National's Nikki Kaye says it was "no surprise that the secondary teachers weren't happy" with the Government's latest pay offer, after the PPTA union recommended its members reject the offer.
Ms Kaye said secondary teachers had not been "prioritised by this Government and that it has instead chosen to spend $2.8 billion on an unsuccessful fees free policy for tertiary students".
The Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA) president Jack Boyle said the latest offer "doesn't come anywhere near addressing the teacher shortages we are facing".
Education Minister Chris Hipkins said the PPTA are committed to working with the Government, "and we are committed to working with them".
"We're not going to pre-empt what they're going to decide to do next, I think that would be rather unfair."
Mr Hipkins spoke to the PPTA today, and said he wanted to provide them with reassurance "we will deal with all of the issues that teachers have been raising, but we cannot do them all overnight".
Secondary teachers will meet around the country from November 7 to decide whether to accept or reject the Government's offer.
"For teachers it is not just about pay," Ms Kaye said.
"Smaller class sizes is another priority for many teachers which has not been prioritised by the Labour-led Government. Smaller ratios would help to lessen teachers' workloads and provide more one on one time with students," she said.
Ms Kaye said the Government had "overpromised" and chose to prioritise in other areas.
"This is extremely concerning for everyone involved and it only creates more uncertainty with the situation. The Government needs to front up now and and prioritise funding for teachers in an attempt to avoid more strike action."
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