ZB ZB
Opinion
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Public Service Commissioner 'frustrated' and 'bewildered' by dragging primary teacher pay talks

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 5 Mar 2026, 8:30am
Photo / Mark Mitchell
Photo / Mark Mitchell

Public Service Commissioner 'frustrated' and 'bewildered' by dragging primary teacher pay talks

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 5 Mar 2026, 8:30am

The Public Service Commissioner is bewildered as pay talks with primary teachers drag on. 

Their union —the NZEI— has turned to the Employment Relations Authority after three days of talks failed to resolve disputes over cost-of-living increases and recognition for major curriculum changes. 

The union's rejected three offers, with teachers missing out on around $50 extra per week since January. 

Sir Brian Roche told Mike Hosking it's disappointing teachers don't know the details of each offer. 

He says the last time teachers were asked was in December, and he doesn't know what the percentage of the vote was. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you