They were among more than 10,000 people nationally, from Whangarei to Invercargill, who marched in their communities to show their support for retaining New Zealand's public education system.
New Zealand Educational Institute president Judith Nowotarski said the turnout around the country had surpassed the organisers' expectations.
''People were in the streets from places such as Te Awamutu, Hawera, Rotorua, Napier, Ashburton - the list goes on.
''It shows that there is a huge level of concern in the community about education.
''New Zealanders have today made it clear that they want to retain a quality public education system where all children get a fair opportunity.''
The Government's policies would lead to increased inequality and would be particularly disastrous for pupils who were struggling, Mrs Nowotarski said.
''We need the Government to understand that New Zealanders don't want to follow failed policies from overseas - policies such as charter schools, competition versus collaboration between schools and teachers, league tables, National Standards and winner and loser schools.
''We certainly hope that this time the Government will listen to people and start to make a commitment to retaining and enhancing our world-leading public education system, instead of current policies which will undermine it.''
In Auckland, Queen St was closed to traffic and about 4000 people marched to Aotea Square.
In Wellington, about 2000 gathered outside Parliament grounds, while in Christchurch several hundred people converged on MP Gerry Brownlee's electorate office.
