Teachers Council Election Results
The New Zealand Teachers Council has announced the election of four new members to its governing council. The new
members are Margaret WILSON (early childhood sector), Jill PAGE (primary sector), Steve WOOD (secondary sector) and Nola
HAMBLETON (principals sector).
Council Chair, Joanna Beresford, said that “nearly twice as many teachers voted this year in comparison to the first
election in 2002. The regional percentage of voters ranged from 21% in Christchurch to nearly 31% in Westland, with an
average participation rate in most regions of between 24% and 26%. Principals were most responsive with a 47%
participation rate. The average return of 32% was recorded amongst early childhood teachers, compared to secondary
school teachers who recorded a 24% average return, and primary school teachers with a 22.5% participation rate.
“This appears to indicate an increasing awareness of the work of the Council and ownership of it by teachers. We hope to
increase voter numbers again next time, in part by offering the opportunity to vote via the Internet.”
The Council is a Crown entity charged with providing professional leadership in teaching, enhancing the professional
status of teachers, and contributing to a safe and high quality teaching and learning environment for children and other
learners. It is required by law to hold elections every three years for a representative in each of four sectors.
The full set of formal results can be found on the Council’s web site www.teacherscouncil.govt.nz.