Up to 800,000 pupils students could be out of school on Wednesday as their teachers and principals take part in a mega-strike. For the first time, both secondary and primary school teachers are protesting together, with up to 50,000 staying away from school and 50 rallies planned.
Although caregivers are forced to find alternatives for their children, there is support for teachers.
Lynda Stuart is president of the primary school teachers' union the NZEI, and Jack Boyle is president of secondary school teacher union the PPTA. They talk to Corin Dann.