On this page
Who is covered by the collective agreements
Primary principals covered by the agreements are:
- employed in state or state-integrated schools and kura
- members of the New Zealand Educational Institute Te Riu Roa (NZEI Te Riu Roa), or
- members of the Primary Principals' Collective Bargaining Union (PPCBU).
On 1 November 2024 the PPCBU and the Ministry agreed to vary the collective agreement. The Primary Principals' (PPCBU) Collective Agreement has been amended accordingly.
Download the Primary Principals’ Collective Agreement (PPCA-NZEI) and the Primary Principals' (PPCBU) Collective Agreement (PPCA-PPCBU).
Primary Principals’ (NZEI Te Riu Roa) Collective AgreementPrimary Principals’ (PPCBU) Collective AgreementWho is covered by the individual employment agreements
Individual employment agreements (IEAs) are developed and published by us. The terms and conditions are similar to the collective agreements.
You need to sign an IEA if:
- your work is covered by either of the collective agreements, but
- you’re not a member of the NZEI Te Riu Roa or PPCBU.
Go to the NZEI and PPCBU individual employment agreements.
IEA for Primary School Principal – NZEIIEA for Primary School Principals – PPCBUPay and allowances
Salary and additional payments are set out in part 5 of the collective agreements.
Allowances are listed in part 6.
Salary increases based on experience are outlined in part 4 of the agreements. This also covers funding for professional coaching and wellbeing support for principals' leadership roles.
Staffing incentive allowance
The allowance applies to primary principals employed in schools or kura identified by us as needing additional support for recruitment and retention.
See the list of eligible schools.
Staffing incentive allowance - eligible schoolsIsolation allowance
Primary school principals are entitled to an isolation allowance if they are employed at a school or kura in a location deemed isolated.
The rate of the allowance will vary depending on the location. Part-time principals will receive the allowance on a pro-rata basis.
See the list of eligible primary schools.
Isolation allowance - eligible schools for primary principalsSchools that are eligible for the above allowances may be changed by us up to once a year, after consultation with employee representatives.
For more information, contact us.
Email: [email protected]
Other entitlements
We may approve different terms or conditions than those in principals' employment agreements such as additional pay, allowances or benefits.
Special terms or conditions for principals
More information
EdPay has more information about salaries, allowances and other payments for primary principals.
A-Z of payroll – Education Payroll
Moving costs
If you are moving to work at another school, you may be entitled to removal expenses. This is in appendix 2 of the collective agreements.
To apply for a lump sum payment or reimbursement of other expenses, complete the following forms.
Transfer and removal expenses formAccommodation and property expenses claim formLeave
Leave entitlements are set out in part 7 of the collective agreements.
Disregarded sick leave
Information about disregarded sick leave eligibility and the application form are below.
Disregarded sick leave for principals and teachersDisregarded sick leave application formResignation, dismissal and retirement
Both you and your school must follow the correct processes and procedures to manage your resignation, dismissal or retirement.
This is set out in parts 8 and 10 of the collective agreements.
Medical retirement is also covered in appendix 5. To apply for medical retirement, fill in the below form.
Medical retirement for serious illness - application form