Pacific bilingual immersion teaching allowance (PBITA)

This allowance recognises the additional skills teachers must have to deliver teaching and learning through a Pacific language in a Pacific bilingual or immersion context in a school or kura.

This allowance is eligible to employees who have signed the:

  • Primary Principals’ (PPCBU) Collective 2022–24 or Individual Employment Agreement (IEA) (from the beginning of term 2, 2023)

The PBITA will be bookable in EdPay from the beginning of term 1, 2024. Please wait until these allowances are showing in EdPay, rather than sending in a request via form.  We will let you know via the Payroll Update, when the functionality is available.

The allowance received will relate to:

  • the highest language level in which they are teaching
  • an additional allowance for either 3+ or 6+ years’ of service teaching in a Pacific bilingual immersion setting.

For the additional level 1 allowance after 3 or 6 years’ service, only include teaching service at Pacific bilingual immersion Level 1.

For the additional level 2 allowance after 3 or 6 years’ service, include any teaching service at Pacific bilingual immersion Level 1 or Level 2.

Eligibility criteria

Allowance type Immersion level Criteria
All allowances
Holds a current teaching registration.
Is teaching in a Pacific bilingual or immersion unit/programme/class as defined by Ministry of Education. See the related links below for more information.
Base allowance Level 1 Is teaching in a Pacific langauage in a Pacific bilingual or immersion unit/programme/class at immersion level 1 (81–100%).


Level 2 Is teaching in a Pacific language in a Pacific bilingual or immersion unit/programme/class at immersion level 2 (51–80%)
Additional allowance: 3+ years service Level 1 Base allowance criteria plus: 3+ years of service teaching at immersion level 1 (81–100%)

Level 2 Base allowance criteria plus: 3+ years of service teaching at immersion level 1 (81–100%) or at level 2 (51–80%)*
Additional allowance: 6+ years service
Level 1 Base allowance criteria plus: 6+ years of service teaching at immersion level 1 (81–100%)

Level 2 Base allowance criteria plus: 6+ years of service teaching at immersion level 1 (81–100%) or at level 2 (51–80%)*

* Service for the payment of the level 2 allowance can include any teaching service at Pacific or bilingual immersion level 1 or level 2. Service for the payment at level 1 can include any teaching service at Pacific or bilingual immersion level 1 only.

Other collective agreements that include the allowance from 2024

From January 2024, this allowance will also be available for employees who have signed the:

  • Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement or IEA 
  • Primary Principals' (NZEI) Collective Agreement and IEA
  • Secondary Teachers' Collective Agreement and IEA

This page will be updated with criteria for the allowance under these agreements in the future.

Related links