As a casual reliever I was doing the exact same work at the exact same Kindergarten except I was being paid much less than on my contract day.

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

I had a permanent contract day and was a casual reliever every other day. As a casual reliever I was doing the exact same work at the exact same Kindergarten except I was being paid much less than on my contract day. There were no other differences and the pay gap was over $5 an hour difference.

It left me feeling confused and really disappointed.

Why can’t I be paid what my qualifications reflect every day regardless of whether I relieve or not. I now have more contract days and am reluctant to relieve on my days off as it is quite a significant step down pay wise. This at a time when there are a shortage of relievers and continuity for tamariki is so important.

What will it take to fix pay for kindergarten teachers?

Remove pay caps for relievers.

When we fix pay for kindergarten teachers, what impact will that change have on you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

More continuity and consistency for tamariki and whanau as I will be more than happy to relieve on my days off at my usual Kindergarten. I will feel valued everyday.