The government is making it easier for overseas primary teachers to gain residency in an effort to address an “impending teacher shortage”.
From March 26, primary and intermediate teachers with a job offer from an accredited employer can apply for residency immediately, rather than working in the country for two years first.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said the move aims to make New Zealand a more “attractive destination for skilled teachers”, following a warning that schools could be short 1,250 teachers this year.
The decision follows last year’s inclusion of secondary teachers in the fast-track residency scheme, which brought in 480 new teachers.
Stanford said work force data in the past had “inaccuracies” but highlighted that immigration is just one strategy, alongside a $53 million investment in onsite teacher training and financial support for trainees.
Image credit: Aaron Burden
Great, third world teachers to help usher us into the third world of education.