Teachers and principals vote overwhelmingly for change

13 April 2018

NZEI Te Riu Roa is going into its collective agreement negotiations soon with a strong mandate for change.

In just released figures, NZEI teachers and principal members voted resoundingly at meetings in March (99.5% of teachers and 99% of principals) to support and take an active part in the It’s Time Kua Tae Te Wā campaign. The campaign includes securing a 16 percent pay increase over two years, more time to teach and lead, and getting learning support for some of our most vulnerable children.

“We have members being very clear here about the need for change. We have had nine years of education policy that did not put children at the centre and as a result, a knock-on effect is that teachers have left, or people are not wanting to be teachers,” says NZEI Te Riu Roa President Lynda Stuart.

“A significant pay rise is what is needed, so we can attract and retain teachers, and lessen the crisis in education. It not just educators talking here, all New Zealanders know that it is time for our children to get the best education possible.”

Yesterday, results released from an NZEI/PPTA commissioned poll of the public showed that 83% of people surveyed said they believe that teachers need a pay rise, and of those, 91% of respondents support at least a "moderate" pay increase - 67% want at least a 10% pay rise for teachers and 29% want more than 20%.

ENDS

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