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Stronger together

He kaha ake nei tātou katoa

He kaha ake nei tātou katoa

Make education better for you. Better for your colleagues. Better for tamariki.
  • 1

    Be a part of campaigns that make a difference in our sector

    NZEI Te Riu Roa has been a voice for change every step of the way – from saying no to bulk funding, to fighting for gender equality, to honouring our country's history through the revised Aotearoa New Zealand histories curriculum.

  • 2

    Get support when you need it at work

    Stuff happens. Workplaces can be difficult to navigate. From advice and guidance to advocacy support – NZEI Te Riu Roa staff are experts in industrial relations and go into bat for our members every day across the motu.

  • 3

    Better pay and conditions

    By coming together, NZEI Te Riu Roa members negotiate better pay and conditions for themselves and their colleagues around the motu.

A professional community of educators

NZEI Te Riu Roa members have access to events, workshops and working groups that bring educators together across the motu for networking, professional learning and development.

Being a member is about building connection and capability within the sector so that we can stand stronger, together.

Plugged into policy at the highest level

NZEI Te Riu Roa members have a genuine seat at the table. We work hard to build a good-faith working relationship with the Ministry of Education and the government of the day.

As a democratic union, decisions are made by the collective and members have the right to input on everything from the details of the collective agreement through to the composition of curriculum redesigns. Few sectors can say they have such a high level of input into policy making from the workers on the front line.

Mōku te Ao

E tautoko ana te NZEI Te Riu Roa i ngā kaimahi Māori katoa o te mātauranga. He reo pūmau mātau mō te Mātauranga Māori, te tautoko i te reo me ngā tikanga Māori.

NZEI Te Riu Roa supports all kaimahi Māori in education. We are a strong voice for Māori education and the promotion of te reo me ngā tikanga Māori.

We are actively working towards a system that uplifts and reflects Te Ao Māori in everything we do, starting with our own systems, biases and shortcomings as a organisation.

Better pay and conditions

Collective action is about more than an annual pay bump. You can be a part of bringing about lasting and meaningful change.

NZEI Te Riu Roa members have negotiated significant steps forward on issues such as pay parity for ECE teachers, as well as pay equity for teacher aides, admin and school support staff, and many more. 

Calculate your subscriptions

Your subscription rate is linked to the amount to you earn. All you need is your gross (before-tax and deductions) fortnightly income. 

You can find more information when you apply to join.

Please contact our membership support team on 0800693433 or email nzei@nzei.org.nz for more information.

  • Support staff can calculate their rates here (note:  this in an Excell document that will open in your downloads)

HealthCarePlus benefits for NZEI Te Riu Roa members

When it comes to looking after the health and wellbeing of you, and your whānau, it’s equally hard to find a partner that’s genuinely focused on your interests – not just the profits that serve theirs.
So, the very same unions that protect your rights at work, created HealthCarePlus to protect what’s most important to you in life. 

Join 13,000 fellow union members who are supported by HealthCarePlus. Just by being a NZEI member, you are eligible to join HealthCarePlus.

Frequently asked questions

Can my employer tell me not to join NZEI Te Riu Roa?

No! While union membership is optional, your employer cannot do anything to influence your decision to join in any way. 

They are also obliged to let you participate in union activities, such as paid union meetings and discussing union business at your workplace.

What is expected of me as a member?

The only requirement is that you pay your fees to maintain your membership. 

From time to time staff may reach out for support on various campaigns and activity to better conditions in the education sector. Your participation is encouraged and appreciated, but it is never compulsory!

How are my subscription rates calculated?

Your fees are based on your rate of pay and your regular hours of work. This is then spread across the year into regular payments depending on your preference. 

If you work irregular hours, we take an annual average of hours worked and base your subscription rates on this figure. 

Use the calculator above to see what your subscription rates would be.

What is my subscription rate used for?

Every cent of your subscription fee goes towards the work of the union. It covers staffing and campaign expenses for the various areas of work members are undertaking across the motu to create a fairer, better education sector.

Can I become a member while I am a student?

Yes! You can actually become of Te Kupenga Rangatahi (our New Educators Network) for free! You can find more information here. 

Got more questions?

Our Member Support Centre staff are available between 8:30am and 5.00pm. Give them a call to discuss what joining looks like for you.

0800 693 443