Kaiārahi i te Reo and Therapist Collective Agreement Negotiation
Update on Collective Agreement negotiation for Kaiārahi i te reo and Therapist staff in state and state-integrated schools
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Last updated 15 October 2025
Following 9 days of bargaining, a revised offer for the renewal of the Kaiārahi i te Reo and Therapists’ Collective Agreement was presented to NZEI Te Riu Roa on 24 September 2025. On 8 October 2025, NZEI Te Riu Roa advised that the offer will not be presented to members for their consideration.
The offer provides a 2.1% pay increase from 15 October 2025. Those who have annual progression would see their salary increase between 4.0% and 13.0%, over the 20-month term, assuming a start of year anniversary date.
Key features of the offer
A 2.1% increase on all printed rates from 15 October.
A 20-month term.
New Team Leader allowance for Therapists of $3,000 per annum for those who lead a team of 3 or more therapists.
Provision of approved provider PLD for staff who work directly with students who experience behavioural or learning needs associated with neurodiversity. This fund would provide up to $4.5 million total (inclusive of administration costs) over the life of the fund.
Increasing the motor vehicle allowance rate from 62c to 83c per kilometre.
Increase from 3 to 5 days, the number of calendar days an employee must be sick for before a medical certificate can be requested by the employer.
Recognition of service for employees transferred to charter schools under section 119 of the Education and Training Act (2020) if they return to a role under coverage of this collective agreement.
Provisions which recognise workplace delegates.
Targeted communications to schools regarding reviewing employment of employees under coverage of the KRCA who have been on fixed term agreements of longer than two years.
Targeted advice created by NZSBA and NZEI about school practices for term time only kaiārahi i te reo and therapists in order to clarify these matters for employers and employees.
Clarity and consistency of conditions throughout the collective agreement including that employers can pay above the therapists’ printed rates for additional leadership or management responsibilities, if appropriate. Further changes clarify good practice when employment issues arise and improve readability of the collective.
This offer ensures those at the top of the scale (without automatic progression) would get a 2.1% increase over the term.Those who have annual progression would see their salary increase between 4.0% and 13.0%, over the 20-month term, assuming a start of year anniversary date.
From the date of ratification, a kaiārahi i te reo working 40 hours per week for 40 weeks of the year would receive an increase of between $0.85 and $1.06 per hour or between $1360 and $1,696 per year. All therapists on a full-time salary would receive between $0.81 and $1.19 per hour or between $1,592 and $2361 per year.
The proposed Terms of Settlement, including other elements of the offer can be found here.
