Education minister absent from teachers' conference in Christchurch

Tuesday 23 September 2025 · 5 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 24 Sep 2025, 9:50am

In this story Erica Stanford, Post Primary Teachers' Association, Chris Abercrombie

Minister of Education Erica Stanford failed to deliver a scheduled keynote address at the Post-Primary Teachers' Association annual conference. PPTA president Chris Abercrombie criticised the minister's absence during the opening of the event in Christchurch. The cancellation occurred amid industrial action and sector upheavals.

How they headlined it

10h

Tue 9:59pmWed 8:18am9:50am

1. RNZTue 23 Sep 2025, 9:59pm

   Minister marked absent, speech not turned in to teachers at conference (opens in new tab)

2. Waikato Times via RNZWed 24 Sep 2025, 8:18am

   'Very poor form': Education Minister marked absent after no-show at teacher conference (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab), The Post (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesWed 24 Sep 2025, 9:50am

   Education minister a no-show at teachers' conference (opens in new tab)