Hamilton principal to head union

Hamilton primary school principal Irene Cooper has been elected as the next national president of the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI).

Ms Cooper, principal of Hillcrest Normal School and current NZEI vice-president, was elected on the final day of the union's annual meeting in Wellington yesterday.

She replaces Colin Tarr.

The union has 44,700 members, including primary school and early education teachers, advisers and support staff.