NZPA -New Zealand Education Institute (NZEI) members have rallied to support striking teachers, health workers and public servants in Tonga.

Tonga's 3000 public servants went on strike over three weeks ago after lower tier workers -- who earn as little as $47 a week -- were awarded pay rises as low as 1 percent.

The NZEI said that in contrast, senior government officials were awarded pay rises of up to 80 percent.

An NZEI spokesman said the national executive had pledged $1000 to help the cause of teachers in Tonga and the union was helping highlight the issue beyond the kingdom.

More than 1400 teachers have joined the strike along with doctors, nurses and other health workers concerned at the widening gap between rich and poor in Tonga, where government ministers are reported to be earning more than $100,000 a year.