'Fresh start' for school payrolls

Otago teachers are cautiously optimistic as the beleaguered Novopay payroll system is handed over from designers Talent2 to a new government-owned company.

Education Payroll Ltd took over the service yesterday, following a decision in July by Minister Responsible for Novopay Steven Joyce to transfer ownership and management.

Ministry Education Payroll Services deputy secretary Cathy Magiannis said it was a positive change.

''A lot of work has gone into ensuring that the transition from Talent2 to the new company, Education Payroll Ltd, goes smoothly.

''This signals a fresh start for the schools' payroll and everyone involved in ensuring teachers and support staff are paid correctly and on time.

''The new structure will enable us to build on the improvements already made and provide a platform for continuous improvement.''

Ms Magiannis said the ministry would work closely and collaboratively with the new company to ensure it met all its goals and objectives.

Present work programmes, like the dedicated End-of-Year/Start-of-Year project and the service delivery model review, would continue as usual, she said.

''I'm very pleased the majority of Talent2 staff members who worked on the payroll in the past have accepted offers to work for the new company.

''I look forward to working with them so schools have a payroll service that is enduring, fit-for-purpose and reliable.''

Otago Primary Principals' Association chairwoman Stephanie Madden said primary schools were positive about the decision, and were looking forward to an improved service that would ensure school staff were paid accurately and on time.

However, Otago Secondary Principals' Association secretary Gordon Wilson said secondary principals were reserving judgement on the change.

''There are still inherent flaws in the Novopay system, but clearly the Government is going to persevere with that rather than bring in a new system.

''While we can understand the Government's decision to do that, the key will be whether the system and the new government-owned company will be far more responsive to the needs of teachers and administrators than the previously run Novopay system.

''We'll reserve comment about whether it's going in the right direction.''

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

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