Nearly 50,000 teachers and professors in New Zealand went on strike Thursday after talks between unions and the Ministry of Education aimed at improving pay and working conditions stalled.

Teachers calling for higher wages held banners reading "We can't afford a dentist" and "Too poor we can't print new banners". The one-day strike shut down kindergartens, primary and secondary schools across the country.

Education sector unions say the government's latest wage offer is out of step with inflation and that the education sector has reached a "crisis point" due to a shortage of teachers.

"A quality education is a basic human right," said Chris Abercrombie of the Post-Primary Teachers Union.

"Unfortunately, as educators, we see this right being slowly and surely being eroded," he added.

He said improving teachers' salaries and working conditions is necessary to retain experienced staff and recruit graduates.

Mark Potter, president of the New Zealand Institute of Education, said the teachers "want to send a message to the government about how seriously we need change".

"We all want the best for our students, but without a change in the system we cannot provide it for them," he added.

Education Minister Jean Tinetti said she was disappointed to see teachers on strike and wanted the row to be resolved quickly.

The cost of living has become a major political issue in New Zealand as the government struggles to control inflation.

Recent figures indicate that the New Zealand economy is contracting, raising fears of a looming recession.