School is officially out for primary providers, as more than 1300 Hawke's Bay teachers and principals join their counterparts in striking for the first time in 24 years.
Dozens of rallies are planned around the country, aiming to gain attention for better pay, conditions and incentives to attract new teachers.
This morning, a small group of teachers and children were seen waving banners and placards near Frimley School, Hastings, and there is a planned gathering at the Napier Soundshell at 11.30am today.
The primary teachers' union, the NZ Educational Institute, is striking for only the fourth time in its 135-year history, after a protest against the Employment Contracts Act in 1991 and two strikes in 1994 and 1995 which won pay parity with secondary teachers.
NZEI members were after 16 per cent over two years, as well as money for a Special Education Needs co-ordinator (SENCO) in every school.