Chris Luxon says the Government would pay teachers and doctors more, if it could.
Tens of thousands of education and health workers will walk of the job, in a massive super-strike on Thursday.
They're wanting pay rises to keep up with inflation.
But the Prime Minister told Mike Hosking the Government is dealing with a limited budget.
He says if New Zealand was a wealthier economy, like Ireland, it could afford to pay its people more.
LISTEN ABOVE

Mike's Minute: The free trade deal should be celebrated
02:24

Bridget Abernethy: Electricity Retailers and Generators Association CEO on the Electricity Authority questioning power price hikes
04:15

Pollies: National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen on drinking at Parliament, Maiki Sherman, the situation with Labour and Fitch
10:27