The New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) has voiced serious concerns about the Government's intention to sign the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).
The teachers' union believes that public education will be seriously undermined after the free trade agreement is signed.
NZEI Te Riu Roa national secretary Paul Goulter says the deal puts at risk the rights of sovereign nations to enact laws and regulations that stop foreign edu-businesses from setting up in New Zealand, maximising their profits and dominating New Zealand education.
"This is a major threat to our fee-free, high-quality public education system," said Mr Goulter.
"The TPPA wording is ambiguous but analysis of the documents clearly shows the agreement would allow international corporates to move into the education sector in New Zealand. In no country has that ever worked.