Bay of Plenty primary school teachers are the next to be hitting the streets, demanding better pay and improved working conditions.

The strike follows a vote, which was backed by both teachers and principals, to take full-day strike action instead of a previously planned three-hour strike.

The teachers' union NZEI is seeking an immediate 16 per cent pay rise and improved working conditions.

Rallies have been organised throughout the Bay of Plenty including one in Tauranga and in Whakatane.

Tauranga and Te Puke based teachers will meet at Coronation Park at 10.30am, where they will march through Mount Shopping Centre to Mount Drury. The rally is being hosted from 10.30am until 1pm.

Similarly, Whakatane teachers will be hosting a public rally which begins at 7.30am at the Whakatane Soccer Club on Rex Morpeth Park.

Teachers will march from the park to the Whakatane Library in the CBD. The rally runs from 7.30am-9.30am.

Organisers have encouraged those participating to wear green for the day, in support of NZEI.

NZEI union lead negotiator Louise Green says they strike action hopes to send a strong message to government that it's time to fix the teaching crisis.

"The National Party's u-turn on teacher pay and new desire for smaller class sizes means there is now no political opposition to addressing the crisis in education.

"The members' decision to take industrial action shows the degree of frustration and conviction among teachers and principals."

Louise says it's crucial to attract and retain great teachers.

"Teachers and principals need to have time to teach, time to lead, and be valued for the professionals that we are. And all children need to get the support they need to thrive at school."