Key Education Workforce Updates: Immigration for teaching in New Zealand in 2025, and More
- Rebecca Milford
- Sep 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 4
Aotearoa’s education sector is experiencing several exciting developments that will have a direct impact on recruitment, resourcing, and support for both schools and overseas teachers. Below is a summary of the most important updates for schools and teaching professionals — particularly those supporting or working with overseas-trained educators.
🇳🇿 Primary Teachers teaching in New Zealand added to the ‘Straight to Residence’ Immigration Pathway
As of 26 March 2025, overseas-trained primary school teachers offered employment in a New Zealand school will now be eligible to apply directly for residency under the ‘Straight to Residence’ pathway — a significant upgrade from the previous ‘Work to Residence’ route.
This change is designed to help address the current supply pressures in primary education and make New Zealand an even more attractive destination for qualified teachers.
📌 What this means:
Faster residency for qualified overseas primary teachers
Stronger incentive for teachers considering the move
Simplified immigration process for schools and hiring bodies
🔗 More details: Green List Changes – Immigration NZ
💸 Financial Support for Schools & Overseas Teachers
To further support the attraction of overseas educators, the following financial incentives are available:
🎓 For Teachers:
Overseas Relocation Grant – Up to $10,000 to assist with moving costs when taking up a teaching position in NZ.
🏫 For Schools:
Overseas Finder’s Fee – $3,450 to help offset recruitment costs for employing overseas-trained teachers.
Alongside the overseas teacher recruitment support that Milford Specialist Recruitment provide during and after placing you, a Navigator Service is also available to help. Schools and international teachers can be given assistance to manage the education-specific steps involved in relocating, including registration and integration.
📰 Education Gazette – Issue 2 Now Online
The latest issue of the Education Gazette is now available and explores themes of connection to people, place, and culture — and how these strengthen learner wellbeing and achievement.
💡 Heat, Light, and Water Funding – One-Off Reimbursements
Schools not connected to town water or sewerage systems may be eligible for one-off cost reimbursements related to heat, light, and water.
📅 Apply within 12 months of the invoice date.
DRAFT RESOURCE FOR TEACHERS: Enhancing Education Through the Inclusive Teaching Practices Guidelines (ITPG) 🌟
The draft resource for teachers currently rolled out from Teaching Council - the Inclusive Teaching Practices Guidelines (ITPG), marks a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive educational landscape in New Zealand. These guidelines serve as a comprehensive framework designed to help educators effectively implement inclusive practices in their classrooms.
The ITPG empowers educators with practical strategies and resources, fostering an environment where every student feels valued and included. This initiative not only promotes equitable learning opportunities but also aims to enhance educational outcomes for all learners.
If you’re looking to learn more about how to implement these guidelines when you arrive as a teacher in NZ or perhaps you are already teaching in NZ and you'd like to make further positive impact in your classroom, then check out the Teaching Council's Inclusive Teaching page. 🌍📚
Stay Informed, Stay Ahead
These updates reflect the evolving landscape of New Zealand’s education sector — with big steps being taken to address teacher shortages, improve immigration pathways, and support both schools and the talented professionals they employ.
🔁 Feel free to share this post with colleagues or teaching professionals considering a move to New Zealand with Milford Specialist Recruitment support.
Considering a move to New Zealand as an educator? Book in for a chat to learn more from us on how we can facilitate your move.
