New safety checking requirements#

New safety checking requirements aim to reduce the risk of harm to children. This closes a loophole which has allowed some people with overseas convictions to hold core children’s worker roles without obtaining a core worker exemption.

From 24 October 2026#

On 24 October 2026, more offences are being added to Schedule 2 of the Children’s Act. These convictions must be considered by organisations employing or engaging children’s core workers. 

Children’s Act 2014: Schedule 2 – New Zealand Legislation

From 24 October 2026 schools, hostels and early childhood education services and providers must take reasonable steps to identify overseas convictions for all new core children’s workers. 

A person with an overseas conviction equivalent to a conviction listed in Schedule 2 must not be employed as a core children’s worker, unless they are granted a core worker exemption.

By 24 April 2027#

By 24 April 2027 employers must identify any overseas convictions or convictions for newly added offences across existing core children’s workers. This means that any core worker who has a conviction for an equivalent overseas conviction or a newly added offence cannot continue in a core worker role unless they are granted a core worker exemption.

Until 24 October, current safety checking requirements remain in place. 

Core worker convicted of specified offence not to be employed or engaged – New Zealand Legislation

Checks for certificated teachers #

For certificated teachers, the Teaching Council would have assessed any overseas criminal history. Teachers with relevant convictions are not certificated unless they have obtained a core worker exemption. 

The New Zealand Police Vetting Service will advise employers if existing core workers who have been vetted previously have been convicted of any of the newly-added offences.

Checks for non-certificated staff#

For non-certificated staff, employers must take reasonable steps to make sure they do not employ anyone who has been convicted of a Schedule 2 offence or an equivalent overseas conviction unless the person has obtained a core worker exemption. This is an important requirement to reduce the risk of harm to children. 

Detailed guidance #

Review of determinations #

A person who disagrees with a determination that their overseas conviction is equivalent to a Schedule 2 specified offence may apply for a review.

The review decision is made by the chief executive of either one of the 5 key agencies listed in the Act:

• Ministry of Social Development
• Ministry of Health
• Ministry of Education
• Ministry of Justice
• Oranga Tamariki.

Core worker exemptions#

A person with an equivalent overseas conviction or New Zealand conviction for a Schedule 2 offence can only work as a core children’s worker if they are granted a core worker exemption. 

People can apply to Te Kāhui Kāhu for a core worker exemption.

Core worker exemptions – Te Kāhui Kāhu