Local high school students have a last minute reprieve from continued disruption from industrial action this term, as the Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA) approved engaging in arbitration yesterday afternoon (Wednesday June 21). 

The PPTA will continue trying to obtain a new deal from the government in order to improve teachers' pay, work hours, and resourcing. However, with the terms of arbitration set all strikes have now been called off. 

The Central App caught up with teachers, parents and students at Dunstan High School earlier this week to discover different community perspectives. It will be a relief to many that the strikes won't go ahead and arbitration will begin.

“My biggest concern about teaching is that we will not be able to recruit good people into this profession. It’s about recruiting and retaining,” English teacher Maria Affleck said.

She thinks the salary of a beginner teacher needs to be equal to others in society, especially as teachers earn their bachelor's degrees followed by a teaching diploma. 

The average salary of a beginner teacher in New Zealand is $55,000. 

Parents are generally sympathetic towards the teaching staff. 

“I think that teachers have little other way to get a pay rise; however it's highly inconvenient and students have had enough disruption in recent years through Covid,” Dunstan High School parent Dan said.

Dan said “his support for teachers strikes is definitely dropping,” despite his understanding of their reasons for striking. 

Year 13 student Claudia Hammond said the strikes had affected her learning signficantly.

“I respect the fact that the teachers are standing up for what they deserve; however I find school to be the most productive place for me to do my schoolwork and being removed from the classroom has made me fall behind grades wise.” 

This statement was also echoed by Dunstan deputy head girl Brooklyn Harrington.

“I have found it’s impacted my learning to the point where I now feel like I’m struggling and behind in classes. I understand why the teachers are doing this, but at the same time, it's having detrimental effects on students like me who need class time.” 

Everyone seems to support the idea of teachers receiving better pay and resources, but those the Central App spoke to feel the strikes have gone on for too long, affecting the education of students who have already had a turbulent high school experience. 

The strikes were proposed to continue for the last two weeks of this term, with students being told to stay home on the following days: 

• Tuesday, June 20: years 11, 12
• Wednesday, June 21: years 9, 13
• Thursday, June 22: years 10, 11
• Monday, June 26: years, 12, 13
• Tuesday, June 27: years 9, 10
• Wednesday, June 28: years 11, 12
• Thursday, June 29: years 9, 13

While the PPTA has withdrawn the action, it says schools may take time to implement the change given the short notice.