Teachers aren't giving up their fight for better conditions, despite the Government's major recruitment drive.

850 new teachers are being sought, many of whom will come from overseas.

The NZEI, which has been fighting better pay and conditions for primary teachers, says its goals remain unchanged.

President Lynda Stuart told Mike Hosking working conditions still need to improve.

"We really want to home grow our teachers. We're not getting people into the profession."

Stuart says it's only a short term solution.

"We want to actually change the perception around teaching, where we can actually attract people and keep them in the profession."

Stuart says the only way to truly fix the shortage is to improve their working environments.

LISTEN TO LYNDA STUART TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE