A well-respected teacher has resigned from his role at one of Auckland's leading schools after allegations emerged of an inappropriate relationship with a student.
The man, who is known in the community for his work with various organisations, is now under the scrutiny of the Teaching Council.
It's understood the teacher had taken sick leave for an extended period before handing in his notice, and formally resigned during the term three holidays.
On Sunday, the Teaching Council confirmed to NZME it had "received a notification relating to" the man, but was unable to provide specific information regarding ongoing investigations or cases.
NZME has since received a letter from the man's lawyer, stating he had not been charged with any offence. The outlet said the man refused to comment
The Teaching Council said in certain situations, it may ask a teacher involved in allegations of misconduct to make a voluntary agreement not to teach until the matter is resolved.
"It is a voluntary agreement between the teacher and the council that the teacher will not teach in the interim.
"If a teacher does not agree to an undertaking we may apply to the Disciplinary Tribunal for an interim suspension of their practising certificate," The Herald on Sunday reported.
Investigations are confidential and only become publicly available if the case is heard by the Disciplinary Tribunal.
In a statement to NZME, the Ministry of Education's acting deputy secretary of sector enablement and support, Jann Marshall, said the school board is following the correct procedures and had notified the Teaching Council of the allegations.
"The council now has a responsibility to consider whether or not an investigation of the person's suitability to continue to hold a teaching registration is warranted," she said.
The man is highly regarded in his field and reportedly played an important role in developing the school's reputable teaching programme, considered one of the best nationwide.
