Liam Rutherford
Public Service Commissioner on striking teachers
The primary school teachers' union respond to criticism from the Public Service Commssioner Sir Brian Roche. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 17 September 2025
In today's episode, we have our weekly political panel with National and Labour; A United Nations commission of inquiry says Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza; There's further… Audio
Primary school staff set to strike as teacher action escalates
There's further disruption coming for students and parents - with primary school staff set to walk of the job. Teacher and NZEI negotiator Liam Rutherford spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
School teachers, principals expected to reject $6000 pay rise
School teachers and principals look set to refuse a $6000 pay rise and dig in their toes for more.
For most teachers the Education Ministry's offer works out to be about half the increase their… Audio
The Panel with Cindy Mitchener and Simon Wilson (Part One)
Today on The Panel, Wallace and panellists Cindy Mitchener and Simon Wilson discuss today's School Strike 4 Climate demonstrations, this year's CEOs survey and a music teacher who switched careers and… Audio
Relief teachers in short supply
New data has revealed there was a 34 percent drop off in the availability of relief teachers in primary schools between 2012 and 2021. NZEI Te Riu Roa President Liam Rutherford talks to Jesse about… Audio
More help needed for flood-hit Tairāwhiti schools says union
Floodwaters in Tairāwhiti have closed multiple schools around the region, forcing students to stay home and learn online.
Three schools, Makarika School, Hatea-A-Rangi School and Te Kura Kaupapa… Audio
Covid-19: Students bringing masks along for first week back at school
Many schools and kura across the motu are starting back for the year today, but it won't be like anything they've faced before.
Staff are battling with how to enforce mask mandates and are dealing… Audio
Union responds to survey on teacher morale
A new survey of teachers shows the pandemic is taking an increasingly heavy toll on them and their pupils.
Many teachers report their pupils' behaviour has deteriorated and teachers themselves are… Audio
Primary teachers' union responds to mandatory vaccination policy
NZEI president Liam Rutherford told Checkpoint he welcomes the announcement of mandatory vaccination for education staff. Video, Audio
Teachers encouraged to get vaccinated, but no mandate - NZEI
Unvaccinated teachers across the country could soon face tougher Covid-19 restrictions.
Yesterday on the programme, Education Minister Chris Hipkins wouldn't say whether vaccination for… Video, Audio
Education review recommends systematic shift
A new report finds children are being short-changed in primary school classrooms, with teachers and principals telling a review they need more time and resources to to do their jobs properly. Audio
Call to train teachers in neuro-science
A group of North Island principals say teachers need to be trained in the neuro-science behind learning and behavioural difficulties to stop disruption in the classroom and cut the numbers of children… Audio
Schools absent from Government plans on coal - NZEI
Education union NZEI Te Riu Roa says it is disappointed schools are notably absent from the Government's plans on coal.
The union says the education sector has been excluded from a state sector… Audio
School's out: Now what?
Schools around the country have fallen silent today - as the doors are closed to all but the children of "essential workers". After tomorrow, they'll close to all students for at least the next four… Audio
Call to train more teachers in NZ rather than recruit offshore
NZEI President, Liam Rutherford, calls for more teachers to be trained in New Zealand to address the staffing shortages rather than recruiting overseas. Audio
Primary teachers reject latest offer over workload
Primary and intermediate school teachers have voted to reject the latest pay offer. The decision was announced this morning. There was no strike vote. Liam Rutherford is NZEI's lead negotiator. Audio
Primary teachers to vote on second strike
Primary teachers are proposing a week of one-day rolling strikes in November. Their union, NZEI Te Riu Roa, says teachers and principals will vote in the first week of the fourth term on the proposed… Audio
Primary school teachers to strike for first time in 24 years
The first primary school teacher strike in 24 years is set to happen in August. Teachers have voted overwhelmingly against the Ministry of Education's latest pay offer, and they plan on striking for… Audio
Primary teachers and principals agree to strike
After two weeks of ballots around the country, primary school teachers and principals have voted to strike. Video, Audio
