Information on Public Service Commissioner-led collective bargaining in the education sector
On 2 May 2025, Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche announced he would be retaining his responsibility for collective bargaining with school teachers and principals in the education sector. This includes primary and secondary teachers and principals as well as Area schools.
The Commissioner is working alongside the Secretary for Education, Ellen MacGregor-Reid, and other Ministry of Education staff, who are actively involved in the negotiations.
Media releases from the Commission
Primary teachers’ vote to accept settlement – 2 April 2026
Update on Collective Bargaining Negotiations for Primary Teachers – 27 March 2026
Non‑union primary teachers offered pay deal – 11 March 2026
Primary teachers missing out on between $50 and $76 extra pay every week – 3 March 2026
Primary principals vote to accept settlement – 24 February 2026
Primary teacher no-vote a missed opportunity – 17 December 2025
Update on collective bargaining negotiations for primary teachers – 11 December 2025
Commissioner disappointed primary principals reject “strong and fair” offer – 11 December 2025
Commissioner welcomes settlement for secondary principals – 10 December 2025
Commissioner welcomes settlement for secondary teachers – 4 December 2025
Update on collective bargaining negotiations for secondary teachers – 27 November 2025
Public Service Commissioner welcomes facilitated bargaining decision – 10 November 2025
Avoidable strikes will cause widespread disruption – 22 October 2025
Public Service Commissioner finalises pay deal with primary principals’ union – 17 October 2025
Commissioner says PPTA is choosing disruption over dialogue – 12 September 2025
Commissioner says teachers’ union is choosing strikes over students – 12 September 2025
Commissioner urges teachers to avoid strike action – 8 September 2025
Revised offer for primary school teachers – 6 September 2025
Commissioner committed to realistic solution with secondary teachers’ union – 20 August 2025
Commissioner says secondary teachers’ union is choosing grandstanding and strikes over constructive dialogue – 13 August 2025
Public Service Commissioner says primary teachers’ union not telling the whole story – 8 August 2025
Commissioner disappointed teachers’ union reject pay offer – 24 July 2025
Commissioner to lead bargaining with education sector – 2 May 2025
Letters from the Commissioner
Commissioner's letter to NZEI outlining revised offer to primary teachers – 4 September 2025
Information from the Ministry of Education
Details of offers
Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement Negotiation – Education.govt.nz
Secondary Teachers’ Collective Agreement Negotiation – Education.govt.nz
Information on Budget 2025 Investment in Learning Support – Education.govt.nz
Letters advising change of delegation
Letter to Ellen MacGregor-Reid, Ministry of Education – 2 May 2025
Letter to Ripeka Lessels and Stephanie Mills, NZEI – 2 May 2025
Letter to Vaughan Couillault, SPANZ – 2 May 2025
Letter to Mark Ellis, PPCBU – 2 May 2025
Letter to Chris Abercrombie and Dr Kirsty Farrant, PPTA – 2 May 2025