In 2012, the Government had agreed to increase the proposed salaries, but had failed to factor it in the budget for 2013.

It's estimated the government will need millions of dollars to pay for the outstanding benefits of the teachers.

The General Secretary of The National Teachers Association, Johnley Hatimoana, says that by extending the holidays, the government will be given time to sought for funds for the back-pay and the supplementary budget for teachers’ salaries for 2013.

In the meantime, while most private schools have already begun their academic year, all the Government funded schools are planning to begin on the 28th of January.