The Government scrapped its policy to increase class sizes and cut teacher numbers not because it changed its mind, but because it was losing the debate with parents, Prime Minister John Key says.
Education Minister Hekia Parata announced on Thursday the decision to abandon the policy, which was designed to save $43 million a year to be used for teacher development.
Mr Key told TV One's Breakfast show that the decision was not driven by poll results.
"It was that we were clearly losing the debate with New Zealand parents," he said.
He said the decision was made by Ms Parata.
The Government did not want to risk months of industrial action and anxiety, he said.
Mr Key told Newstalk ZB that the Government always knew the policy would have a disproportionate impact on a small group in the sector.
It still believed the principle behind the issue it made its original decision on was right but had decided not to box on.
"Whether it's right or wrong perception is some times reality in politics," he said.
Ms Parata is now looking for other ways to save money which can be used for teacher development, which has been put on hold.
NZN