Former New Plymouth Boys' High School physics teacher Mike Li has had his teaching registration cancelled following a formal investigation into his classroom conduct and fabricated military credentials.
Teaching Council acting chair Patrick Walsh confirmed the decision on Monday, explaining that the governing body acted "under the Council's statutory responsibilities after consideration of all relevant information before it."
Mr Walsh stated that the governing council "was satisfied on reasonable grounds that Mr Li no longer met the statutory requirements for registration."
Regulators issued the order under Schedule 3 of the Education and Training Act 2020, which covers cancelling registrations based on whether a teacher is of good character or fit to teach.
Inquiries began after video footage emerged showing Mr Li pointing a slug gun at a classroom of students while warning them against being late.
"Otherwise bad stuff happens," Mr Li told the class in the recording.
This event took place approximately three years ago during his time teaching in Taranaki.
In an earlier statement to Stuff, New Plymouth Boys' High School headmaster Sam Moore stated the school was "aware of concerns regarding Mr Li's military service while he was employed at the school."
Mr Moore also noted they were "aware of a video that has been circulating," adding that "both concerns were taken seriously and addressed directly at the time."
School records indicate the slug gun was a school-owned item used during science lessons to demonstrate a ballistic pendulum.
Students at the school regularly observed Mr Li demanding to be addressed by the title "Commander" while operating a luxury Bentley with the personalised number plate "CDR LI."
He frequently shared elaborate tales of his military career, claiming to have commanded a British nuclear submarine and served in the Special Air Service.
During formal events such as local Anzac Day services, he wore a collection of prestigious medals, including a Military Medal, an MBE, a Gulf War Medal and a Royal Marines beret.
Medal researcher Ian Martyn conducted extensive research into the decorations and expressed deep scepticism regarding their authenticity. "If all this is true, he's probably one of the greatest modern-day [war heroes]," Mr Martyn told Stuff during the initial investigation, noting that veteran groups found no records of his service.
Prior to the registration cancellation, Mr Li had moved to Marlborough Boys' College, where he voluntarily stood down when the Teaching Council launched its assessment.
