Primary Principals accept pay rise

October 19, 2025

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Primary school principals represented by a special union have agreed to a pay rise, following months of talks with the Ministry of Education.

The deal, lasting 26 months, includes a 2.5% pay increase this year and a further 2.1% rise next year. It was offered by Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche.

The Primary Principals Collective Bargaining Union, which has 515 members, held a vote on the proposal. Of those who voted, 95% said yes to the new offer. Union president Mark Ellis said the group never needed to threaten a strike, and this helped the talks stay friendly and focused.

Ellis explained that principals wanted a fair wage but also wanted to stay in schools to support teachers and pupils. He said the union made sure their goals were clear and worked well with the Ministry to reach an agreement.

One important part of the deal is a plan to talk more about how principals are paid for their experience, not just for the size of their schools. Ellis believes this could lead to better pay for long-serving principals.

Despite this agreement, many other principals and teachers across New Zealand are still unhappy. On 23 October, members of a different union, NZEI Te Riu Roa, plan to go on strike. Over 40,000 education workers, including primary school teachers and principals, are expected to take part.

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