New Zealand teacher education has been profoundly affected by major social and economic changes since 1974. From a separate sector controlled by the Department of Education, it has moved through deregulation to largely university provision with research imperatives for staff. Programme scope has broadened to embrace early childhood and the continuing education of teachers. Current concerns are the impact of performativity, funding challenges and external compliance. New directions have often been a response to issues of supply or political ideology rather than considered policy. The way forward is uncertain.