Education Minister Hekia Parata has launched a ministerial
inquiry into the hiring of a convicted sex offender in the
education sector.
The offender, who was allegedly in breach of bail conditions,
has been arrested.
Ms Parata said she was "extremely concerned'' at the
revelation when ministers were informed late last week.
The offender was convicted of a sexual offence against a
minor in 2004, and the person was hired at a school as a
teacher.
Ms Parata said the school became aware that the offender had
multiple identities, and after reporting this to the
authorities the offender's previous conviction was
discovered.
"Parents should be able to send their children to school
confident that an individual of this type is not part of the
school environment,'' Ms Parata said today.
She did not name the offender and said the matter was now
before the court.
Ms Parata said the teacher worked at two schools, and
possibly a further six schools.
She said the person was facing charges in an Auckland court
for breaching release conditions. She did not comment on
whether further charges were expected.
The person was under an extended supervision order.
The inquiry will look at how the offender was able to breach
the system and how it can be strengthened.
"Clearly there are weaknesses in the system,'' Ms Parata
said.
The person was registered as a teacher from 2000.
Former Ombudsman Mel Smith will conduct the inquiry and
report back by the end of April.
The person had been "working irregularly'' in the sector
since 2000, Ms Parata said.
"It is clear to us that this person has used multiple
identities on multiple occasions.''
The Teachers Council undertakes checks when teachers apply to
be registered.
"A voluntary vetting is undertaken by police for that
individual and with that individual's knowledge and
consent,'' Ms Parata said.
"I have this morning called in the chair of the Teachers
Council and the chief executive of the Teachers Council to
ask them to give me an assurance of the integrity of the
system they are responsible for.''
She did not know whether the 2004 conviction was for an
action that took place in a school, or while the offender was
employed as a teacher.
Extended supervision orders are reserved for a person who has
been convicted of a sexual offence against a person under
16-years-old, and who has a real and ongoing risk of further
sexual offences against minors.
These sexual offences include:
* specific sexual offences involving victims less than 16
years of age
* pornography offences involving persons under 16 years of
age
* exploitative sexual offences against a person with a
significant impairment.
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