Join NZEI

Operation Switch

What is “Operation Switch”?
 
Operation  Switch is the name of a campaign aimed at improving the way in which NZEI Te Riu Roa collects subscriptions from members.
 
Operation Switch is about reducing NZEI’s dependency on Payroll systems for the collection of subscriptions from members.
 
NZEI Te Riu Roa wishes to make the most of the subscription income available, rather than having to continue to pay 2.5% of your subscription to payrolls as a collection commission.

What does “switching” involve?

All you need to do is complete the online form

• Select - "Existing member wishing to change my payment method/details"
• Fill in your details
• choose how you want to pay your subscription.

That begins the process of having your NZEI subscription deducted from your bank account rather than from your salary. You also have the option of paying quarterly, six monthly, or for the full year.

After I’ve completed the online form, is there anything else I need to do?
 
No. Completing the online form begins the deductions from the date you have indicated

Is there a setting up fee charged to establish the direct debit at my bank?
 
No. NZEI Te Riu Roa has what is known as “Preferred Initiator” status.  That means that the electronic paperwork is completed by NZEI.   The direct debit authority is forwarded to your bank via our own electronic banking facilities.

Can I continue to pay my subscriptions fortnightly when I pay by direct debit?
 
Yes. There are multiple payment frequency options.

Can the amount of my direct debit be changed without my approval?
 
No. Subscription increases need to be approved by NZEI's Annual Meeting held in September each year.  If  there's a change to the subscription rate, then that change needs to be advised to you in writing no later than 10 days before the change is to take effect.

I’m a Support Staff member of NZEI - my subscription payments vary according to the amount I’m paid each fortnight, and there are some pays when I don’t receive anything at all.  How does direct debit of subscription payments work for me?

Here's a calculator for use by non-annualised support staff members to determine the amount of the subscription by direct debit payment.
You enter your hours of work, your hourly rate, and the sum of any allowances. The calculator spreads your income across a 52 week year, and determines the subscription payable per fortnight. Use that amount on the online form.

I’m a reliever, and I want to pay my subscription by direct debit.  Some weeks I might work 1 day only. In other weeks I might work 2 or three days. How do I work out my subscription payment?
 
If you’re unsure, use your payslip closest to the end of March 2011 to find out your total earnings for the  financial year, divide it by 26 to get a fortnightly estimate.  If your circumstances are the same or similar, use that figure to determine the appropriate direct debit amount.  Your continuing membership of NZEI Te Riu Roa is important.

What if I take a period of leave without pay?

Just let NZEI know when your leave is to commence and when it will cease.  We will suspend direct debits for the period of leave.  In cases of leave greater than nine months we are obliged to obtain a new direct debit authority from you to recommence direct debits.  Your membership will be retained during any period of LWOP of to 12 months duration.