More than 500 striking school teachers and principals along with supportive parents and school children have rallied on the steps of the Nelson Cathedral, chanting for more teachers to be employed and a better pay deal for them.
About 29,000 primary and intermediate teachers who belong to the NZEI union walked out of classrooms nationwide today in the first strike for 24 years, pushing for an improved pay deal form the Ministry of Education.
The union wants a 16 per cent pay rise over two years, special education co-ordinators in every school, and smaller class sizes.
The ministry is proposing to lift teacher’s salaries by 6.1 to 14.7 per cent over three years, and principal’s salaries by six to 11 per cent over three years.
Rallies are taking place at all the main centres and many regional towns during the day-long strike.
On the Christ Church Cathedral steps in Nelson, Wakefield School principal Peter Verstappen told the crowd about not being able to fill senior management positions at his school.
"This is Wakefield! It shouldn't be hard! But it is. So I say to the Government that if it is hard at Wakefield, it's gonna be hard in a lot of places," he said.
"Our public is with us, the people are with us. Time to lead, a time to learn!"
One group chanted: "More teachers now!"
The crowd also targeted Education Minister Chris Hipkins and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, chanting: "What's the time Mr Hipkins!" and
"Ring the bell Ms Ardern!"
The group were among thousands of teachers to strike nationwide.
In the capital, striking teachers marched to Parliament.
At a rally at Westpac Stadium thousands of teachers showed overwhelming support for a two-day strike if another was needed, RNZ reported.
New Windsor School’s Glenn Bermingham spoke with 1 NEWS will out on picket line.
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