Voluntary Bonding Scheme
The Voluntary Bonding Scheme (VBS) was introduced in 2009 to encourage newly graduated teachers to teach in certain areas of need. In 2018, the scheme was expanded to include more schools, settings and subjects.
The table below shows the eligibility criteria, payments, and other information for both schemes - the ongoing Voluntary Bonding Scheme, and the Voluntary Bonding Scheme expansion.
The VBS expansion only applies to graduate teachers who started teaching between 2018 and up to 2022, if they meet the criteria. Graduate teachers must be teaching at least one of the defined subjects for at least 0.5 full-time teaching equivalent (FTTE).
To apply for VBS, download the application form.
Please note: It will normally take 4-6 working weeks to receive the outcome of your application, with a further 2-4 weeks for payment if your application is approved. No retrospective payments will be processed.
| Voluntary Bonding Scheme (ongoing) | Voluntary Bonding Scheme expansion | |
|---|---|---|
|
Eligible schools (check the link on this page for list of eligible schools) |
Decile 1 (nationwide) Severely isolated schools (nationwide) |
Decile 2 or 3 (Auckland region) >Māori Medium settings (nationwide) Defined subjects (nationwide):
|
| Payments |
$10,500 after the third year of consecutive employment at 0.5 FTTE or more $3,500 after the fourth year of consecutive employment at 0.5 FTTE or more $3,500 after the fifth year of consecutive employment at 0.5 FTTE or more |
$10,500 after the third year of consecutive employment at 0.5 FTTE or more |
|
Applications |
Applications are due within 12 months of completing three, four or five years’ consecutive employment |
Applications are due within six months of completing three years’ consecutive employment |
Retirement of Decile System – Impact on Eligibility
The phasing out of deciles and the introduction of the new Equity Index will have an impact on a number of Ministry initiatives, including several of our workforce initiatives. To help manage the transition and to minimize impact on schools and kura, our workforce initiatives will continue to use existing eligibility settings, including decile, until further notice.
More information
For more information please contact us at:
Email: voluntary.bonding@education.govt.nz
If you have submitted an application, we ask for your patience as the team process these in chronological order. You will be contacted if further information is required and when a status update/outcome is available.