Thousands of workers participate in nationwide mega-strike over pay and conditions

Thursday 23 October 2025 · 6 outlets · 5 reports · updated Thu 23 Oct 2025, 5:32pm

Up to 100,000 teachers, healthcare workers, and other public sector employees have walked off the job in a coordinated nationwide strike. Rallies were held in locations including Auckland, Rotorua, and Hamilton, while many schools closed and non-emergency medical procedures were delayed.

How they headlined it

11:47am1:27pm3:33pm5:32pm

1. NZ HeraldThu 23 Oct 2025, 11:47am

   Live: Thousands rally in Rotorua as unions stage nationwide pay strike (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsThu 23 Oct 2025, 1:27pm

   Mega-strike: Tens of thousands walk off job, rally in marches (opens in new tab)

3. RNZThu 23 Oct 2025, 3:33pm

   Nurses, teachers, doctors and others take part in nationwide mega strike (opens in new tab)

   • More than 100,000 march through streets as part of nationwide strike action (opens in new tab) Thu 23 Oct 2025, 3:36pm
4. The PostThu 23 Oct 2025, 5:32pm

   Mega strike: ‘Erica, come teach 32 16-yo boys with me?’ - workers have their say (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab), Waikato Times (opens in new tab)