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Current teachers

Relief teaching

Relief teaching roles are perfect for registered teachers, recently retired teachers or teachers looking for a more flexible schedule
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Last updated 15 May 2026

Being a relief teacher means you can support your education colleagues who may need time away from the classroom for various reasons including sick leave or professional development.

The government is covering teacher practising certificate fees and levies until 30 June 2028. This will be automatically applied to your application for a practising certificate renewal to relief teach.

You may be able to start relief teaching straight away. See which pathway is right for you.

How do I get started as a relief teacher? 

Relief teaching registration options
Type of registration
Teachers with a current practising certificate
Nothing – you can become a relief teacher today
Registered teacher with no practising certificate
Can relief teach 20 half days while renewing certificate
Out of teaching for an extended period of time (over five years)
Complete a Kia Maia | Future-Ready Teaching Plan
Have a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT)
The Teaching Council can issue a LAT for relieving
Trained in either secondary or primary education
Can teach in either setting

You will need to provide details of your experience, qualifications, and other key information before being accepted as a relief teacher.

If you would prefer to go through a recruitment agency, these organisations can support you with recruitment:

The Ministry does not endorse, or quality assure providers.

Even if you have not taught in five years or more, you do not need to complete a Teacher Education Refresh (TER) programme.

You may be asked to complete a Kia Maia | Future-Ready Teaching Plan with your principal or tumuaki.

Read more about Kia Maia | Future-Ready Teaching Plans on the Teaching Council website.

Even if you have not taught in five years or more, you do not need to complete a Teacher Education Refresh (TER) programme.

You may be asked to complete a Kia Maia | Future-Ready Teaching Plan with your principal or tumuaki.

Read more about Kia Maia | Future-Ready Teaching Plans on the Teaching Council website.

The Teaching Council can issue a LAT for day to day relieving teaching positions which should be filled by a registered teacher but for which there are currently no such teachers available because of supply issues. If you are currently working as a teacher aide, this may be an option for you.

Learn more about a Limited Authority to Teach - Teaching Council

Benefits of being a relief teacher

  • Relief teaching allows you to work a schedule that fits with your life and earn an income while maintaining important community and social links.
  • You can support your school community and permanent teachers.
  • You will work in partnership with the school on what needs to be delivered in the classroom you will be looking after.
  • You will not work school holidays.
  • You can maintain your registration and possible PLD opportunities.
  • There are opportunities to work in a range of schools and levels of your choice.
  • There are travel allowance and sick leave entitlements.
  • Temporary increase for relief teachers to their transport allowance mileage rates:
    • Car reimbursement rates have increased to 83 cents per kilometre from 37 cents
    • Motorbike rates have increased to 31 cents per kilometre from 15 cents.

Transport allowance mileage rates are in place from 20 April 2026 for 12 months or until fuel prices reduce to below $3 per litre for four consecutive weeks.

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