We are the 48,000+ principals, teachers, support staff and other education professionals who work in primary, area and secondary schools, early childhood centres, special education and school advisory services.

We come together as NZEI Te Riu Roa - New Zealand’s largest education union, a Treaty-based organisation and a powerful advocate for quality public education.

Election 2020

We approached all the political parties currently in Parliament about their position on the key issues highlighted by our members across the education sector. 

Click here to find out how they responded. 

Hui-ā-Tau - Annual Meeting 2020

This year's Annual Meeting will be held virtually on 27 September. 

Click here for the latest on Annual Meeting. 

COVID-19 - Information for members

We have updated our guidance for members due to the change in Alert Levels on 11 August 2020. 

Find more info here.

 

Our campaigns

ECE Voice

Early childhood teachers so an incredibly important job. But their pay is up to 49% behind kindergarten and primary with the same skills, qualifications and responsibilities. That's not OK. We believe every teacher is worth it and that the government needs to act now to fix the gap. 

If you agree, join your voice with ours and have your say. 

Vote to add your voice here 

Teacher aide pay equity settlement

Support staff have voted to vary their collective agreement. NZEI Te Riu Roa are holding paid union meetings for teacher aides between 20 July-13 August 2020.

See the schedule here.

Mana Taurite - Pay equity

Work is still progressing on our early childhood teachers, kaiārahi i te reo and administration claims. 
Keep an eye out here for updates on our pay equity claims. 

Learn more about the campaign

Find out about the teacher aide settlement

Events

Get help


Contact our member advisory officers

Call us between 8.30am and 5.00pm on freephone 0800 693 443, or email nzei@nzei.org.nz for confidential advice.

Recent news and media

10 Aug 2020: NZEI Te Riu Roa welcomes funding boost for schools in wake of COVID-19

NZEI Te Riu Roa welcomes the Government’s announcement of $38 million towards COVID-19 related costs for schools. Read More

03 Aug 2020: New teacher and principal wellbeing findings deeply concerning

Alarming findings from a new health and wellbeing survey of primary and area school teachers and principals show action is more urgent than ever, says NZEI Te Riu Roa President, Liam Rutherford. Read More

24 Jul 2020: NZEI Te Riu Roa welcomes passing of equal pay law

NZEI Te Riu Roa welcomes the passing of the Equal Pay Amendment Act and says the changes will provide a useful new framework for women in the fight for equal pay. Read More

23 Jul 2020: Early childhood teachers take historic action

Early childhood teachers covered by two significant collective agreements are taking historic action tomorrow morning by holding paid union meetings – the first time they’ve taken such a step. Read More