Area school principals have a new collective agreement, with the Government confirming a package of pay increases and allowances for more than 140 principals.

Education Minister Erica Stanford said the settlement recognises the role area school principals play and the work involved in leading changes to NCEA. “Area schools principals play an integral role in our rural communities,” she said.

Key terms include:

• A cumulative 4.7% increase within 12 months to the u-grade remuneration component
• A new $6,000 per annum NCEA Change Implementation Allowance
• A $1,500 increase to the Area School Principal Payment, phased over two years
• A $1,500 increase to Career Structure payments
• A $5,000 per annum allowance for principals appointed as mentors

The NCEA allowance is a new, ongoing payment tied to managing qualification changes. The Ministry did not release the overall cost of the package or the term length of the agreement. It said full details are available on its Education Workforce website.

Area schools combine primary and secondary year levels, typically serving smaller or more remote communities. The minister said the settlement reflects a commitment to professional development and student achievement.