Secondary teachers have voted to strike again, with schools across the Hibiscus Coast expected to shut their doors on Thursday, October 23.

The Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) confirmed members backed a full-day national strike after negotiations with the Government broke down.

That will be followed by a ban on extracurricular activities on Wednesday, October 29 and a two-hour nationwide strike from 1.15pm to 3.15pm on Wednesday, November 5.

For local schools, it means no classes on Thursday, October 23.

PPTA president Chris Abercrombie said teachers are reaching breaking point as workloads climb and support systems fall short.

“Keeping up with constant change is one of the biggest stress factors for teachers in New Zealand,” he said.

PPTA president Chris Abercrombie. Photo: RNZ

The industrial action adds pressure for Coast families juggling routines disrupted by earlier rolling strikes.

Meanwhile, the Government has announced fresh funding to keep the Bikes in Schools programme rolling.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop says $3.5 million from the NZ Transport Agency will help more primary and intermediate students learn cycling safety skills and access on-site bike tracks through to June 2027.

“Bike riding is a really useful skill for life, and we want to make sure Kiwi kids get the chance to learn how to ride safely from a young age,” he said.

For Coast schools already part of the programme, it’s welcome news amid a turbulent term.

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