Concern has been raised about an Education Ministry proposal to ditch 53 Resource Teacher of Maori positions

Union NZEI says the proposal was presented by the Ministry during negotiations for both the area and primary school teachers' collective agreements, discussed at union meetings this week.

It's also been criticised by the National Association Resource Teachers Advisory Maori.

Chairperson Meriana Taputu says it's a breach of good faith in bargaining.

She says it's left-field and has come as an absolute surprise.