A veteran Southland teacher says the salary gap between teaching and other professions is the main reason so many young people don't want the job.
Terry McNamara, who's the former head of mathematics at Gore High School, says schools are now dangerously reliant on overseas recruits and retired teachers like him, to fill gaps in staff.
Mr McNamara says young qualified New Zealanders are turning their backs on teaching because the rewards are pitiful, given their skills.
Nearly 50,000 teachers and principals took part in the country's largest-ever industrial action on Wednesday.
Terry McNamara says his own family provides a good example of the glaring disparity in pay levels between professions.
Mr McNamara says he officially retired in 2016 - but he's had little chance to kick back.
He says 20 percent of teachers are now in their 60s, and like him, trying to retire.
But they're in constant demand to fill gaps in schools that can't find staff.
RNZ Northland reporter Lois Williams has the story.
