The Early Childhood Education (ECE) sector in New Zealand has a collective agreement that sets out the terms and conditions of employment for teachers and support staff working in this field. The agreement is a result of negotiations between ECE employers and teachers` unions, and it covers a wide range of issues such as pay rates, leave entitlements, and working conditions.

The collective agreement is designed to ensure that teachers and support staff are provided with fair wages and working conditions, as well as opportunities for professional development. The agreement is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the ECE sector, and to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.

One of the key features of the ECE collective agreement in New Zealand is the provision for pay parity between trained and registered ECE teachers in kindergartens and those employed in early childhood education centers. The agreement stipulates that teachers in both settings are paid the same hourly rate for their work, ensuring that all teachers in the ECE sector are treated equally.

The collective agreement also provides for a range of leave entitlements, including sick leave, holiday pay, and parental leave. This ensures that teachers and support staff are able to take time off when needed, without fear of losing their job or income.

Another important aspect of the ECE collective agreement is the provision for professional development opportunities. The agreement acknowledges the importance of ongoing learning and development for ECE teachers, and provides for regular training and development opportunities to help teachers improve their skills and knowledge.

In addition to these key provisions, the ECE collective agreement also covers issues such as minimum staffing ratios, health and safety in the workplace, and dispute resolution processes. These provisions help to ensure that teachers and support staff are able to work in a safe and supportive environment.

Overall, the ECE collective agreement in New Zealand plays an important role in ensuring that teachers and support staff in the ECE sector are provided with fair wages, good working conditions, and opportunities for professional development. It is a vital tool for maintaining high-quality early childhood education in New Zealand, and is regularly updated to reflect the changing needs of the sector.