The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand is proposing teachers pay about 8% more for registration from 2025 to 2028 so it can keep up with inflation, as well as the increased costs of its operations.
PPTA Otago regional chairman Kussi Hurtado-Stuart said teachers were still reeling from the 60% increases to the fee and levy in 2022.
He found it ironic the council wanted to put up their fees to match inflation considering teacher pay did not increase to match the inflation over the same period.
"I think the general feeling in the profession is a lack of appreciation from the governing bodies that are meant to be looking after us."
Part-time and relief teachers would feel the most pressure from the increased fees, he said.
While the increased costs would not "break the bank" for a full-time teacher, it could be a significant chunk for those working part-time, making it difficult to retain them in the profession.
He said the council was doing more than it was required to do and costs were increasing because of that.
The council was forecasting an increase in the number of applications from teachers in the coming years.
The proposal, which is published on the council’s website, also included an increase in the application fee for overseas applicants by 50% to complete their applications in a timely manner.
The council was also proposing to introduce a new $540 fee to apply for a review of its decisions to not award registration.
The proposed fee increases would come into effect on July 1.
The council declined to comment on criticism of the fee increase while it was in the consultation phase.
However, it revealed that nationally the council had received 2207 more overseas applications last year than it did in 2021.
