Teaching Council fell ‘well short’, investigation finds, $1m spent with firm run by CEO’s husband
Tuesday, 17 February 2026
The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand fell “well short” of expected public sector standards, with serious and repeated failures in procurement with more than $1.1 million spent with a firm run by its chief executive’s husband, a review has found.
Sir Brian Roche on Tuesday released the findings of the Public Service Commission’s investigation into the council’s conflict of interest and procurement practices that showed “concerning picture” of poor oversight and and conflict of interest management over several years, an investigation found.
The investigation examined the council’s procurement practices and related conflict of interest management for engagements involving advertising firm Clemenger UnLtd, digital engagement services, and te reo Māori instruction, translation, and Māori cultural advice.
Brett Hoskin was the managing director of Clemenger UnLtd and is married to Lesley Hoskin, the chief executive of the Teaching Council. Hoskin stepped down as a director at the end of January.
The inquiry was launched in June 2025 after the Minister of Education received an anonymous complaint raising concerns about procurement, conflict of interest management, and wider organisational practices involving the chief executive and other senior leaders. The minister asked the Public Service Commissioner to investigate, and on Tuesday the findings were released.
It found “serious and repeated failures” in the council’s procurement and conflict of interest processes between late 2018 and early 2025.
“These failures were not matters of minor or technical non-compliance – they reflected poor oversight and immature organisational controls, particularly in relation to conflict management,” the report said.
Key findings included procurement activity that did not comply with the council’s own policies and fell short of system expectations, and a “significant conflict of interest involving the chief executive that was not properly identified, documented or managed”.
The investigation also found key steps did not occur, including competitive procurement where required and appropriate approval of exemptions.
Overall, it said the approach of the professional body responsible for the registration and oversight of teachers “fell short, and in some areas well short, of the standards expected of public sector agencies”.
It identified “a pattern of low-maturity conflict management, incomplete conflict identification, insufficient oversight, and poor tone from the top”.
Sir Brian Roche said the findings painted a concerning picture for an organisation responsible for regulating and upholding professional standards for teachers.
“The Council is responsible for upholding high professional standards for teachers,” Roche said.
“It must also meet the highest standards itself. In this case, basic public sector expectations were not met, and in some areas the Council fell well short.
“These shortcomings created avoidable organisational and reputational risks and have the potential to undermine trust in the Teaching Council.”
The report has been referred to the chair of the council’s governing body to determine what action should be taken in response to the findings. The investigation focused on specific engagements and governance processes rather than individual disciplinary outcomes. No further detail had yet been provided about potential consequences for those involved.
Education Minister Erica Stanford said the report showed up “highly concerning failures and problems”.
“The issues identified are not just minor or technical in nature that require slight adjustments. We have recently seen significant revelations that highlight key issues which should not be understated,” Stanford said in a statement.
“While the reports identified numerous shortcomings, they identified above all that there has been an inadequate focus on ensuring child protection, a paramount function of the Council that should be their top priority.
“Various issues have been identified with leadership, culture, purpose, and the priorities of the Council. The organisation has not appeared to see themselves as a regulator, and ultimately have not been supporting teachers sufficiently.
“Teachers have long questioned the use of the fees within the organisation and these reports show teachers were right to do so. Teachers should be well supported to succeed in their roles, and this is something I have confidence will be addressed.
“These and the other pressing issues raise serious questions concerning the capability of previous boards. A regulatory standards setting body should hold itself to the very highest level, enabling trust and confidence. These reports show previous boards have failed to do this.
“Boards play a key role in organisational culture. As Minister, I have appointed new members to the board to restore sound governance and effectiveness of the Teaching Council. I have confidence in the new board’s ability to govern the Council, but note the organisation has a very long way to go to restore confidence.
“Ultimately, the Teaching Council needs to undertake their duties competently, ensuring within that child safety, that teachers are well supported to deliver a world-leading education system, and that parents, the public and the sector have confidence in their activities.”
An earlier version of this story said over $1.7m worth of contracts was awarded to Celemger UnLtd. The correct total was $1,115,515. (Amended at 2.50pm on February 23, 2026)