Disciplinary Tribunal process
When a charge against a teacher is made to the New Zealand Teachers Council the following process begins.
The notification of the charge or notice of referral is sent by the Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC) to the teacher concerned, the initiator of the complaint or mandatory report and the teacher's current employer (if applicable).
The Chair of the Tribunal holds a pre-hearing conference (often by phone) with the complainant (CAC), and the teacher or teacher's representative.
The Chair sets the hearing date and sets a timeline for filing submissions and evidence with the Tribunal. Tribunal hearing panel members are selected.
The Secretary for the Tribunal formally notifies the teacher or teacher's representative about the timeline for filing submissions and evidence with the Tribunal. In addition, the teacher or teacher's representative are notified of the names of the panel members. Any objections to panel members can be made within 5 days of receiving the letter.
The teacher or teacher's representative is asked if an interpreter is required or if any special provisions need to be made for witnesses submissions and evidence.
Documentation is distributed to all parties prior to the hearing. The Tribunal hearing takes place.
The Tribunal makes a decision and writes to all parties. Tribunal hearing decisions can be appealed to the District Court within 28 days of receiving the decision letter.
Read here for information on the Disciplinary Tribunal hearings.