23941 (2024). Hon Jan Tinetti to the Minister of Education

23941 (2024). Hon Jan Tinetti to the Minister of Education: Does the Minister stand by her plan, made on Q+A, to have no teacher shortages by the end of this parliamentary term; if so, will she make this a target?

Hon Erica Stanford: I stand by my statement that we are taking significant steps to address the teacher shortages and, of course, aspire for these to be resolved by the end of the Parliamentary term. However, as the member is aware, teacher shortages are complex. For example, right how we do not have a shortage of primary school teachers nationally. However, on a regional level we have some regions who are struggling to recruit primary school teachers and other regions who have an oversupply. Ultimately, people make their own decisions about matters like where they want to live, which are informed not just by work but other important considerations e.g. family support and connections.