What Full Pay Parity Really Means for Teachers and Centres

In early childhood education, the words value and values are deeply intertwined. When we speak of Full Pay Parity, we’re not just talking about numbers on a payslip—we're talking about how we honour the contribution of those who carry the hearts and hopes of our youngest citizens.

Pay Parity is a Promise

It’s a promise that teachers in ECE are no less worthy than their counterparts in schools. It’s a recognition that teaching is teaching—whether a child is three or thirteen. And when we commit to Full Pay Parity, we make a bold and unapologetic statement: You matter. Your mahi matters. Your wellbeing matters.

This commitment goes beyond compliance. It is a values-led choice—one that directly aligns with our belief that high-quality early childhood education starts with high-quality conditions for teachers.

What It Looks Like in Practice

In our centres, we’ve chosen to implement Full Pay Parity in three locations. This means:

• Teachers are paid at the same rate as their primary school colleagues under the relevant collective agreements.

• There’s clarity, consistency, and fairness across pay steps.

• Teachers feel secure, respected, and motivated to stay in the profession.

The Ripple Effect of Parity

When educators are fairly paid, they’re more likely to:

• Stay longer in roles, building deeper, more stable relationships with tamariki.

• Invest in their own professional development.

• Feel respected in a sector that is too often undervalued.

• Bring their full selves to the work, free from the financial stress that too often shadows the joy of teaching.

Pay parity improves morale, reduces turnover, and uplifts the overall standard of care. It’s not just an investment in people—it’s an investment in continuity, community, and excellence.

Why It Matters for Families Too

Parents want to know their child’s teacher is consistent, confident, and cared for. Parity helps us offer that. It allows us to attract and retain top talent, provide stable staffing, and deliver a calm, secure environment for children.

Because when we take care of our kaiako, they take even better care of our tamariki.

Coming Next: The Cost of Not Investing in ECE: Burnout, Behaviour, and the Bigger Picture