More than a thousand teachers and their supporters took to the streets in Hamilton to put their plea to the government for more money and better working conditions.
In answer to the question of "why now?", NZEI National Secretary Paul Goulter said that teachers and principals have tried other ways
of resolving problems for the last 25 years.
"It hasn't worked," he said. "Finally they just snapped and said this crisis is too bad, our children's education is at risk."
There were plenty of horns tooting on the streets from 11am as drivers showed their support to the protesters taking a stand in the wintery conditions.
"We're here just to raise awareness about teacher retention issues," teacher Renee Manning said.
