New data has shown more New Zealanders are choosing to become teachers, with initial teacher education enrolments up 40% since 2023.
Education Minister, Erica Stanford says the increase shows more Kiwis want to be part of New Zealand’s teaching workforce.
“We’ve had a real focus on getting more New Zealanders into teaching so we can grow our own workforce and reduce our reliance on recruiting teachers from overseas,” said Ms Stanford.
“Overseas-trained teachers make an important contribution to our schools, and we will continue to need them, but we are also making it easier and more attractive for Kiwis to choose teaching as a career.
“That’s why we’ve expanded the School Onsite Training Programme, which pays people to learn on the job with a $20,000 grant. We’re increasing places to 660 next year and 704 every year from 2028, with more places focused on secondary teaching where the need is greatest.”
Indicative figures show initial teacher education enrolments have increased from 3,190 in August 2023 to 4,455 in August 2026.
Ms Stanford says attracting more people into teaching is only part of the picture, with teacher retention remaining stable at around 90%.
“We want talented people to choose teaching, to be well prepared when they enter the classroom, and to want to stay in the profession,” she said.
“That’s why our wider education reforms matter too. We are giving teachers a clear, knowledge-rich curriculum, high-quality classroom resources and professional learning and development so they have the support they need to do their job well.
“We are rebuilding an education system focused on great teaching and strong foundations in reading, writing, maths and other core knowledge, and we are starting to see results improve.
“Our ambition is to create a world-leading education system, and great teachers are at the heart of that.
“More Kiwis are putting their hands up to become teachers and be part of what we are building. That is great news for our schools and for New Zealand students.”
