We are exposed to so many bugs because we are in such close contact. We need extra sick days.

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

We are exposed to so many bugs because we are in such close contact. We need extra sick days. Tamariki will have teachers who aren’t at work sick not giving it 100%.

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

Adding mental health days would be great. Our mahi is very demanding of us mentally and physically. The pressure is huge and as a mum of 3 young children myself, I need those days. Weekends don’t exist for me so my my mental health can really put me through the ringer. My mahi never stops I go home and think about the tamariki I work with and what needs doing over the next week. With so much mounting pressure coming from all angles, mental health days would be amazing.

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

I will be in a better state of mind to teach children- simple.