Early childhood teacher appeared before tribunal for using methamphetamine
Monday 14 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal
An early childhood teacher appeared before the Teacher’s Disciplinary Tribunal after admitting to using methamphetamine before work and during lunch breaks. The Complaints Assessment Committee has called for the teacher's registration to be cancelled due to the serious nature of the conduct.
Key facts
4 facts
- The teacher used methamphetamine between October 2023 and September 2024
- The Complaints Assessment Committee is seeking cancellation of her registration
- The teacher has been sober for 22 days
- The teacher has not been teaching since the end of 2024
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
An early childhood teacher appeared before the Teacher’s Disciplinary Tribunal after admitting to using methamphetamine while working at a childcare centre during 2023 and 2024. The Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC) has called for the cancellation of her teacher's registration due to serious misconduct.
The CAC submitted that the teacher used the drug during the working week between October 2023 and September 2024. This included use before work in the mornings and during lunch breaks before returning to the classroom. The committee claims she worked under the influence while responsible for the welfare of learners and failed to inform her employer.
The teacher, who has name suppression, told the tribunal, “I miss the children and I am fully aware of the danger that I put them in”. She has not taught since the end of 2024 and reported being 22 days sober.
CAC counsel Evan McCaughan stated the committee respects her steps toward sobriety but argued she is not far enough in recovery to ensure the offending will not recur. Tribunal deputy chairman James Gurnick said the tribunal will deliberate on penalties and aims to release a decision within the next month.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Otago Daily Times.