The early childhood education teachers union says excluding relievers from pay parity, undervalues their worth

From October, only permanent part - or full-time certificated teachers will be paid according to the pay parity policy.

The move comes as part of the Government's regulatory review of the sector.

NZEI ECE representative Virginia Oakly says relievers play a valuable role in the sector every day - and sometimes work longer hours than permanent staff.

She says teachers need to be paid their worth for their knowledge, skills and experience - and the existing policy recognises they build up skills over years.