Two teacher aides caught passing drugs at an Auckland primary school have resigned.

The pair at Rowandale Primary in Manurewa were reported to the principal by a teacher who saw them exchanging "foils" in the staff room after hours.

An internal investigation found the drugs were marijuana and the school suspended the two aides without pay following a board hearing.

They were allowed to return to work if drugs tests came back negative.

A statement released this afternoon says the staff have now decided to resign following today's media attention.