We have insufficient sick leave to cover the extreme exposure we have to bugs.

What does the issue of sick leave mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

We have insufficient sick leave to cover the extreme exposure we have to bugs. We always had more than the general public and now we have the same which does not reflect the high risks of exposures to bugs.

What will it take to fix sick leave for kindergarten teachers?

Increase our sick leave to at least 15 days per year, it would mean that we would then take a day when we needed it instead of waiting until we were really sick or work through when we have run out, which is not healthy for anyone.

When we fix sick leave, what impact will that change have on you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

Such a sense of relief, we will be able to take leave straight away and this would help in greatly reducing the need for leave without pay.