The sound of empty classrooms could echo across the Hibiscus Coast this week, as secondary and area school teachers prepare to walk off the job.

Around 21,000 members of the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) have voted strongly in favour of strike action after negotiations with the Government stalled.

The rolling strikes will see different year levels stay home each day from Tuesday 14 October to Friday 17 October.

This will be followed by a full-day national strike on Thursday 23 October, a ban on extracurricular activities on Wednesday 29 October, and a two-hour nationwide strike from 1.15pm to 3.15pm on Wednesday 5 November.

PPTA president Chris Abercrombie said teachers are reaching breaking point as workloads grow and support systems lag behind.

He said international research shows keeping up with constant change is one of the biggest stress factors for teachers in New Zealand.

“The Government’s offer ignores our call for more pastoral staff,” he said.

“We need more help for students with health and emotional needs so they can fully engage with learning.”

For local families, that means checking school schedules closely over the coming weeks.

Each school will confirm which classes are affected on which days.

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