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.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for members

We've pulled together the the most up to date information for members about the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affects people working in education.

Read more.

Pareāwaha - online conversations

Check out our new series of online conversations and PLD opportunities for members to share knowledge and innovative practice.

ECE and support staff scholarships

The ECE and support staff scholarships deadline has been extended to 31 May 2020. There are up to 10 scholarships of $6000 available for support staff and ECE to be taken up in 2021. 

Find out how to apply 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 our voices with ours and have your say. 

Vote to add your voice here 

Support Staff Making a Difference

Teacher aides, admin, other support staff and kaiārahi i te Reo have voted to accept their collective agreement offers from the Ministry of Education, with the Living Wage of $21.15 as the new minimum pay rate. 

Find out about the settlement here. 

 

Mana Taurite - Pay equity

Teacher aides began their negotiations for a pay equity settlement in December 2019. 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

Join the pay equity pledge

Events

Upcoming conferences

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

18 May 2020: Children the winners in major ECE funding announcement

Early childhood teachers are celebrating the reintroduction of extra funding for services with 100% qualified teachers. Read More

14 May 2020: NZEI Te Riu Roa welcomes focus on people, jobs and reducing child poverty in Budget 2020

NZEI Te Riu Roa is welcoming the Government’s focus on people, jobs and reducing child poverty in Budget 2020. Read More

11 May 2020: Pay jolt for low-paid early childhood teachers a great first step towards pay parity

NZEI Te Riu Roa is welcoming tonight's announcement of a pay rise of up to 9.6% for the lowest-paid qualified teachers in early childhood education (ECE). Read More

30 Apr 2020: NZEI Te Riu Roa welcomes investment in regional schools and kura

NZEI Te Riu Roa is welcoming investment in regional school and kura infrastructure announced by the Government today. Read More