Opinion: Teachers share why they're on strike

Rotorua teachers share why they became teachers in the first place and why they decided to strike.

Selwyn School teacher Lynette Jones.

I'm a teacher because I am passionate about children and learning.

For us yes it's about pay but also equally about what's happening in our schools.

Lynette Jones, teacher for more than 25 years

Selwyn School

Rehua Mihaka from Whangamarino School.

I became a teacher to teach the next generation, to prepare them for the future.

I'm striking today because we do way too much work for not much pay but most of the time we do it out of love.

Rehua Mihaka, teacher for 14 years

Whangamarino School

Image 1 of 15: Teachers strike in Rotorua. Photo/Ben Fraser

Miu Phillips has been a teacher for five years.

I love teaching. We've always had teachers in the family. It was something I always wanted to do. When I went into the profession it was put out it was going to be a bright prospective future. It's been a lot more challenging that I thought. There's no balance.

Miu Phillips, teacher for five years

Rotorua Primary School

Kaitao Intermediate teacher Carol Sievers.

I became a teacher to try to make a difference. Teaching to me is an honour.

I'm striking to be part of a collective. We're stronger together. I'm striking to get the resources and funding our kids all need.

Carol Sievers, teacher for 10 years

Kaitao Intermediate

Leonie French has been a teacher for two years.

I'm passionate about the success of our children.

I'm striking so that we can stand up for what we deserve because teachers work so hard.

Leonie French, teacher for two years

Kaitao Intermediate