Cultural leadership allowance

The cultural leadership allowance for tumuaki (principals) of primary and area schools is a new provision that was negotiated as part of the settlements for:

• Primary Principals’ (NZEI & PPCBU) Collective Agreementsopen_in_new

• Area School Principals’ Collective Agreementopen_in_new

The allowance recognises the mahi provided in schools and kura by tumuaki, who possess extensive cultural knowledge and capabilities, serving as cultural leaders within their schools and community.

Tumuaki, who lead schools and kura that offer Level 1 or Level 2 te reo Māori or Pacific language immersion programmes (as defined by the Ministry in School Roll Return Guidelines), are entitled to an allowance of $5,000 per annum.

Eligible principals will receive the allowance automatically, and for those who were employed at the start of the school year, payments were effective from 28/01/24.