Update on collective agreement negotiations for kindergarten teachers
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Last updated 8 June 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 20 May 2026.
The offer provides pay rate increases to kindergarten teachers of 2% - 2.1% dependent on step from 28 January 2027. The offer includes a 30-month term from the date of ratification (29 June 2026 to 28 December 2028).
Key elements of the offer
The key elements of the offer include:
Renewal of the Unified Pay Scale for the term of the agreement, which is a mechanism that provides that any future increases agreed with primary teachers will be offered to kindergarten 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.
Increase the cultural leadership allowances for 2027 and 2028 to be allocated to the largest kindergarten employer associations.
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.
The proposed Terms of Settlement, including other elements of the offer, can be found here:
