Enough is enough.

On behalf of all Rangatahi, we want to say that enough is enough.

We, as a student body, are in our fourth year of disruptions. We have not had it easy; however, we have done our very best, knowing that the past three years have been beyond anyone's control. This time, we do have control. You have control, and this is a change we can make.

The media is filled with stories about poor numeracy and literacy statistics within our schools, as well as issues of poor attendance and lack of engagement. This situation doesn't improve any of these issues; in fact, it exacerbates them.

Teachers have one of the most important jobs in the world. They are role models who work to help Rangatahi acquire virtues, knowledge, and competence. We, the Rangatahi, are the future of our country. We are the next builders, doctors, entrepreneurs, ministers, and, if anyone is willing, the next teachers.

Our teachers deserve to be paid what they are worth. Their strikes are a cry to be heard, and the cost of not listening is thousands of students who will not reach their potential due to insufficient time in the classroom. Students who could have passed will not. Students who could have gained endorsements and scholarships will not. Students who could have gone to university will not.

We want to be taught. We want to learn, and we want the strikes to stop.

Letter sent to Ministry of Education/Hon Jan Tinetti