The Government is being warned the world is watching how it handles Wednesday's teachers' strike.
It's estimated that 29,000 primary school teachers across New Zealand will walk off the job for a full day on Wednesday, demanding better pay and resources.
New Zealand Principals Federation president Whetu Cormick says fellow educators around the world are monitoring the action.
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"The world is watching New Zealand because we've got a new Government who are committed to working with community and the profession," he told Newshub.
Wednesday's strike action is the first for primary school teachers in 24 years.
"It's interesting to hear that there are similar issues in other countries around the world, in particular the teacher supply crisis," Mr Cormick said.
Recent figures released to the New Zealand Educational Institute predict the teacher shortage will reach crisis point by 2030.
President Lynda Stuart says New Zealand's growing population isn't helping. By 2030, there will be at least an extra 40,000 primary school students, she says, and 38,000 of them are projected to be in the Auckland area.
The pay rise offered ranges from a 6.1 percent increase for the top of the pay scale, which would have made the maximum teacher's salary about $80,600, to a 14.7 percent increase to the entry salary, bringing that to $55,030.
But teachers have asked for a 16 percent increase over two years, alongside extra learning support and more time for teaching.
Newshub.
