Primary school principals accept Government pay offer

Primary school principals have accepted the Government's pay offer, including a 2.5% immediate increase. Photo / 123rf

Primary school principals have voted to accept the Government’s offer in pay negotiations.

A majority of members of the NZEI education union voted to accept the Ministry of Education’s agreement.

Primary principals will receive a 2.5% increase immediately, plus 2.1% in 12 months.

The settlement also includes a $15,000 workload allowance for implementing the Government’s curriculum changes.

Stephen Lethbridge, a member of the bargaining team, said the allowance was necessary.

“The $15,000 change management allowance is a necessary recognition of the immense pressure involved in implementing wholesale curriculum change, but it is in no way an endorsement of its content.”

Lethbridge said Tuesday’s result recognises the power of the “collective voice” at the bargaining table.

Education Minister Erica Stanford said the leadership in literacy and numeracy base payment will increase to $10,000 per year over the term of the agreement.

She said the settlement delivers meaningful improvements to primary principal pay and conditions.

“It reflects shared priorities, with a firm commitment to leading implementation of the new curriculum and lifting educational outcomes for our students.”

Stanford said principals play a key role in schools and the teaching workforce.

“They are dedicated and passionate about lifting educational achievement, and their leadership must be recognised during this important reform programme.”

– RNZ