The New Zealand Government has set themselves a goal for the start of 2019 – to recruit 400 teachers from overseas to fill shortages in schools.

Why has the Government set themselves this goal?

New Zealand is struggling with severe teacher shortages, hence the goal set for 2019.

These shortages, as reported in the New Zealand Herald, are due to ‘a slump in domestic teacher trainees, exacerbated in Auckland by high housing costs which are driving many teachers out of the city.’

School principals are welcoming the initiative, but some will keep a keen eye on developments, as not everyone is confident that recruiting from overseas will be enough to fill all the gaps.

Teachers required across the board

The Government wants to recruit both primary and secondary school teachers, as teachers are in desperate need at all levels. The focus is not only on attracting overseas-trained teachers, but also on bringing New Zealand teachers home.

Eligible teachers may receive an Overseas Relocation Grant

New Zealand has established an Overseas Relocation Grant (ORG) that supports teachers with the costs of relocating to New Zealand. Nearly 200 teachers have already been approved for an ORG.

How does the ORG work?

The ORG was established to assist teachers who commence teaching in New Zealand from 13 December 2017 to 30 June 2019.

The New Zealand government approves a maximum of 100 grants per financial year. This means 100 grants for the period 13 December 2017 to 30 June 2018, and a further 100 grants from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019.

The ORG will:

• Reimburse actual and reasonable expenses up to a minimum of NZ$7,000 for each New Zealand-trained teacher and up to a maximum of NZ$5,000 for each overseas-trained teacher.
• Be non-taxable. This has been confirmed by Inland Revenue.

Who are eligible?

To be eligible for the Overseas Relocation Grant, you’ll have to meet the following criteria:

• Be registered and certified by the Education Council of New Zealand.
• Be employed in a full-time position that is either permanent or fixed term (of at least 12 months).
• Has never received an ORG or has received an ORG only once in a 5-year period.
• Did not teach in New Zealand between 13 December 2016 and 12 December 2017.
• Commenced employment on or after 13 December 2017, and up to 30 June 2019.
• Is employed to teach in a state or state-integrated school.

Payment criteria

To receive payment, you must do the following:

• Apply for the grant within three months of commencing employment. The school must provide evidence of this. The Government will consider applications received after three months on a case-by-case basis.
• Provide proof of expenditure of all actual and reasonable relocation costs. The specific amount of the grant will be based on this evidence.

Once all the requirement is met, 50% of the grant will be deposited into the nominated account after 10 weeks of teaching. The final 50% is deposited after 30 weeks of teaching.

Read more about the grant here.

Take the first step

If you are a teacher and you’d like to take advantage of this opportunity, the first step is finding out if you qualify for emigration to New Zealand.

Ready? Book a consultation call with our licensed advisor. You’ll not only find out if you’re eligible to teach in New Zealand, you’ll also discover your visa options, how the application process, and the costs involved.