The NZEI has paid tribute to former government minister Brian Donnelly who died on Thursday.
The ormer New Zealand First MP was elected to Parliament in 1996, becoming an associate minister of education in the New Zealand First - National coalition government.
He retired from Parliament earlier this year to take up the post of High Commissioner in Rarotonga, but ill-health forced him to resign after six months.
The union says Mr Donnelly, a former teacher and principal, was a long time member of the NZEI.
President Frances Nelson says Mr Donnelly gave his full support to quality public education and always worked in the interests of teachers and children.
She says his ability to consider issues from an educational rather than a solely political perspective was greatly appreciated.
