New Zealand mega strike: Why are teachers walking out of classrooms?

More than 60,000 teachers across New Zealand joined a nationwide “mega strike” on 23 October 2025, protesting low pay, heavy workloads, and staff shortages. Despite government offers of a 1-2.7% pay rise, unions rejected the deals as below inflation. Teachers demand better conditions, support staff, and funding to address burnout, retention issues, and student learning needs.