We are a very important person in children’s life

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

This is an important role for us as educators and all the different roles we take part in with all whanau and children in our community. We are a very important person in children’s life. And time and skills we have as professionals is hard mahi. We need more professionals in education and better pay for our future generation and own well-being knowing we as teachers are treated with respect and our mana is maintained.

What will it take to fix pay for kindergarten teachers?

Okay we need to actually have a high increase as society trends of expenses has sky rocket which means we are still at low rates. Education is important for our many generations coming through services. We aim to give everything a child needs before they open themselves into the wider world.

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

This would make me as a teacher feel valued and appreciated that I can afford to continue with everyday activities.