Source: New Zealand Government
Education Minister Erica Stanford is welcoming the conclusion of negotiations to renew both the Support Staff in Schools and the Kaiārahi i te Reo and Therapists’ Collective Agreements.
A 23 March ballot with members of the NZEI Te Riu Roa and E Tū returned a majority vote to ratify the two collective agreements, benefiting around 37,000 support staff.
“The settlement announced today is a positive result for our valued support staff, who play a vital role in our education system,” Ms Stanford says.
“Teacher aides, library staff, administrators, science techs, therapists, and kaiārahi i te reo support over 800,000 students across the country. This settlement is a positive step which will see them receive cumulative increase of at least 4.55 percent within 12 months,” says Ms Stanford.
“The majority of staff also receive yearly progression, which provides annual increases as they move up the pay scale.
“We are also continuing our investment in learning support with a special approved provider PLD fund for staff who work directly with students who experience behavioural or learning needs associated with neurodiversity. This fund will provide up to $8 million total over the life of the fund.”
“Every student deserves the chance to succeed and go on and live the life they want. We’re making sure that every student, regardless of background, has that chance. We will continue to support our education workforce with the tools they need to help our young people reach their potential.”
Notes for editors:
Full details of the settlement can be found here: Collective Agreement negotiations | Education Workforce
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/school-support-staff-reach-pay-settlement/