ACT leader David Seymour says his party would increase funding for teacher salaries by $1 billion, but only good teachers would be paid more.
Pay talks for primary teachers begins today with the NEW Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) seeking a 16 per cent increase for its members.
Mr Seymour said in a release it was wrong that teachers were paid the same, regardless of ability.
"In nearly every industry in New Zealand, people are paid according to their merits. Why should teaching be any different?," Mr Seymour said.
"Every parent know which teachers are great and which aren't.
"In 2017, there were 127,000 registered teachers. Only 28, or 0.02 per cent, had their registration cancelled.
"Compare this to the legal profession where lawyers are struck off at almost five times the rate."
Mr Seymour said the government would be able to afford this investment if they hadn't splurged on corporate welfare in the regions and making university free.
"If the Government hadn’t decided to splash out on corporate welfare for the regions and making university for free for tomorrow's elite, it would be able to afford this policy," Mr Seymour said.
"Education is the most important gift we can give our children, New Zealand kids should be taught by highly-skilled professionals."
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