A teacher has been censured after he was caught snorting “white powder” off a classroom desk during an after-hours Christmas party at his school, according to a newly released NZ Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal decision reported by Tracy Neal from RNZ.
The incident took place in December 2022 when staff members moved their end-of-year celebrations from a tavern back to a classroom.
Around 16 teachers continued the party on school grounds until the deputy principal shut it down after hearing that a teacher had been offered “lines” of a white substance by colleagues.
The teacher later admitted to the deputy principal that he sniffed some of the powder using a rolled-up $5 note, calling it the “most stupid thing” he had ever done.
He claimed he had been drinking, did not normally use drugs and was unsure what happened to the other four lines on the desk. He also insisted the substance had no effect on him.
The tribunal noted there was no proof the powder was an illegal drug, but the teacher believed it was at the time. Deputy chair Catherine Garvey said the behaviour still amounted to serious misconduct, pointing out that it occurred on school property where the risk of being seen by students or the public remained.RNZ
The teacher, registered since 2011, resigned in June 2024 after receiving a final written warning through an employment investigation. He is now employed at another school.
The tribunal ruled his actions showed a serious lack of professional judgment and reflected poorly on the teaching profession.
He has been formally censured, required to disclose the finding to any employer for two years, and ordered to pay $1200 towards investigation costs.
RNZ
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