Teachers and doctors are losing the ability to self-regulate. What are the risks?

Maskot/Getty Images Until recently, New Zealand legislation has recognised teachers, doctors and nurses as self-regulating professionals. But several recent law changes will change all that. The new laws will allow the direct imposition of government priorities on professional standards and the nature of professional activity for teachers, doctors and nurses. We argue the government’s moves undermine the independence of these critical service providers and, potentially, the quality of those…