to advertising firm Clemenger UnLtd, digital engagement services, and te reo Māori instruction, translation and cultural advice.

The Public Service Commission found serious shortcomings between late 2018 and early 2025, describing the failures as more than minor or technical non-compliance and pointing to poor oversight and immature organisational controls.

Key failures identified

The investigation found procurement activity did not comply with the Council’s own policies and fell short of public-sector expectations. A significant conflict of interest involving the chief executive was not properly identified, documented or managed, and key steps such as competitive procurement and approval of exemptions did not occur.

The report also identified a pattern of incomplete conflict identification, insufficient oversight and poor “tone from the top”.

Roche said the findings were concerning.

“The Council is responsible for upholding high professional standards for teachers. It must also meet the highest standards itself,” he said.

“These shortcomings created avoidable organisational and reputational risks and have the potential to undermine trust in the Teaching Council.”

The report has been referred to the Council’s governing chair to determine what action will be taken.

Minister calls for major change

Stanford said today, the findings of the investigation and a second external review highlighted a clear need for major reform.

“The findings of recent reports on issues within the Teaching Council are some of the most serious that I have seen,” she said.

She said the reviews identified failures in leadership, culture and governance, and an inadequate focus on child protection.

“A regulatory standards-setting body should hold itself to the very highest level. These reports show previous boards have failed to do this.”

Stanford said new board members have been appointed and the Council has “a very long way to go to restore confidence.”