There's been a mixed response from the primary teacher union to the government's plan to boost teacher numbers.

The government has promised to put $9 million into scholarships and recruitment programmes focused on increasing the number of science, technology, and maths teachers.

NZEI is welcoming the measures, and says the extra scholarships will provide much-needed financial support to teaching trainees. But national president Louise Green said she's fearful the measures will be a band-aid solution to the challenge of attracting and retaining teachers.

She said teaching is a very rewarding career, but prospective teachers can often make more money in other careers with similar skill sets.

"It's really, really important that teachers are paid a salary that acknowledges their skills and the contribution they make to society."

Green said they also aren't happy with the government's decision to train primary school teachers on the job rather than at teacher training college.

"We don't support the Teach First model in primary school, because we believe untrained people in classrooms are not best for young children's learning."