Education and Training Act 2020, ss 10, 496, 497, 500
It’s unacceptable, and against the law for a teacher to:
have an intimate or sexual relationship with a student
make comments of a sexual nature about a student’s appearance
suggest they want to have sex with a student.
Teachers have legal and ethical responsibilities under the Education and Training Act, the Teaching Council’s code of conduct, and the criminal law. If a teacher has broken these, they can face serious consequences.
If something has happened, talk to someone you trust, like a parent, a different teacher, a guidance counsellor, or another adult.
Contact your nearest Community Law Centre, or the Students Rights Service for free legal advice.
The school principal must report the teacher’s behaviour to the Teaching Council Complaints Assessment Authority (CAC), who can refer the compliant to the Disciplinary Tribunal. You and your whānau can also make a report to the CAC.
For contact details see, “Where to go for more support” at the end of this guide