Kia ora e te whānau

This is my first journal message as President, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. It has been a pivotal year for us, marked by our visibility and engagement in the face of significant challenges.

A highlight was Congress 2024, my fourth, which was particularly memorable because of the shifting political landscape. Unlike previous Congresses held under a worker- friendly government, the recent election has complicated our efforts.

The theme, “People Over Profits,” resonated strongly, reflecting our collective struggles and the importance of solidarity. I commend the organising team for their hard work, especially given the record number of motions submitted.

The diversity of delegates, particularly the presence of young and first-time attendees, was encouraging, signaling our movement’s growth.

The panel discussion with supportive politicians, and then Ganesh Nana, provided valuable insights and reinforced our shared goals. Public Service Minister Nicola Willis’ attendance was significant, and despite her recent working from home comments, discussions remained respectful, allowing us to focus on our priorities.

I want to acknowledge recent past President Benedict Ferguson for his guidance on key projects, and for his advice on stepping into the President's role. The trust you have as members in me is humbling, and I am ready to work tirelessly on your behalf.

In October, more than 11,000 union members participated in the Maranga Ake Fight Back Together hui across the motu. I was at Aotea Square, where the turnout, despite the rain, demonstrated our unity. We also participated in the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti in November, displaying solidarity for our opposition to the Bill.

Looking ahead to 2025, we must confront the challenges before us and maintain our visibility as we approach the 2026 election.

Finally, I wish our members and staff a happy and safe holiday season. It’s a time for rest, reflection and refocus. I also appreciate those continuing the mahi during this period. Together, I am confident we can achieve great things in 2025 and beyond.

Ngā mihi
Virgil Iraia

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We’ve organised in workplaces, lobbied politicians, taken legal action, and maintained a strong media presence.

Taking action in workplaces

A major focus has been supporting your delegates to have meaningful input into restructuring within the public service and Te Whatu Ora. We oppose downsizing of over-stretched public health services and, while our input has saved some roles and processes have complied with collective agreements, this work is not yet finished. We’ve also taken industrial action when necessary to support bargaining, including at the New Zealand Defence Force, NIWA, Visionwest, NZ Blood Service, Pacific Radiology and Te Roopu Taurima.

Success stories

We have mounted high profile media and social media campaigns to highlight the impact of Government cuts. In the Employment Relations Authority (ERA), we successfully argued that the Ministry of Education had not followed the Collective Agreement by imposing, rather than agreeing, change proposals – a win that afforded dignity to hundreds of workers and provided a morale boost to thousands more.

We’ve also championed the rights of workers to flexible working. When Public Service Minister Nicola Willis directed public servants to cut back on working from home, we publicly reminded the Minister flexible working was built into many employment agreements and are engaging with Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission on this issue.

Taking a stand for workers' rights

Working with other unions (E tū and NZNO) we’ve kept fighting for pay equity for care and support workers, including taking their case to the ERA and holding nationwide rallies in July. We’ve also enabled members to raise their concerns about foreshadowed changes to health and safety at work. Changes proposed to sick leave entitlement will impact on many members and we’ve spent time understanding how the current system works to ensure the negative impact of likely reforms will be highlighted.

Building alliances

We have continued building alliances across communities, with iwi, and across the union movement.

In the coming two years, these alliances will be crucial in resisting the Government’s agenda.

As a founding member of the Save Science Coalition, which includes 29 scientific societies and unions, we helped produce the only analysis to show the full impact of Government cuts which so far has seen 500 roles cut, leading many scientists to seek opportunities abroad.

October’s successful nationwide cross-union Fight Back Together | Maranga Ake hui enabled PSA members to join in solidarity against the cuts and for a better vision for Aotearoa. In 2025, our 112th year, we’ll keep on doing this.

