About 50,000 teachers and early childhood educators have walked off the job in New Zealand as part of a nationwide strike for better pay and conditions.
Schools were shut across the country on Thursday as teachers protested the government's latest pay offers, which amount to a real wages cut.
About 10,000 people marched up Queen St to Albert Park in the biggest rally in Auckland.
Teachers have rejected lump sums as they chase wage rises that match inflation as well as more manageable staff-student ratios.
Education Minister Jan Tinetti, a former principal, told thousands of protesters outside parliament house the government would improve its position.
"We can do better and we are committed to doing better," she said.
"Today is your day of action, tomorrow we are back at the table ... I am committed to getting this sorted. We value you."
Ms Tinetti has held the role for just over a month, inheriting it from Chris Hipkins when he became prime minister.
She said in a previous life, she would have joined the protest herself.
