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.

Pūaotanga: Realising the potential of every child

Realising the potential of every child: An independent review into primary school staffing in Aotearoa. Find out more about this review and sign up for updates.

Click here to find out more.

COVID-19 information for members

NZEI Te Riu Roa members can get in touch with the Member Support Centre (0800 693 443) if you have any questions or concerns related to COVID-19.

NZEI Te Riu Roa Principals' Helpline

The Principals' Helpline, 0508principal (0508 774 624 725) is managed by our Principal Support Officers and operates from 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday to Friday. 


 

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 

Te Ake Rautangi

Kōhanga Reo kaimahi bring incredible skills and experience to an important kaupapa for tamariki Māori, but right now many kaimahi aren't paid in a way that recognises their value and upholds their mana.   

Sign up now to tautoko the campaign.

Mana Taurite - Pay equity

The Pay Equity Amendment Act 2020 has opened up new opportunities across the education sector - find out about our 10 new pay equity claims to ensure the work of women is no longer undervalued! 

Learn more about the campaign

Find out about PLD for teacher aides

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

25 Feb 2021: New data shows stark pay imbalance in early childhood education

New data in a report released by the Ministry of Education today show the urgency of addressing the pay imbalances in early childhood education, says the sector's union NZEI Te Riu Roa. Read More

28 Jan 2021: Educators launch independent review of school staffing, calling for public submissions

NZEI Te Riu Roa has launched an independent review of perceived under-resourcing in primary schooling*, inviting public submissions on how to ensure every child can realise their potential. Read More

09 Dec 2020: Kiwi response needed to address dropping international student rankings

In response to our declining ranking in international maths and science tests, New Zealand educators say we should be focusing on the gap in achievement between Pasifika and Māori and Pakeha students, rather than measuring the difference between us a Read More

08 Dec 2020: NZEI Te Riu Roa welcomes expansion of Te Ahu o te Reo Māori

NZEI Te Riu Roa is welcoming the expansion of Te Ahu o te Reo Māori to early childhood teachers and support staff. Read More