Kia ora koutou
Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement
The new collective agreement (CA) features an increase in pay rates and the motor vehicle allowance. Non-teaching guidance counsellors are now covered by the agreement and 37.5 hour full-time employment will be grandparented.
Effective dates
- The new Support Staff in Schools’ Collective Agreement (SSSCA) is effective from 24 March 2026 for a term of 27 months.
- Payslips from 23 June 2026 (pay day PP06) will show the new pay rates and allowances.
Salary rates
Salary rates will increase from the effective date 24 March 2026 and again from 23 March 2027. For the salary rates tables, see the following parts of the SSSCA:
Teacher Aides See part 3A.4.
Administration Support Staff See part 3B.3.
Librarians and Library Assistants See part 3C.3.
Science Technicians See part 3D.3.
Other Support Staff See part 3E.4.
Motor vehicle allowance
The motor vehicle allowance increases to $0.83 per kilometre. See part 5.1.
Non-Teaching Guidance Counsellors
Non-teaching guidance counsellors are now covered by this agreement. For more information, see the Ministry’s guidance.
Qualified non-teaching guidance counsellors
If a non-teaching guidance counsellor signs the new support staff individual agreement, or is a union member, schools then submit an EP31 form with the following information:
- date agreement was signed (not required if an NZEI member covered by the CA)
- grade, step and pay rates
- specify designation S98.
The minimum rate for qualified guidance counsellors will be Grade D step 6 of the Other Positions scale (see Part 3E.4). Employees must hold a relevant qualification recognised at Level 7 or above on the NZ Qualifications Framework or be a registered psychologist.
Translation table
Use this table to determine the pay rate.
Unqualified non-teaching guidance counsellors
If an unqualified non-teaching guidance counsellor signs the new support staff individual employment agreement, or is an NZEI member, schools then submit an EP31 form with the following information:
- date agreement was signed (not required if an NZEI member is covered by the CA)
- grade, step and pay rates
- specify designation S87 technical/trades.
The minimum step and rate for unqualified non-teaching guidance counsellors is Grade A-B step 1, so if the employees’ current rate is below this, it must be increased to that rate. Pay rates cannot be reduced as a result of the translation.
If you have further questions, please review the Ministry’s guidance and then contact Gov Hub School Board Services Advisory Support Centre (formerly NZSBA) on 0800 782 435 or email eradvice@tewhakaroputanga.org.nz.
Grandparent 37.5 hour full-time employment
From 20 July 2026, schools will no longer have the option to set up new hires who work 37.5 hours per week as full-time employees.
From 20 July 2026 new employees who work less than 40 hours per week are considered part time.
Existing employees set up as 37.5 hour full time employees prior to 20 July 2026 will have their existing employment terms grand-parented and will continue to be considered full-time until they:
- resign from their role and/or take up a different role in their current or at a different school; or
- reduce their hours in their current role below 37.5 hours per week.
Professional Learning and Development fund (PLD)
The Ministry will establish and administer a Professional Learning and Development (PLD) fund available to employees who directly support neurodiverse students’ participation and progress.
This fund will open in term one 2027 and provides PLD through Ministry approved providers until the end of 2028 or until the funds are used. It will cover the costs of training, remuneration for the time attending the course and reasonable travel and accommodation, if required.
For more information, see part 13.16 of the SSSCA. The Ministry will provide more information closer to the date of the fund opening.
Kaiārahi i te Reo and Therapists’ Collective Agreement
The new Kaiārahi i te Reo CA (KRCA) increases pay rates and the motor vehicle allowance, and provides a new allowance for Therapist Team Leaders.
Effective dates
- The new CA is effective from 24 March 2026 for 27 months.
- Payslips from 23 June 2026 (payday PP06) will show the new pay rates and allowances.
Salary rates
Salary rates will increase from the effective date 24March 2026 and again from 23March 2027. For the salary rates tables, see the following parts of the KRCA
Kaiārahi i te Reo See part 3.1.3.2.
Therapists See part 3.2.1.
Motor vehicle allowance
The motor vehicle allowance increases to $0.83 per kilometre. See part 5.1.
Therapist Team Leader allowance
This new allowance:
- is funded through Central Funding (11100)
- is effective from the date at which it is allocated
- will be implemented in PP06 (pay day 23 June 2026)
- should be pro-rated and can be job shared, and
- is only available to schools who have been confirmed as eligible by the Ministry. Schools can apply using the EP2nt form.
Professional Learning and Development fund
The Ministry will establish and administer a Professional Learning and Development (PLD) fund available to employees who directly support neurodiverse students’ participation and progress.
This fund will open in term one 2027 and provides PLD through Ministry approved providers until the end of 2028 or until the funds are used. It will cover the costs of training, remuneration for the time attending the course and reasonable travel and accommodation, if required.
For more information, see part 13.16 of the KRCA. The Ministry will provide more information closer to the date of the fund opening.
Moving employees to the new IEA
Education Payroll will transition existing non-union employees to the new agreement when they sign the IEA between the promulgation date 15 April 2026 and implementation date PP06 23 June 2026.
Authorised users must enter IEA details in EdPay > IEA screen or EP22 form.
Change to EP24 process for Variations (VTEs) for Support Staff and Kaiārahi i te Reo and Therapists
You no longer need to send us an EP24nt form for annualised employees, please use the EdPay IEA screen instead.
You will still need to complete and sign the form and keep a copy for your records, but you don’t need to send it to us.
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