New Collective Agreement For Secondary School Principals

Secondary principals have formally ratified a new collective agreement.

The agreement provides improved pay and conditions and recognises the critical role principals play in guiding schools through ongoing challenges, including curriculum reform and the implementation of NCEA changes.

“It has been a challenging year for principals navigating the complex and shifting government education work programme,” says Kate Gainsford, Secondary Principals’ Council Chairperson.

“The settlement, alongside the secondary teachers’ settlement, will provide some certainty to schools as they look to focus in the year ahead on the significant work required to deliver new curriculum, prepare for further curriculum changes, and respond to whatever secondary school qualifications changes are confirmed.

“Resources for the new Education and Maths Year 9 and 10 curricula will not be ready until midJanuary, so the Government is not setting itself off on the right foot. It really is left up to principals and teachers to do their best for rangatahi while continuing to deliver a highquality NCEA programme.”

Key features of the new agreement include:

• Base pay increases of 2.5% on 12 December 2025 and 2.1% on 12 December 2026

Allowance changes:

• $1,500 added to the Leadership in Realising Youth Potential allowance
• $1,500 added to the Careers Allowance
• A new NCEA Change Allowance payable over the term of the agreement only

Other changes:

• Extension of the base pay rates for larger schools
• A $5,000 mentoring allowance for principals who mentor new or aspiring principals
• Personal grievance protections if the law changes

“This agreement acknowledges the immense workload and leadership responsibilities carried by secondary principals. It provides a foundation for continued advocacy as the sector navigates significant change.”

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