The Education Minister's unfazed by a rise in sector vacancies, saying these aren't the right figures to be looking at.  

Around 450 teaching and principal roles remain vacant – 12% more than this time last year. 

Minister Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking most of these aren't full time.  

She says it doesn't mean there are 450 classrooms without teachers, and she expects a higher vacancy rate at this time of year.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

• Auckland schools hit hardest as 445 teacher roles sit vacant nationwide
• Teacher shortages worsen as students prepare to go back to the classroom