Many of New Caledonia's public schools are affected by a teacher strike today.
New Caledonia school Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel
The action had been signalled for weeks and talks on Monday to avert a stoppage failed.
The teachers are striking for better conditions.
In many towns, the schools have remained open and school transport has been operational, according to reports.
However, for security reasons, some schools in the Noumea area were closed.
The strike affects about 27,000 elementary school pupils.