Maharey questioned

A teacher who posted pornographic pictures of himself and two women on internet sex sites no longer holds a practising certificate and is not employed at any school, Parliament was told yesterday.

Education Minister Steve Maharey was responding to questions from National's Katherine Rich, who wanted to know whether he backed the Teachers Council disciplinary tribunal's decision to allow the art teacher to continue teaching.

She said the internet pictures had carried a message for girls to contact the teacher.

Mr Maharey said he could not direct the Teachers Council over any individual decision, nor could he overturn its decisions.

He said the Teachers Council was reviewing its criteria so it could "tighten up" on such cases.