Teachers plan big statement

Manawatu¯ teachers aim to make a real statement today.

Teachers across the country will be on strike in response to the Ministry of Education’s latest pay and conditions offer.

In Manawatu¯ they will wave placards in busy parts of Palmerston North from 7.30am-9am, then congregate in The Square from 10am.

New Zealand Educational Institute lead negotiator Liam Rutherford, a teacher at Palmerston North’s Ross Intermediate, estimated about 1000 teachers, parents and children should fill The Square.

Rutherford was not aware of a school in Manawatu¯ staying open.

‘‘Apart from the fact we are in this difficult position where we have to do this, there’s actually a lot of excitement around the level of noise made across the country.

‘‘Teachers haven’t gone out since 1994. It’s going to be new for a lot of people. They think the time is right to send a really loud and clear message.’’

Manawatu¯ teachers will start the day in busy areas, including the intersection of Rangitı¯kei St and Tremaine Ave, Memorial Park, Fitzherbert Bridge, the intersection of Pioneer Highway and Botanical Rd, Ashhurst roundabout and at State Highway 1 in Sanson.

In Levin, teachers will be outside the Adventure Park on Oxford St in the morning and in Foxton they will be outside St Mary’s School on SH1, before both groups make their way to Palmerston North for the rally.

In Waiouru, they will rally outside the National Army Museum from 11am-1pm.