Teachers’ strike TODAY: Nearly 20,000 protest over 1% pay rise offer

The action is in response to what the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) describes as an “appalling” pay offer from the Government.
The Government has offered a 1% pay rise every year for three years in collective agreement negotiations.
PPTA president Chris Abercrombie said the offer was the lowest increase in a generation and between 18,000 and 19,000 teachers would be protesting today.
He said the Government’s offer was “appalling” and argued it failed to help efforts to recruit and retain teachers within the workforce.
“We’re really disappointed that we have to strike, it’s not what we want, we want to be in the classroom teaching,” Abercrombie said.
“But what we’re striking for is basically to get the Government to move the needle on these offers.”
He claimed the Government was also failing to address other PPTA claims such as the need for more pastoral care staffing, professional development for curriculum and assessment, and more support for curriculum leaders who will be working on upcoming NCEA changes.
Abercrombie said if no progress was made, they would also roster students home and not teach certain year levels on specific days from September 15.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Public Service Minister Judith Collins said the PPTA striking after only six days of bargaining without taking the offer of 1% a year for three years to members was appalling, disingenuous and a “political stunt”.
She said it would disrupt students as they prepared for important exams.
“I think what’s really upset the unions is that we’re actually putting some facts out there and they’d much rather just go straight to strike and not go to the bargaining table, and my comments are very clear – get to the bargaining table. Stop having little tantrums as the unions decide to do.”
Papatoetoe High School principal Vaughan Couillault said parents who were worried about their child missing class time should remain engaged with their school on the day, or by emailing their teacher.
He said no one wanted industrial action where learning time was lost, whether it was a teacher or government minister, and the sooner people could get back around the table and restart negotiations the better.
“Yes, every day matters and it is disruptive, but it’s not necessarily going to be mission critical to how the exams go in November for some students, or the assessment,” Couillault said.
“On Thursday everyone’s back in and getting work under way.”
Most teachers would have built into their learning programmes the ability for students to miss one day of learning, he said.
Minister apologises for pay slip-up
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Collins also earlier apologised for incorrectly claiming that secondary school teachers with 10 years’ experience got paid $147,000.
Data provided by Collins’ own office shows 1.8% of teachers earned more than $140,000.
Labour’s education spokeswoman Willow-Jean Prime said the comment was “hugely disrespectful”.
“I think that it was really harmful, her comments, in the lead-up to the strikes... to be spreading such misinformation about what teachers are actually earning,” Prime said.
Collins apologised but said “the key point remains that teachers are not underpaid”.
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Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑

Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.

We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

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🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

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259 votes

1 hour ago

Assistant Manager - Restaurant

Kiran Reddy from Mount Eden

Date posted: February 20, 2026

Pay: NZ$25.00 - NZ$30.00 per hour

Job description:

Date posted: February 20, 2026

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Job description:

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Restaurant Managers to help lead operations at our popular Indian restaurant located in the vibrant heart of Milford, Auckland. These full-time, permanent position is ideal for hospitality professionals who thrive in fast-paced environments and take pride in delivering outstanding dining experiences.

About the Role

As an Assistant Restaurant Manager, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Restaurant Manager in the smooth day-to-day running of the business. You’ll assist in maintaining high standards of food quality, customer service, and operational efficiency while mentoring a diverse and energetic team. You will also contribute to building a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the warmth and authenticity of Indian hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

Support the Restaurant Manager and business owner in planning, coordinating, and monitoring daily restaurant operations to ensure consistent quality and efficiency.
Collaborate with Chefs to plan seasonal and promotional menus, ensuring dishes remain true to traditional Indian flavours while appealing to a broad customer base.
Supervise and actively participate in front-of-house operations, including guest greetings, reservations, service flow, and complaint resolution.
Oversee stock management, cost control, and supplier relationships, ensure accurate ordering, inventory tracking, and waste minimisation within budgetary parameters.
Organise and coordinate special events, functions, and catering services in collaboration with the Restaurant Manager.
Maintain compliance with health, safety, and hygiene standards in accordance with New Zealand food regulations.
Recruit, train, roster, and coach staff members to foster a motivated and customer-focused team culture.
Review customer feedback and identify opportunities for service improvement.
Assist with administrative duties such as cash handling, daily reconciliation, and performance reporting.
Monitor Delivery App side of business, co-ordinate with the service providers to increase the sale.
Skills and Requirements

Minimum 4 year of relevant management or supervisory experience in a busy hospitality environment, or a relevant qualification in Hospitality Management or a related field.
Availability to work 30 – 35 hours per week on a 7-day roster, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and guide staff in a team-oriented environment.
Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities, capable of staying calm under pressure.
Solid understanding of food cost management, stock control, and basic financial reporting.
Genuine passion for Indian cuisine and hospitality, with an eye for detail and customer satisfaction.
A proactive, hands-on attitude and willingness to assist in all areas of service when required.
What We Offer

Competitive pay based on experience and performance.
A friendly, multicultural work environment with opportunities for career development and advancement.
The chance to contribute to restaurant's improvement with loyal customer followings and strong community ties.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be New Zealand Citizens, Permanent Residents, or credentials to seek work visa in New Zealand.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Free food
Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person