Frustration between education unions and the Government has boiled over.

50,000 educators will down tools next Thursday in what's set to be one of the country's biggest ever strikes.

Both secondary and primary unions have voted to take the action.

Te Tai Tokerau Principals Association President Pat Newman told Kate Hawkesby poor conditions are causing massive issues for the workforce.

He says people are leaving the profession in droves and it's hard to get any new staff on board.

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