A drive to recruit 850 new teachers has been given a pass mark by the Principals' Federation.

An extra $10.5 million is to be spent attracting more staff, many of which will come from overseas.

Principals' Federation president Whetu Cormick told Kate Hawkesby calls for help have finally been answered.

"Across the country there are issues. In Invercargill currently there are four principals who are teaching full time in classrooms, so this is not just the main centres."

However, he says that hiring more teachers won't solve all of the education sector's problems.

Cormick says there's more to be done.

"A wider problem is the lack of support, especially for special education services, and yes, to acknowledge Tracey Martin who is doing work in that area. We also need more time to do the job."

LISTEN TO WHETU CORMICK TALK WITH KATE HAWKESBY ABOVE