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Photo: Richard Tindiller\n<\/p>\n
Primary school principals have voted to accept the government’s offer in pay negotiations.<\/p>\n
A majority of members of the NZEI education union voted to accept the Ministry of Education’s agreement.<\/p>\n
Primary principals will receive a 2.5 percent increase immediately, plus 2.1 percent in 12 months.<\/p>\n
The settlement also includes a $15,000 workload allowance for implementing the government’s curriculum changes.<\/p>\n
Stephen Lethbridge, a member of the bargaining team, said the allowance was necessary.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Lethbridge said Tuesday’s result recognises the power of the “collective voice” at the bargaining table.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
She said the settlement delivers meaningful improvements to primary principal pay and conditions<\/p>\n
“It reflects shared priorities, with a firm commitment to leading implementation of the new curriculum and lifting educational outcomes for our students.”<\/p>\n
Stanford said principals play a key role in schools and the teaching workforce.<\/p>\n
“They are dedicated and passionate about lifting educational achievement, and their leadership must be recognised during this important reform programme.”<\/p>\n