More than 20,000 unionised secondary and area school teachers are going on strike – rolling partial-strikes will begin this week, with a full nationwide one-day strike on October 23.
As of October 15, 2025, New Zealand is experiencing a significant wave of teacher strikes, with over 21,000 secondary and area school teachers participating in industrial action organized by the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA). The strikes are a response to ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions, with teachers demanding better compensation and support.
Strike Schedule and Actions
The planned strike actions include:
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October 16–17: Partial strikes where teachers will refuse to teach certain class levels, from Year 7 to 13, on designated days.
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October 23: A full-day national strike.
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October 29: A ban on extracurricular activities.
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November 5: A national two-hour strike in the afternoon.
These actions are part of a broader campaign by the PPTA to address concerns about teacher workload, class sizes, and the adequacy of current pay offers.
Education Minister Erica Stanford has expressed strong criticism of the strike actions, particularly their timing during the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) exams. She stated that “parents should be furious” about the disruption caused during this critical period for students.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has also criticized the unions, accusing them of “driving” the strike actions across New Zealand. He emphasized that while teaching is a challenging profession, resorting to strikes is not the appropriate way to address these issues.
The strikes have sparked a wide range of reactions from the public and within the educational community. Many parents and students are expressing frustration over the disruptions, especially during exam periods. However, there is also significant support for the teachers’ cause, with some viewing the strikes as a necessary measure to bring attention to the challenges faced by educators.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing negotiations between the PPTA and the government. The outcome of these discussions will likely determine the future course of industrial action and its impact on the education system in New Zealand.
