Unpacking the 4 Agency Process

Paperwork.

We know, not the most exciting topic.

But for teachers wanting to work in New Zealand, there are some “paperwork” processes you need to go through.

Becoming familiar with these and starting them as soon as possible is essential.

This article will cover the four external agencies you’ll engage with to teach in New Zealand.

On average, the whole process can take up to three to five months.

We have been bringing teachers to New Zealand for over 15 years, so by working with ANZUK Education, we can help you navigate these processes.

Contact our friendly, informative, and experienced team if you’re considering making the move!

Register for one of our regular webinars about teaching in New Zealand!

You’ll find out about the current teaching market, what the New Zealand school system looks like, what you need to do to teach here, and more!

The Four Agency Process

These four steps are required to be able to teach in New Zealand.
We recommend you complete steps 1 and 2 as soon as possible.

1. Have your qualifications assessed by NZQA

Qualifications are assessed by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). 

NZQA now have a list of ‘Pre-Approved Overseas Teaching Qualifications’. Check NZQA Pre-Approved Tool for qualifications exempt from assessment.  

You’ll need to apply for an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) if your qualification is not on the pre-approved list. 

If your initial teacher education qualification is pre-approved, you don’t need to apply for an IQA. You can skip this step, saving you valuable time and money. However, If you have additional qualifications, you may still need to have them evaluated for teacher salary purposes. Check to see if this applies to you here. 

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2. Apply for New Zealand Teacher Registration

Register and gain New Zealand Teacher Registration and current practising certificate with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa.

At ANZUK Education, we work closely with the Teaching Council.

Our “How to Become a Registered Teacher in NZ” webinar was created with the Teaching Council team and focuses on the Hapori Matatū application portal.

3. Gain the right to work in New Zealand

For teachers to work in New Zealand, they need the legal right to work, such as a visa through Immigration New Zealand.

NZ has Working Holiday Visa (WHV) Schemes for many countries; check the criteria to see if you are eligible.

If you are not eligible for a WHV, you will require a visa to allow you to work, such as a Work Visa. For an Accredited Employer Work Visa, you will need a job offer, a current practising certificate, and, ideally, be paid above the median wage.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) update their policies regularly, so keep abreast of these changes. Click here to read about the best visa option for you.

Only a licensed immigration advisor can give immigration advice. Several of our previous overseas teachers have used Migration Associates to assist them with the move to New Zealand. If you’d like to speak to someone who can assist you with your visa application, then please click here.

4. Complete a Salary Assessment

Complete a Salary Assessment with Education Payroll (formerly NovoPay), if you’re employed at a state or state-integrated school.

Teachers in New Zealand state schools are paid by Education Payroll (sometimes called EdPay, formerly called Novopay).

In order to be paid the correct amount, you will need to submit a Salary Assessment to see where you fall on the pay scale.