National Union of Teachers records.

The National Union of Teachers evolved out of widespread dissatisfaction throughout all levels of the teaching profession, with the current situation regarding salaries and conditions of service generally. Initial stimulus for action came from a small group in Auckland, in particular from Mr. F.E. Whimp. Stimulus soon spread to the Wellington and Manawatu areas. Later, branches and small groups sprung up in parts of the South Island, the most active of these probably being Christchurch.

At first each group was completely independent, but during 1968 moves towards amalgamation began with a view to registration. However, various groups and individuals did not seem able to agree upon the type of registration that would best serve the purposes of the organization. Eventually, however, steps were taken that would enable the group to register under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act (1954). Registration was finally granted to the group on 11 Mar 1969. Their full title was Northern and Wellington National Union of Teachers Industrial Union of Workers. Membership was open to any registered teacher, at any level of the education service in the Northern and Wellington Industrial districts. When the Union announced its intention of seeking an award from the Arbitration Court, the Government reacted by inserting at clause in the Education Amendment Act of 1968 which denied teachers access to the court. During 1968-1969 there were at least three different groups of teachers, each calling themselves the National Union of Teachers, but only one group ever registered under the I C and A Act and this was the group already mentioned. In about Aug or Sept 1968, an Interim National Management Committee was set up in Auckland with Mr E.W. Braithwaite as Interim National President and Mr. D.R. Taylor as Secretary. In Oct, a National Conference was called and National elections held. Mr. E.W. Just of Palmerston North was elected National President and Mr. P. Walsh (also of Palmerston North) was appointed General Secretary. Branches were independent, with representation on the National executive. When registration was finally granted in Mar 1969, Mr. Just remained National President, Mr. Walsh as well as being General Secretary was also National Vice President, Wellington District. Mr. Paul Nicholson (Auckland) was National Vice President, Northern District. With National elections in Sept 1969, executive control returned to Auckland. Mr. Brian Brooks became National President and Mr. L. Bieringa was appointed General Secretary. Mr. R.H. Lockstone was Vice President. In May 1971 Brian Brooks resigned as National President, due to commitments relating to a new appointment in industry. Some time shortly after this, the Union apparently folded. Official cancellation of Registration was from 28 Sept 1972. Reasons for the collapse of NUT were in part due to the restrictions placed on the Union as a negotiating body as a result of Clause 9A inserted in the Education Amendment Act 1968. But the collapse was also due largely to the fact that the need for such a body was no longer pressing. The existing professional bodies were much more active and were in fact working more effectively for their members.