Update on collective agreement negotiations for kindergarten teachers
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Last updated 2 April 2026
The Ministry of Education has been negotiating with NZEI Te Riu Roa in good faith regarding the Kindergarten Teachers’, Head Teachers’ and Senior Teachers’ Collective Agreement.
An offer was presented to NZEI Te Riu Roa on 19 March 2026, ahead of the expiry of the current collective agreement.
The offer provides pay rate increases to kindergarten teachers of 2.5% from 6 April 2026 and a further 2% or 2.1% dependent on step from 6 April 2027. These increases provide a cumulative increase of 4.55% for steps 1 to 8 and 4.65% for steps 9 and 10 over the team of the agreement. The offer includes a change of term to 36-months (5 April 2026 to 4 April 2029).
Key elements of the offer
Renewal of the Unified Pay Scale for the term of the agreement, whereby kindergarten teachers will be offered any future increases agreed with primary teachers.
Improve pay relativities between teachers, head teachers and senior teachers to enhance career pathways and support recruitment and retention into leadership roles.
Increase the mileage rate for motor vehicles to 83 cents per kilometre to align with other education sector agreements.
Recognise all day-to-day relief hours for salary progression to match the treatment of other forms of teaching service.
Strengthen expectations for head teachers undertaking sabbaticals to present findings or learnings in a professional setting upon their return.
Changes to disregarded sick leave to clarify when leave will not apply.
Amend the time a teacher must return to work to be eligible for the parental grant.
The proposed Terms of Settlement, including other elements of the offer, can be found here:
