HAU TAKI HAERE Tertiary Update No 17, 2026.

University paid union meetings start next week!

Across the motu, TEU members at universities will be attending paid union meetings next week. We are in the middle of bargaining for our collective agreements across six universities for proper pay rises, secure work, a Living Wage, and more.

Why should you participate?

The way we win these claims (the things that improve our working lives!) is by making our voices heard – which is why we all need to participate. The more of us calling for improvements in our pay, terms and conditions, the stronger we are.

At the hui, members will also decide in next steps in bargaining and may request a strike ballot happen.

Your rights

It's your right as a union member to attend your paid union meeting in work time. Most of these meetings are scheduled for two hours, with approximately half an hour either side of the formal meeting part to allow time for travel.

Your employer has had 14 days' notice of your meeting and knows that union members will be attending at this time.

Check the schedule here for your meeting and check your email for your invitation to your branch meet. If you cannot find your email invite, or are told you cannot attend the meeting, contact your delegate or organiser ASAP!

Polytech bargaining update

Last week all polytech members were sent the news that the TEU's Employment Relations Authority (ERA) application for facilitation was declined. An outline for the next steps we might take as a union was communicated, including taking a strike ballot at the end of September.

This Friday polytech employers have been invited to another bargaining meeting, as yet only some have accepted the date.

Members are frustrated at the way employers (apart from NZIST and Otago Polytechnic) have refused to engage in the multi-employer collective agreement (MECA), which is what gives members strong terms and conditions, as well as solidarity across the sector. The lack of any employer claims being brought to the table is also frustrating the bargaining process. Employers are currently offering no pay increases and no improvements to the terms and conditions we have been pushing for.

How do we shift things?

We can turn frustration into action by taking part in union meetings at branches, by chalking up worksites as some members have been doing across the motu (see pics below), by being visible as TEU members on campus so that our employers know that our work must be valued.

Industrial action is something that members need to decide upon together, and it can take many different forms. A strike ballot does not mean we will immediately take strike action, but it tells employers we are ready to do so.

TEU in the media

National Secretary Amy Ross commented on the growing divide between what staff and VCs are paid at universities in The Press

Co-President Māori, Garrick Cooper, called out the ACT Party's racist policy plan to abolish the Waitangi Tribunal

TEU Massey members criticise lack of protections around academic freedom in finalised restructure in MASSIVE

University of Waikato branch Suffrage Day event

Political candidates Georgie Dansey (Labour) and Louise Hutt (Greens) joined University of Waikato members yesterday to commemorate Suffrage Day in Aotearoa and discuss why civic engagement, democratic participation, and women's voices are as important as ever in shaping the future of Aotearoa.

2026 General Election forum

Register to attend our election forum! You can attend either online or in person if you are in Wellington.

When: Thursday 8 October 5 - 6:30pm

Where: In-person: Maclaurin Lecture Theatre, Kelburn Parade, Kelburn Campus, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington - see map or Online: we'll be in touch with further details including the link to join the forum remotely.

Register here: 2026 TEU General Election forum - this is also where you can submit questions for the politicians.

All the political parties which are currently in Parliament, as well as the Opportunity Party, have been invited to send their Tertiary Education spokesperson. The forum will be MC-ed by TEU National Secretary Amy Ross.

Collective action for a changing climate: Tertiary education, unions and a liveable future, online symposium, 30 October 2026

Hosted by TEU’s Tiakina te Taiao Network

Tertiary education has an important role to play in creating a more sustainable and liveable future — through the people we educate, the knowledge and research we produce, and the actions our institutions and sector take. Unions also have an important role in shaping fair and equitable responses to change and advocating for workers and communities.

This online symposium brings people from tertiary education and the wider union movement together to explore how we can contribute to inclusive and equitable responses to climate change and sustainability. Through conversations about learning, research, work, policy and action, we will share ideas and examples of how collective action can make a difference, with Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a foundation for the changes that are needed.

The symposium is free and open to people across tertiary education, the wider union movement, and others interested in collective responses to climate change and sustainability. You do not need to be a TEU member to attend.

Further details about speakers and programme and a link to register will be sent to all TEU members soon, but mark the date in your diaries!

Upcoming events:

March for Nature - Saturday 19 September (1pm), Albert Park, Auckland.

Thousands will march against the Government's Conservation Amendment Bill and its war on nature.The March is organised by Greenpeace Aotearoa and Forest and Bird and is backed by over 30 organisations (including TEU) from across Aotearoa. More information here.

CTU organising webinars - schedule for September

Click on the below registration links for more info and to register your interest as a TEU member.

Campaigning Skills – Leading in Campaigns

• Join Sandra Grey, CTU President for an online session on 'Campaigning skills’. We will be developing participants skills using simulated scenarios.
  • 16/09/26 - 3:00-4:00pm - REGISTER HERE

Understanding Misinformation and how to deal with it

• Organisers and workplace leaders need to get up to speed this election on dealing with mis/disinformation. Plenty of foreign and local bad actors will be trying to misinform and confuse working people when it comes to making a choice on who to vote for - or even bothering with registering to vote this election. This workshop will help you to understand and counter mis/disinformation to ensure working people make genuinely informed decisions when they vote in 2026.
  • 23/09/26 - 9:00-10:30am – REGISTER HERE