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Honouring lifetime achievement and emerging leadership at the Spirit of Service Awards

PSA members Paul “Woody” Woodgate and Renee Conway have been celebrated for their dedication and service, each being recognised at the recent Spirit of Service awards host by Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Paul Woodgate, Antarctica New Zealand

For over 40 years, Paul “Woody” Woodgate has been the steadfast link between New Zealand and Antarctica. As the Logistics Manager for Antarctica New Zealand, Paul has managed the movement to and from the remote continent of everything from scientific equipment to bulldozers, to dignitaries such as Sir Edmund Hillary, Princess Anne and Lorde.

Known for his humble approach and a heart of gold, Paul greets everyone with genuine care, personally seeing off visitors and reassuring their loved ones of their safe arrival.

Beginning his career as a State Service cadet, Paul’s expertise has made him a cornerstone of Antarctic operations. His contributions were recognised with an MNZM in 2012, and even Antarctica’s landscape honours him with Woodgate Crest, named in his legacy.

Paul’s unwavering commitment to the people he serves has earned him this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a well-deserved recognition of his remarkable career.

Young Leader of the Year Finalist – Renee Conway, Oranga Tamariki

Renee Conway, Social Work Supervisor at Oranga Tamariki, is a rising star in New Zealand’s public service, dedicated to making a meaningful difference for tamariki and whānau.

Renee’s journey from being a tamaiti in care to a leadership role has given her a unique perspective, fueling her drive to create positive change. In her role, she empowers her team to deliver vital interventions and support to families, shaping brighter futures for children across Aotearoa.

Renee finds purpose in guiding her team’s growth, and she’s passionate about witnessing the transformative changes her team helps to bring about for families.

Her advice to young public servants is clear: embrace the organisation’s values, build strong community networks, and prioritise self-care.

Alarm at further NZDF cuts

The PSA is alarmed that the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is looking to make further cuts to the critical civilian workforce in order to slash $50m from its wage bill.

NZDF has told staff across its military and civilian workforce that it wants to cut $50m through its Workforce Savings Programme in the 2025/26 financial year as part of plans to tackle a $360m blowout in spending.

Further cuts to civilian staff put New Zealand’s national security at risk as well as our ability to respond to disasters at home and in the Pacific – the Government is making an irresponsible and dangerous choice.

The civilian workforce is cut to the bone after a damaging round of voluntary redundancies and NZDF refusing to fill important roles when civilian personnel leave.

The announcement of further cuts to NZDA staff comes as PSA members who are civilian workers escalated industrial action to get NZDF to budge from a zero-pay rise offered during negotiations for a new collective agreement.

The industrial action triggered a rare use of powers by the Minister of Defence to approve military personnel undertaking the work of striking civilian workers, a power not used since 2001.

This extraordinary step proves that the military can’t operate without civilian personnel, which is why the original zero-pay offer was so insulting.

Our Ferries for Future campaign

In early November PSA members joined more than 100 people who rallied at Parliament to urge the Government to invest in publicly owned, rail-capable ferries.

As one of its first actions the coalition government cancelled the purchase of new Cook Strait ferries and associated port redevelopment without having an alternative replacement plan.

New, greener, inter-island passenger and freight transport is a vital piece of public infrastructure. The PSA is concerned at the year-long pause in this project and reports that consideration is being given to privatisation.

Marlene Pitman Award recipient – Monique Goodhew

The 2024 Marlene Pitman Award recipient is Dunedin City Council Hinonga Mangai Māori Monique Goodhew (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou).

The award recognises outstanding service by a Māori delegate. Marlene was nominated by her colleague policy analyst Dr. Lou Kawene and the award was announced at this year’s Hui Taumata.

Dr. Kawene says that Monique’s leadership as the Hinonga Māngai Māori and Sector Māngai for the Local Government Sector has been instrumental in advocating for Māori in local government. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to empower Māori within our community and workplaces.

Congratulations Monique, this is well deserved. He wahine toa koe!

New president – Virgil Iraia

Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina would like to congratulate Virgil Iraia on becoming the new President of the PSA. We are very proud of you Virgil and wish you every success in your new role.

We will be right behind you. Kia kaha kia koe.

“Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua. Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.”

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Why did you get involved in action for Palestine?

