Offer accepted by primary school principals

Primary school principals have voted to accept the Government's pay offer.

The settlement includes a $15,000 allowance to recognise the workload created by the rollout of curriculum changes.

They will also receive a cumulative 2.5 percent wage rise immediately, plus 2.1 percent in 12 months.

The Leadership in Literacy and Numeracy base payment will additionally increase to $10,000 per year over the term of the agreement, as well as other increases and new allowances.   

Education Minister Erica Stanford welcomes a successful end to negotiations.

"Primary principals play a key role in our schools and in the teaching workforce".

“They are dedicated and passionate about lifting educational achievement, and their leadership must be recognised during this important reform programme".

NZEI Te Riu Roa bargaining team member, Stephen Lethbridge, says the result highlights the power of their collective voice.

"By speaking with one voice, we have secured a collective agreement that reflects our shared commitment to the profession."

A previous offer was rejected at the end of last year.

NZEI Te Riu Roa said at the time it didn’t recognise the increased pressure facing primary school principals with the government’s rushed curriculum changes.

“Secondary principals were offered recognition of their vital leadership in curriculum change and what we are asking for is a similar approach.”

The new collective agreement covers a 30-month term, running from the date of ratification until 27 August 2028.

Full details of the settlement can be found here: https://workforce.education.govt.nz/principals-and-schools/collective-agreement-negotiations