Hundreds of Whakatāne workers joined more than 100,000 education and medical professionals across the country yesterday in what has been described as the Mega Strike, the largest industrial action in 40 years.

After early morning pickets at key locations around town, placard-carrying marchers filled the Whakatāne CBD, converging at Wharaurangi/The Gap in a strong show of unity as they called for better pay, improved working conditions, and safe staffing levels. The atmosphere was loud, determined, and united under a common cause.

Essential public service workers including teachers, doctors, principals, allied health workers, home support workers, school support staff, policy, knowledge, advisory and specialist workers, Ministry of Education field staff and support workers were represented. Friends, family and other members of the community also lent their support.

Bay of Plenty regional chairperson for the PPTA and Trident High School teacher Kim Wilson voiced frustration that educators were forced to strike instead of being in classrooms.

“We have a government that underfunds, under-resources, and undermines the education system especially during a teacher supply crisis. The most recent offer sought to increase working hours to unlimited during term time while effectively cutting pay against the cost of living,” said Ms Wilson.

“Staffing shortages remain a major concern, with more than 830 secondary teaching positions unfilled at the start of the school year. Many teachers have left the profession entirely or sought work overseas”.

She also disputed Government claims of increased investment in education.

“Much of what’s being promoted as new funding is actually money cut from existing programmes. Hundreds of millions have been stripped from initiatives that support teachers and students only to be repackaged as so-called investment,” she said.

A Whakatāne Hospital manager and NZNO delegate spoke out about the pressures facing the health sector, particularly the loss of local services such as the maternity unit.

“Why are we here? It’s about safe staffing and adequate funding. We’re out here for everyone for each other and for the public. We need this government to be a one-term government because they’re not listening to any of us.”

Mayor-elect Nándor Tánczos stood shoulder to shoulder with protesters, emphasising the vital role of teachers and healthcare workers.

“You are the best of us. What you do is among the most important work in any society, teaching our children, raising them to be capable adults, and caring for the sick and vulnerable. What’s more valuable than that?” said Mr Tánczos.