It’s about international solidarity, in particular, the Industrial Workers of the World slogan “an injury to one is an injury to all”. There’s workers like me over there. There’s also bigger things like the scale of catastrophic devastation, the carbon cost. I hadn’t been to political events much before, despite always having a strong political identity. When the escalation happened, I followed content creators online – people in Gaza and people in Aotearoa. I felt like I had to do something. I show up because I want a just and sustainable ceasefire, and peace where everyone is welcome.

What have you been doing?

I found out there are lots of organisations in my region I could get involved with. I started attending the rallies the local Palestine Solidarity Network (PSN) branch organises every week. Now I’m also going to organisers’ meetings. I’ve been educating myself about the history of Palestine, especially since the Nakba in 1948 – there’s more than 75 years of history behind this. It didn’t start in October 2023. I’ve made donations to my local PSN branch and I take a PSA flag to every rally.

How does this kaupapa connect to union values for you?

For me it’s about natural justice and international solidarity, which are the pillars of unionism. The more of us show up, the more resources we have and the more we can do. It’s great for the rallies to have large numbers of people. I would love to see an activated membership – not just around bargaining time but carrying the torch all the time.

How can people join you?

People can educate themselves, they can get involved in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, contact their local Palestine solidarity group, or their union. Share information, talk to each other about it.

Come and attend the rallies with us. There’s a community, everyone is supported and welcomed. The rallies are safe, and we look after each other. You have a right to protest as a private citizen and remember that the PSA and the NZCTU back you.

At 33, Virgil (Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu) is one of the organisation’s youngest ever presidents. The Bay of Plenty based senior applications specialist at Te Whatu Ora steps into the top job after two years as PSA Vice President and Teina of Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina.

You started your union journey at 17. How did it come about?

At 17 my mother said “if you’re not going to go to school, get a job”. So that’s what I did, as a hospital cleaner. I started out in the Service and Food Workers union, then I was volun-told to become a nighttime delegate working the night shift. When I started working in Te Whatu Ora IT, I joined the PSA because I wanted to participate in union democracy, representation and advocacy.

Have you always worked in the health sector?

The health sector is so special, and suited to the type of person I am. I’m empathetic and generally like to help people be at their best. I was meant to be a nurse, but didn’t quite get there! I did take a bit of time out to study and teach technology/IT, which comes in handy today.

What does the future of the PSA look like to you?

It’s about navigating PSA through the next stages. For me, one is the PSA as a modern influential union. We need to engage with our membership too. We also need to identify and mentor our future leaders and if I can play a role in that, I will. And recruiting. I’m up for that!

What are some challenges and opportunities facing the PSA right now?

Our challenge is the coalition Government and their constant attacks, the public service cuts, not knowing what our budgets are and who’s going to be around after that. For opportunities, if we see a bit more campaigning and offering an alternative, that view will put us in a good space. It’s about being present, being heard, being seen, and getting amongst allies too.

What do you like to do in your downtime?

In my downtime I usually like to disconnect. I go back to where my father is from, Te Urewera, where there is no cell phone coverage. You can just be one with nature and be amongst the whenua my ancestors and tīpuna are from. I’m quite a spiritual person so I do feel that connectedness to where dad’s from.

Finally, what’s your message to PSA members?

An acknowledgement for the tireless work you do to support Aotearoa, particularly in the current environment. I wanted to say a very big thank you for everything you do for and on behalf of the PSA.

Quick fire questions:

Mince pie/Sausage roll

Coffee/Tea

Lake/Ocean

Theatre/Film

All Blacks/Black Ferns

Chocolate/Cheese

Introvert/Extrovert

Text/Call

Playlist/Podcast

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The proposed cuts, including 700 vacant roles, are on top of 1,832 roles already lost through cuts and 564 voluntary redundancies. If this latest proposal goes ahead, the Government would have shed or proposed to shed about 3,300 health roles this year – with more cuts to come.

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Health Commissioner Lester Levy, have said that the cuts are necessary because of overspending. Our members tell a different story.

The real-life impacts of underfunding

In May, just before Te Whatu Ora restricted hiring new staff, we asked our members about vacancies in their services.

