07 July 2025
John Luke
[FYI request #31331 email]
Official Information Act – Competency Authority
Tēnā koe John
Thank you for your email dated 17 June 2025 requesting information as follows:
I noted you have only had 2 lay member at the moment. What is your intend ratio of lay member
and professional member?
Can you also let me know, how many cases the Competence Authority has been referred to from 1
Jan 2024 to 1 Jan 2023 and 1 Jan 2022 to 1 Jan 2023.
I noted, "The Council can also confirm that we are intending to issue expressions of interest for
Members of the Profession and one Lay Person on the Competence Authority in 2025. In addition,
the Council is currently recruiting for two more Lay Person positions via a different process
involving the Minister of Education." Can you please provide further information around what do
you mean by different process? How many process you have and what it is the different？
What is
the process involving the Minister of Education currently at.
We have considered these requests under the Official Information Act 1982 and can advise as follows.
Competence Authority – Lay to Profession Membership Ratio
There is no prescribed ratio between Lay Members and Profession Members, however we do endeavour
to maintain a majority of Profession Members when appropriate. We do this to allow flexibility to ensure
different members from across the sector can be changed to meet the needs of the teacher who is
appearing before the Competence Authority without bloating the decision-making panel to maintain a
prescribed ratio.
Competence Authority – Cases Referred
Five cases were referred to the Competence Authority for the period from 1 January 2022 to 1 January
2023 and a separate five for the period from 1 January 2023 to 1 January 2024.
Competence Authority – Selection Processes
There is only one process for the selection of Competence Authority members. The difference between
the selection of Profession Members and Lay Members is the addition of one step for Lay Members. This
step is approval by the Minister of Education which occurs after the Governing Council has approved their
appointment. Profession Members do not require Ministerial approval.
If you have any further questions for us we are happy to arrange a meeting between yourself and our staff
to ensure you have all the information you need.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this response. Information
about to make a complaint is availab
le at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Tamahau Te Rau
Pou Kaiawha | Deputy Chief Executive.
Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, Taranaki Whanui,
Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa
