7. Question No. 7—EducationHon NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) to the Minister of EducationQuestion No. 7—Education7. Hon NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) to the Minister of Education: How many communications has she received from teachers or principals in the last three days regarding teacher shortages relief teacher issues and increases in class sizes and is she confident there will be no more primary teacher strikes this year?Hon TRACEY MARTIN (Acting Minister of Education): In the last three days in the midst of bargaining with NZEI and the Post Primary Teachers' Association my office informs me that up until midday today we have received approximately 100 submissions from teachers and principals across the country. Given that there is a vote taking place right now on the new offer for NZEI it would be inappropriate to speculate on further strike action.Hon Jacqui Dean: What does she say to the principal of Waitaki Valley School who is struggling to get adequate levels of learning support enough relievers to cover release time and resource teacher of learning and behaviour meetings and has teachers who come to school ill as there is no cover for them?Hon TRACEY MARTIN: I would acknowledge the principals such as the one mentioned there and their frustration considering that this topic was raised—for example as reported in the New Zealand Herald in 2016—with the previous Government who if I recall correctly said There is no crisis." and promptly did nothing. But I also want to give these principals and teachers the assurance that this Government is unlike the previous one taking action to rectify this issue as quickly as possible through measures such as the $370 million in this year's Budget to fund 1500 more teacher places; a teacher supply package of $9.5 million announced in December 2017 with a further $20 million over the next four years; and funding more than 1000 teacher refresher places to remove cost barriers so that teachers can return to teaching faster.Denise Lee: How does the Minister plan to respond to the emails she received from a teacher at Onehunga Primary School that stated their roll has increased by 50 students in the past year but because of teacher shortages they've only been able to add one extra teacher?Hon TRACEY MARTIN: I will address a personal response to that particular email as soon as I return to my office.Jan Tinetti: What is the offer on the table for primary teachers and principals?Hon TRACEY MARTIN: The current offer is $569 million for primary teachers and principals. For teachers this is a cumulative increase of 9.3 percent over three years. I would note that this offer is more than the three settlements combined under the previous Government.Jan Tinetti: What other actions has this Government taken to attract New Zealand teachers overseas to return home?Hon TRACEY MARTIN: The member may recall the shocking situation in October 2012 where a complete graduating class of primary teaching students were told there were no jobs here in New Zealand and were advised to go overseas. That is why on 17 September this Government announced a targeted campaign to attract New Zealand - trained teachers to return home and overseas-trained teachers looking to move to New Zealand.Hon Nikki Kaye: Will she consider additional funds to primary school teachers prior to Wednesday's vote to include reducing class sizes and having special education coordinators in schools to try and prevent the future strikes?Hon TRACEY MARTIN: It would be irresponsible for a member in this House to answer that question considering that the negotiations are going on right now an offer is on the table and a vote is taking place.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Can I ask the Minister precisely how long does it take to train a teacher; and what was the deficit she inherited?Hon TRACEY MARTIN: The exact numbers of teachers that are required in this country whether full-time or part-time I do not have on me right now but it takes between three or four years depending on the level of mastery that we are seeking so we cannot snap our fingers after nine years of neglect and just magic up a teaching workforce. However this Government is doing on many levels as much as we can to work with the sector to ensure that we futureproof this workforce.Hon Nikki Kaye: In light of the 100 principals and teachers that have written to her within 72 hours will she do something to ensure that there is additional funding for special education coordinators in schools?Hon TRACEY MARTIN: The 100 or so form submissions that have been sent to our offices are being responded to. With regard to this Government's intention to provide greater support for the diverse learning needs of our students across New Zealand there will be an announcement tomorrow.Hon Nikki Kaye: Has her Associate Minister Tracey Martin advocated strongly—SPEAKER: Order! Order! Now the member's got to get that question right. Someone can't be their own Associate Minister.Hon Nikki Kaye: Well OK. Has she—SPEAKER: She is the Minister.Hon Nikki Kaye: OK. Well has she advocated strongly throughout the last number of weeks given the fact we've already had one set of strikes for additional funding for special education coordinators in schools?Hon TRACEY MARTIN: I have worked collegially with Minister Hipkins and other members of Cabinet to ensure that tomorrow we are able to make an announcement.Hon Nikki Kaye: Will she listen to the number of teachers and principals who are raising issues around relief teachers and additional short-term supply measures to ensure that we try and prevent future strikes in our school system?Hon TRACEY MARTIN: I can guarantee all teachers principals and educators in this country that this Government will listen to them will work with them will introduce workforce planning—something they have not had for at least the last decade. And I can also guarantee them that we will not insult them as they have been for the last nine years."