Report highlights Aust-NZ teacher pay gap

A new report reveals New Zealand teachers are still paid far less than their Aussie counterparts, says the education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released a report, Education at a Glance 2010, which compares the education systems of 29 countries.

The report shows a New Zealand primary school teacher with 15 years experience earns $US38,412 ($NZ52,871) but an Australian teacher, with the same experience, earns $US46,096 ($NZ63,447).

If the Government was serious about closing the pay gap and retaining teachers then it had to invest in education, NZEI president Frances Nelson said.

The report also showed New Zealand teachers worked harder for less pay.

"New Zealand has a world class education system... We need to make teaching as attractive as possible so our teachers feel valued and have their skills recognised," Ms Nelson said.

"They need a reason to believe that the grass is always greener at home."

- NZPA