Female kaupapa Māori kaiako in classroom
Female kaupapa Māori kaiako in classroom
Principals and schools

Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement Negotiation

Update on collective agreement negotiation for primary teachers
Female kaupapa Māori kaiako in classroom
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Last updated 5 January 2026

Following 13 days of good faith bargaining a third offer was made for the renewal of the Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement and was presented to NZEI Te Riu Roa on 11 December 2025. Following a member ballot, NZEI Te Riu Roa advised that the offer was rejected by members on 17 December 2025.

Key elements of the offer include:

  • Pay increase of 4.5% - 4.7% for the term of the collective agreement:
    • Teachers on the top two steps of the scale receive a cumulative pay increase of 4.7% by January 2027. This is comprised of a 2.5% increase on 28 January 2026 and a further 2.1% increase 12 months later.
    • Teachers moving up the scale will continue to receive annual step increases along with a 4.5-4.6% pay increase by 28 January 2027. This is comprised of a 2.5% increase on 28 January 2026, and a further 2% increase 12 months later.
  • $700 Increases to Units: a 15.6% increase to unit values on 28 January 2026. Over 60% of teachers receive at least one unit.  Teachers with one unit, will receive an overall pay increase of between 3.1-3.4% in January 2026.
  • No additional call back days.  The Commissioner removed the claim for additional call back days and removal of expenses. However, call-back expenses cannot be claimed during term time.
  • 25 additional cultural leadership allowances
  • Removal of other Commissioner claims including increased requirements for sabbaticals and study awards.
  • Chatham and Pitt Island provisions that provide an increase to isolation allowance from a basic rate of $806.56 to $2,200 with the partner rate removed. An increase to freight allowance from $2662.42 to $5,000, partner rate from $1,457.54 to $4,000, and child/dependent rate from $665.64 to $1,500.
  • Service recognition for converted (charter) school employees and untrained teachers who become trained.
  • Mandatory Closedown provisions that support compliance with the Holidays Act.
  • Changes to Disregarded Sick Leave provisions.

A letter of offer and terms of settlement set out all the elements of the offer.

The current base pay scale for primary teachers covered by 2022 to 2025 collective agreement ranges from $61,329 to $103,086. 

Teachers may also receive allowances, management units and other payments. There is no standard pay for teachers. What teachers are paid is dependent on where they are on the base pay scale and a mix of units, allowances and other payments.

The average salary for all primary teachers in 2024 was $94,354.

The average starting salary for primary teachers in 2024 was $71,400.

Teachers who are not at the top of the base pay scale are also entitled to annual service-based pay progression of between $2,503 and $6,960. In percentage terms, pay progression ranges from 3.9% and 7.7%.

The proposed Terms of Settlement, including other elements of the offer can be found here.
Latest Terms of Settlement launch
For more information on the Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement
Visit education.govt.nz launch

For more information

Enquiries should be directed to the Ministry of Education Media Centre.
Media Centre | Education

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