A Government plan to lure expat teachers back to New Zealand is receiving a tepid response from the Principals' Federation.

Education Minister Nikki Kaye has announced a plan to offer teachers grants of up to $7000 to come home.

Principals' Federation president Whetu Cormick told Mike Hosking it's only a short-term fix to a much wider problem.

"Really, our Government or future Governments need to be looking closely at what teachers are paid, and pay us more."

Cormick said the teaching profession is becoming less and less attractive, as pay rates are simply too low.

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