Dads take on kids for strike

Many parents are still backing the primary teachers’ strike, judging by those who took a day off work and took their children to Silo Park.

The waterfront park was a popular choice for both parents and their children, who enjoyed a day off school and what Herne Bay father Peter Ruthven called an extra “Dad Sunday”.

Ruthven took a day out from his online e-commerce business to take son Harley, 9, for his first ride on a Lime e-scooter.

“It cost me, ” he said. But he supported the teachers’ protest.

“Especially in Auckland, it’s the high living costs here.” All except one of the parents who spoke to the

Herald at the park were still backing the teachers — although IT worker Cliff Bateman said “it might be time to get back and continue mediation”.

Police officer Reuben Jakich said the police were “really good” about giving him a day off to look after his children aged 13 and 10, and two of the children’s friends.

A North Shore property lawyer said he was processing property settlements and even transferring money on his phone while he watched his two children play.

“If they are not in a position to bargain individually, then it [striking] is the only way, so from that perspective I can support that, but

. . . I want it to work in a natural way.”