Teacher shortage a ‘disaster’
More than two thirds of Auckland’s new primary and intermediate teachers are thinking about leaving the city due to the cost of living, a new survey has found.
The survey, conducted by primary and intermediate teachers’ union the New Zealand Educational Institute, polled more than 450 Auckland teachers with up to two years of experience.
It found that 94 per cent of male teachers under 35 were thinking about leaving or definitely leaving Auckland.
Sixty-four per cent of all the teachers surveyed had given up hope of ever owning their own home in Auckland.
Meanwhile, 40 per cent of female teachers under 30 were putting off having children due to the high cost of living.
NZEI said the results showed the Auckland teacher shortage would soon become a ‘‘bigger disaster’’ than previously thought.
Balmoral School principal and NZEI strategist on Auckland issues Malcolm Milner said it was ‘‘beyond time for action’’ on the issue.
The union felt that teachers’ pay was too low and the cost and provision of housing was a significant factor in the shortage.
‘‘NZEI members want to know if the Government has a plan for addressing the crisis, and if so, what it is. If the Government does not have a plan, then the question is why not? If it does, then show it to us.
‘‘This survey indicates that in the future you’re going to see even fewer teachers available, or wanting to work in Auckland than now. This will have a major impact on the quality of education for children in Auckland.’’
Milner said any plan needed to raise the status of teaching and the pay and conditions offered.
It was ‘‘devastating’’ to think of Auckland losing a generation of teachers because they could not afford to live in the city, he said.
Adam Tamariki, 31, from Rosscommon School in Manurewa, said house prices would drive him away from Auckland if they didn’t change. ‘‘I love the job, wouldn’t do anything else. But to be honest, I’ve been thinking of leaving Auckland since my first year teaching.’’