Teacher's Registration Cancelled After Inappropriate Contact with Children

Key facts

• Ankui Gui's teacher registration has been cancelled.
• Gui engaged in inappropriate physical contact with multiple children between April and May 2021.
• Incidents included kissing a 3-year-old on the lips on at least two occasions.
• Gui also allegedly tickled and kissed the hand of a 4-year-old girl.
• He continued the behaviour after being warned at one centre.
• The Teachers' Disciplinary Tribunal cited a concerning pattern of conduct.
• Gui stated his actions were not intended to be harmful and cited cultural differences.

Teacher's Registration Revoked Amid Misconduct Findings

Ankui Gui, an early childhood relief teacher, has had his registration permanently cancelled by the New Zealand Teachers' Disciplinary Tribunal. The decision follows findings of inappropriate physical contact with several young children during his employment in 2021. The tribunal's ruling marks the end of his ability to teach in New Zealand. The tribunal's recent decision detailed a pattern of concerning behaviour that occurred between April and May 2021. Gui's actions, which were repeated and directed at multiple students across two different early childhood centres, have led to this severe sanction. This cancellation comes after interim name suppression, granted earlier in 2024, has now lapsed. Gui worked as a relief teacher for the Jitbug early childhood education recruitment agency, providing services at New Shoots Hobsonville and Pascals Herne Bay.

Pattern of Inappropriate Physical Contact Detailed

The tribunal's findings outline a series of incidents that occurred over several instances. Key among these was Gui kissing a 3-year-old child on the lips on at least two separate occasions. He also kissed the hand of another 4-year-old child, and allegedly tickled her before doing so. Further disturbing accounts emerged during the hearing. witnessing Gui kiss a 3-year-old boy on the lips on two occasions. Another teacher observed Gui nuzzling his head into a 3-year-old girl's chest while she stood on a wooden box in the playground. These actions were not isolated. The tribunal chair, Jamie O'Sullivan, stated that Gui's conduct was "not isolated or accidental but demonstrated a concerning pattern of inappropriate physical contact with multiple children across two early childhood centres."

Child's Discomfort Led to Investigation

The gravity of Gui's conduct became apparent when at least one child felt uncomfortable enough to report the behaviour to her parents. This disclosure prompted the parents to alert the centre's staff, initiating a process that would eventually lead to the tribunal's investigation. Evidence presented at the hearing included testimony from the father of the 4-year-old girl. He explained that his daughter, who would not typically discuss teacher conduct, did so following the incident. This prompted him to raise the matter with the centre. Crucially, Gui continued his inappropriate behaviour even after being warned about its unacceptability while working at New Shoots Hobsonville. He subsequently engaged in similar conduct at Pascals Herne Bay, demonstrating a disregard for previous admonishments.

Teacher Cites Cultural Differences for Actions

During the tribunal proceedings, Ankui Gui acknowledged some aspects of the conduct. However, he maintained that his actions were not intended to be harmful or sexually improper. He sought to explain his behaviour by referencing differing cultural perspectives on physical affection. Gui expressed regret for not fully appreciating New Zealand's professional boundaries sooner. He suggested that the norms and expectations surrounding physical interaction between adults and children differ in his cultural background. Despite these explanations, the tribunal's final decision underscored the seriousness of his repeated inappropriate physical contact with multiple children. The cancellation of his registration reflects the paramount importance of child safety and professional conduct within New Zealand's early childhood education sector.

Implications for Early Childhood Sector Safety

The cancellation of Ankui Gui's registration serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required within the early childhood education sector. The tribunal's decision highlights the critical role of reporting mechanisms, where children's discomfort, communicated to parents and subsequently to staff, can trigger necessary investigations. The case also underscores the importance of clear professional boundaries and cultural competency training for educators. While Gui cited cultural differences, the tribunal's ruling emphasizes that adherence to New Zealand's standards of professional conduct is non-negotiable when working with children. Moving forward, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of young children in educational settings. The Teachers' Disciplinary Tribunal's actions reinforce its commitment to upholding professional standards and protecting vulnerable students from any form of inappropriate conduct.

The bottom line

• Ankui Gui's teaching registration has been permanently cancelled by the New Zealand Teachers' Disciplinary Tribunal.
• The cancellation stems from findings of inappropriate physical contact with multiple children in 2021.
• Incidents included repeated kissing of a 3-year-old on the lips and other inappropriate touching.
• Gui continued the behaviour after being warned at one centre, indicating a pattern.
• He explained his actions by citing cultural differences in physical affection but acknowledged some conduct.
• The tribunal cited a concerning pattern of behaviour that was not isolated or accidental.