New Measures to Protect Children in Schools from Harmful Offenders

The changes are effective immediately, and the DIA will continue its existing practice of notifying the New Zealand Police directly in such cases.

The New Zealand Government is implementing new measures to better protect children and young people from potential harm caused by child offenders working in schools. Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, announced that the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the New Zealand Teaching Council to improve how information about individuals under investigation for child exploitation offences is shared.

Faster Intervention to Protect Children

“This agreement means that the Department will now directly share information with the Teaching Council about school staff under investigation for child sex abuse material, enabling faster intervention and protecting children from harm more quickly,” said Minister van Velden.

Previously, the DIA was required to notify the New Zealand Police, who would then contact the Teaching Council. Under the new arrangement, the DIA will bypass this additional step, allowing the Teaching Council to take immediate action. This streamlined process aims to remove potentially harmful individuals from school environments faster, improving overall child safety.

Prioritizing Child Safety

"The safety of children and young people is a top priority for this Government," van Velden emphasized. "This is a common-sense solution that ensures potential offenders are removed from schools as soon as possible, keeping students safe from harm."

Enhanced Information Sharing for Better Protection

The new MoU also allows the Department to share intelligence on broader trends in child exploitation that could be relevant to investigations involving schools. This includes information about digital activities by educators that may put children at risk. In return, the Teaching Council will share insights about educators under investigation with the DIA.

“This agreement lays the groundwork for continued cooperation between the Department of Internal Affairs and the Teaching Council to strengthen protections for children and young people,” van Velden added.

The changes are effective immediately, and the DIA will continue its existing practice of notifying the New Zealand Police directly in such cases.

A Coordinated Approach to Protecting Children

This enhanced collaboration between the DIA and the Teaching Council represents a proactive step in the government’s broader effort to create safer environments for children. By facilitating quicker action against potential offenders and improving the flow of information, the initiative reflects the government's commitment to safeguarding young New Zealanders from exploitation and abuse.