Our pool of relievers has shrunk. Most weeks we have unqualified and inexperienced teachers working with us.

What does the reliever shortage mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

Teaching in a full year kindergarten we rely on our core relievers to provide consistency with teaching and care for our tamarki from the relieving teachers that they have on-going relationships with. Our pool of relievers has shrunk. Most weeks we have unqualified and inexperienced teachers working with us. We are tired. It also gives us less or no one-on-one time or even small group time with tamariki.

What will it take to fix the reliever shortage?

By lifting the pay cap our experienced teachers will see relieving as an option as they move into retirement. These people have rich experience and are amongst our best relievers at supporting us and working with our tamarki.

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

More time to teach, to be with children one-on-one and to work on exciting projects in small groups. We will not be so tired.