About 150 teachers are waving banners with colourful slogans to a busy main arterial route into the Rotorua CBD this morning.

From 8am today, motorists tooted a cacophony as they supported the teachers' strike.

The start of the Rotorua strike took place opposite Rotorua Boys' High School by the Medical Officers' reserve.

Motorists parped non stop as if a Wagnerian opera, as they passed the strikers some of whom had taken their children, says a reporter at the scene.

Along with the slogans some of the protestors waved PPTA banners.

But at least one member of the public - a cyclist - became engaged in a verbal dispute with the protesters.

Rarely did passing traffic, including the driver of a police car, not acknowledge the strikers.

"Having to strike is disappointing but necessary," says striking teacher Nicky Wallace.

"I think that very eloquently states my position," Nicky says, adding she believes her views are an overall reflection of the nation-wide dispute over wages and conditions.

The teachers will assemble at the Village Green at 11am to listen to speeches before they march towards town, then to Kuirau Park.