School Support Staff Collective Agreement Negotiation
Update on Collective Agreement negotiation for teacher aides, librarians, science technicians and administration staff
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Last updated 15 October 2025
Following 13 days of bargaining, a revised offer for the renewal of the Support Staff in Schools’ 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. It also preserves the annual progression increases the majority of members receive annually. Those who have annual progression would see their salary increase between 4.0% -12%, 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.
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.
Targeted communications to schools regarding reviewing employment of teacher aides who have been on fixed term agreements of longer than two years.
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.
Allow non-teaching Guidance Counsellors to be covered by this collective agreement.
Annual progression, the offer also preserves the annual progression increases the majority of members receive annually.
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% -12%, over the 20-month term, assuming a start of year anniversary date.
The proposed Terms of Settlement, including other elements of the offer can be found here.
