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

    NZEI Te Riu Roa members are unstoppable when they stand together. Our members have been a voice for change every step of the way from saying no to bulk funding, to gender equality, to honouring our history through the revised Aotearoa New Zealand histories curriculum.

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    Get support when you need it at work

    Stuff happens. Workplaces can be difficult to navigate. Your union is here to support you with whatever you face in your professional life. From advice and guidance to advocacy support – NZEI Te Riu Roa’s staff are experts in industrial relations and go into bat for our members every day across the motu.

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    Better Pay and Conditions

    Much of the work our members undertake is for the benefit of the whole sector – and that work would not be possible without those who give their time, money and effort to support the union’s efforts. By coming together, NZEI Te Riu Roa members have negotiated 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.

Influencing education policy and professional practice

NZEI plays an active part in developing national education policies, promoting high professional standards and the best education for children.

NZEI representatives and members:

  • meet regularly with Ministers, Members of Parliament and government officials
  • participate in working parties and groups to develop education policies
  • lobby Government about issues that members feel strongly about
  • make submissions on key policy and legislation.

Miro Māori

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

Pay equity

The recent landmark court decisions have clarified that our right to equal pay covers pay equity too. NZEI Te Riu Roa members are leading the charge in our pay equity claims, having already won a settlement for Ministry of Education Support Workers.

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. 

If you are a support staff kaimahi and your pay is not  annualised, click here to use our calculator to work out your subscription rates. 


Rates listed are valid until 30 November 2022.

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