Northland principals say there is an education crisis.
With principals working 60-hours-plus weeks, teachers working at least four hours of overtime each day, a shortage of principals and teachers, and a lack of resources and support, educators are unable to give every child the learning opportunities they deserve.
Whangarei primary, intermediate and area school principals attended an NZEI Te Riu Roa paid union meeting at Whangarei Intermediate School yesterdaywhere they discussed the issues they face as educators.
Judy Eagles, the principal of Maungatapere School, said there was a "crisis in education".
"The core issues are around the current crisis in education - in attracting and retaining teachers, the time and workload for teachers and principals that is taking away from their ability to provide quality education, and the support and funding that needs to go in to ensure that children get the best education they deserve," she said.