The NZEI President says that education is a crisis, and a significant change is needed to change the industry. 

Primary and secondary teachers have rejected the latest deal from the Government and will hold a combined strike on May 29th, on the eve of the Government's 'Wellbeing Budget'. 

It will be the largest-ever industrial action by New Zealand teachers, covering almost 50,000 members across the two unions.

NZEI President Lynda Stuart says the union's members want the government to realise their resolve has remained strong and steady.

"The teaching profession is not going to give up because the issues of fair pay and sustainable working conditions are too important."

She told the Weekend Collective that their pay has not kept pace with where it needed to be. 

"If our teachers decided to go over the ditch to Australia, they would be getting 30,000 more a year," though she insists that is not the only matter. Stuart insists they want a package that will cover matters such a better support for those children who have additional learning needs.

"It's about a package that can attract and retain our teachers." 

Stuart believes that public support for teachers is at the same level this month as it was last year.

"Our parents and our communities see the reality of what life is like for teachers." 

• Primary and secondary school teachers combine for mega-strike