As educators, we play a vital role in the lives of tamariki and communities in Aotearoa.
The work of an educator is highly skilled. But our pay and conditions don’t always reflect this.
We had multiple pay equity claims underway, including our teachers’ claim, which covered over 90,000 teachers and principals.
However, the Government’s drastic pay equity amendment in May 2025 means all the work that has gone into our various claims and reviews is in the bin. This amendment is a cutting blow to valuing the work of women in Aotearoa.
Click here to read in more detail about the new law.
There is a long history in the fight for pay equity and this amendment is a hurdle on the journey. We will continue to champion the work of educators and ensure we are valued for the work we do.
Pay equity means that people are paid equally for doing work of equal value. It recognises that while on the surface two jobs may look different to each other, if they require similar skills and experience, responsibilities, degrees of effort or working conditions then they should be paid the same.
Seen as ‘women’s work’, many jobs that are mainly done by women are often undervalued. The pay equity process works to fix this undervaluation.
You can learn more about the history of pay equity here. Note, this is prior to the May 2025 law amendment.
NZEI Te Riu Roa has achieved significant pay equity wins for educators. The below claims have been settled however the Government’s pay equity amendment in May 2025 means that there is no longer a review process to ensure that pay equity is maintained.
Take a look at our current campaigns and find out how you can get involved.
The pay equity settlement for science technicians has been approved and implementation began in term three of 2022. We’ve waited a long time for this – NZEI Te Riu Roa members raised this pay equity claim with the Ministry in 2018. We’re proud to have reached this moment.
The pay equity settlement for librarians and library assistants has been approved and implementation began in term three of 2022. We’ve waited a long time for this – NZEI Te Riu Roa members raised this pay equity claim with the Ministry in 2018. We’re proud to have reached this moment.