We are the 48,000+ principals, teachers, support staff and other education professionals who work in primary, area and secondary schools, early childhood centres, special education and school advisory services.

We come together as NZEI Te Riu Roa - New Zealand’s largest education union, a Treaty-based organisation and a powerful advocate for quality public education.

Pūaotanga: Realising the potential of every child

Realising the potential of every child: An independent review into primary school staffing in Aotearoa. Find out more about this review and sign up for updates.

Click here to find out more.

COVID-19 information for members

NZEI Te Riu Roa members can get in touch with the Member Support Centre (0800 693 443) if you have any questions or concerns related to COVID-19.

NZEI Te Riu Roa Principals' Helpline

The Principals' Helpline, 0508principal (0508 774 624 725) is managed by our Principal Support Officers and operates from 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday to Friday. 


 

Our campaigns

ECE Voice

Early childhood teachers so an incredibly important job. But their pay is up to 31.8% behind kindergarten and primary with the same skills, qualifications and responsibilities. That's not OK. We believe every teacher is worth it and that the government needs to act now to fix the gap. 

If you agree, join your voice with ours and have your say. 

Vote to add your voice here 

Te Ake Rautangi

Kōhanga Reo kaimahi bring incredible skills and experience to an important kaupapa for tamariki Māori, but right now many kaimahi aren't paid in a way that recognises their value and upholds their mana.   

Sign up now to tautoko the campaign.

Mana Taurite - Pay equity

The Pay Equity Amendment Act 2020 has opened up new opportunities across the education sector - find out about our 10 new pay equity claims to ensure the work of women is no longer undervalued! 

Learn more about the campaign

Find out about PLD for teacher aides

Events

Upcoming conferences

Get help


Contact our member advisory officers

Call us between 8.30am and 5.00pm on freephone 0800 693 443, or email nzei@nzei.org.nz for confidential advice.

Recent news and media

09 Apr 2021: Educators' union supports tamariki striking for climate action

The country's largest education union, NZEI Te Riu Roa, is backing the school students striking for climate action across the country today. Read More

07 Apr 2021: Education union endorses new report opposing outdated practice of streaming

A new report opposing streaming in New Zealand schools, released today, has the support of education union NZEI Te Riu Roa. Read More

30 Mar 2021: Union and employers call on government to increase ECE funding in 2021 Budget as union meetings get

ECE employers have united with the country's largest education union to call on the government to address a teacher shortage and poor pay in Budget 2021. Read More

22 Mar 2021: Teachers stretched to their limits: early childhood teachers experiencing teacher shortage, fear s

A survey of early childhood educators has revealed significant concerns about the impacts of teacher shortages on teachers and children, and suggests the situation is worsening. Read More