Educanz is the independent professional body that is expected to replace the New Zealand Teachers' Council later this year.
Education Minister Hekia Parata opened nominations this week and encouraged anyone with a strong interest in the development and strengthening of the education profession to apply for positions on the new governing council.
Ms Parata said it would have nine members - at least five of whom must be registered teachers with current practising certificates - and one of the nine would be appointed chairman.
''All appointments will be on the basis of skills, experience and knowledge.
''Members will act in the interests of the education profession as a whole, rather than any one sector group.
''I am confident the nominations process for Educanz will attract huge interest and a high calibre of nominees.''
Nominations would close on March 26, she said.
Concerns continue to be raised about the organisation by groups in the education sector.
The Otago Primary Principals' Association said it believed the Government had introduced the legislation because it did not trust teacher unions, such as the New Zealand Educational Institute.
The New Zealand Post Primary Teachers' Association has vowed not to stand by while democracy is stripped from the New Zealand Teachers' Council.
The association is developing a range of responses, which include giving the PPTA's executive the power to determine the extent to which the association will co-operate with the new body, and putting proposals for actions against the new council to a teacher vote.
Ms Parata described the organisation as a ''quantum step'' forward for the New Zealand education profession.
''It will act in the interests of teachers, principals and educators across the education system, from early childhood through to senior secondary.''
She said it would be charged with continuously raising the quality of the profession, from initial teacher education to ever-increasing expertise on clearly defined career pathways, ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct and safety of pupils, advocacy for professional learning and development of the profession, and partnering in education research and policy.
