About 20 people attended the picket outside National list MP Michael Woodhouse's office in Dunedin yesterday, while 26 protested at Bill English's office in Gore. There were a similar number at Eric Roy's office in Invercargill, but none outside Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean's office in Oamaru.
NZEI Otago field officer Ainslie Butcher said it was a realistic turnout.
''We have to be realistic about how many could attend.
''We weren't expecting a larger group, because the action at 7am stopped people with young families from coming along.
''And most teachers start work at about 7.30am.''
Mrs Butcher was pleased with the turnout and said the support from the public was ''absolutely amazing''.
She said a letter had been written by NZEI and signed by teachers and support staff in Dunedin schools, and would be sent to the Minister responsible for Novopay, Steven Joyce.
The letter was also signed by about 80 members of the public yesterday morning during the Dunedin picket, she said.
