Primary teachers are being accused of playing politics in the election build-up - following a union's rejection of the government's expert teachers policy.

NZEI members have voted against being a part of new, higher-paid roles for top teachers and principals to lead teaching within their own schools and other nearby schools.

Education Minister Hekia Parata says it's puzzling that NZEI appears to support all aspects of the plan - except "merit allowances" for those top teachers.

She says the government will push ahead with the plan without NZEI.