Thousands of university staff walked off the job on Thursday, calling for an eight percent pay increase to keep up with the rising cost of living.
It's the first coordinated strike across all universities in New Zealand in 20 years.
"What do we want? Fair pay, when do we want it? Now!"
A sea of staff making their voices heard, with a message for Massey's Vice Chancellor.
"During this cost of living crisis, Jan, it's payback time," yelled Tertiary Education Union member Lawrence O’Halloran.
"Too many of us are struggling," said another.
A total 7500 workers from all eight universities walked off the job, picketing on roadsides and taking to the streets.
There are 18 different pay negotiations underway around the motu and the highest offer to date has been five percent, which isn't enough for these workers.
"We've been lagging behind in pay for a long time," said one staff member.
"The university has made plenty of profit in the last year despite COVID. That's because of our staff who've worked hard to keep it going," said another.
All but one university declined an interview - that vice chancellor refuting those profits.
"Universities have suffered over the past two or three years, a substantial drop in income. It's unfortunate that's occurred at a point when inflation has been high," said Waikato University vice chancellor Neil Quigley.
Inflation drove staff members to the streets - even if it disrupted classes.
"This will have a significant disruption. Lectures are cancelled, tutorials are cancelled, most of the library staff are going out. We're not keen about that, we don't do that lightly. We'd rather be in the classroom," said lecturer Dougal McNeil, who is also part of the Tertiary Education Union.
Victoria University tutor Sam Bigwood said they felt "undervalued and utterly disrespected" by those at the top.
The universities all said in statements they will continue to negotiate with unions and hope they can reach an agreement.
But thousands of workers agree on one thing - they need more money.
