More than 800 Western Bay teachers and supporters marched through central Tauranga in a protest against proposed changes to New Zealand's education system.
Education professionals, school support staff, parents and supporters from the Bay of Plenty took to the streets on Saturday to protest the Government's education agenda, introducing charter schools, league tables and privatisation of education.
Tauranga mum Kerrin Andrews and her 12-year-old son, Liam, were involved in the protest, which wove its way from Second Ave down Devonport Rd, to a rally at Wharf St at The Strand. Liam held a Tui-inspired sign which read: "Standardised testing won't mean teaching the test...yeah right."
More than 10,000 people took part in marches held throughout the country, led by the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.
Bay of Plenty field officer Rachel Chater told the Bay of Plenty Times Novopay, charter schools, league tables,and privatisation of education were jeopardising the industry.