We received more than 400 responses. Members described a health system that was underfunded, not one that is overspending. Even before the latest cuts, staff shortages were having huge impacts.

Members described long-standing vacancies across health services. In one case, the lack of an ophthalmic photographer means that people with diabetes are not getting their retinas checked – risking their sight.

One member described working in a mental health service that has 11 fewer staff than it should: fewer high-risk patients have been assessed, and patients are suffering further as demand for services grows. Another example provided was of patients remaining longer in hospital than necessary because of delays in being assessed by Occupational and Physical Therapists.

Cutting administrative roles that enable healthcare

Fully staffed administration is essential to keep the health system running. Members said vacancies in administrative roles meant longer waits for people with a high suspicion of cancer, sexually transmitted infections going undiagnosed, barriers to people accessing vaccinations, patients missing out on appointments because of a shortage of booking staff, delays in sending information and results to patients. Without enough intake administrators, referrals to specialists were more likely to be rejected due to insufficient information. In one
hospital, delays paying invoices created difficulties getting vital clinical supplies.

Keep public services in public hands

Technological advances and people living longer are driving up health costs. But there are alternatives to cutting jobs and pretending that spending is the problem.

The first alternative is a properly funded health system. New Zealand spends $2700 less per capita on health than Australia. We have a choice about how we spend money. This Government has chosen tax cuts for landlords ahead of properly funded public health services.

The second alternative is making sure that the spend to services and workers, not private profit. Private health providers have the same costs that Te Whatu Ora does, while also providing a dividend to shareholders.

The profits of private providers are not available to fill the vacancies, address inequalities, or build new hospitals.

Currently, workers struggle to meet health needs with inadequate resources. It doesn’t need to be like that. We can have a healthcare system that looks after us all if we fund public services properly and stop letting companies extract private profit from public services.

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Under the headline “Into the Lions’ Den” it previewed the first opportunity for Public Services Minister Nicola Willis to address PSA delegates who gathered in the Capital amid restructurings, job reductions, and health and public service cuts she oversaw in her first year to fund the Government’s tax cuts programme.

In a separate political leaders panel Labour Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni and Greens Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick spoke about the work public and community service workers did to get the country through the COVID-19 pandemic and argued to change the prevailing narrative to focus on investing for our shared future.

Congress was also addressed by Te Kaihautū Māori Janice Panoho, NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff, and former Productivity Commissioner Ganesh Nana. Public Service International President Daniel Bertossa sent fraternal greetings from more than 20 million union members as we face down the Government’s agenda to cut essential services and slash jobs.

Most of the afternoon of Day 2 was spent on union governance, with the announcement that Māori Vice President and Teina o Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina Virgil Iraia had been elected as the new PSA President.

Outgoing President Benedict Ferguson gave his final address to Congress summarising the growth of the union over his four years in the role.

On Day 1 delegates voted on motions, which included reinforcing our commitments to closing Pacific pay gaps, and continuing to campaign for equal pay for care and support workers. Congress adopted a new name for our health sector of Te Whatu Ora: Health Pōari Hauora ā Rohe, and made changes to representation in the governance structure including confirming the important advisory roles of the PSA Kuia and Kaumatua on the PSA Executive Board. It also agreed to add the manaia of Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina and the ingoa Māori of the PSA – Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi – to PSA branding.

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Members supported the Hīkoi during its 10-day journey from Te Rerenga Wairua/Cape Rēinga in the north and Waihōpi/Invercargill in the south. PSA BBQs in Waitohi/Picton and Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland at Takaparawhau/Bastion Point enabled members to share manaakitanga with the marchers. PSA Organiser Will Matthews was one among the PSA group at Takaparawhau as the Hīkoi was welcomed.

“We were incredibly proud to tautoko the Hīkoi and show that 96,000 community and public service workers stand in solidarity against attempts to divide Aotearoa. A lot of us were quite emotional watching the Hīkoi being welcomed - the energy on the whenua was palpable,” said Will.

“Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi, the PSA, is part of the movement to protect Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and we’re keen to keep contributing in any way we can.

“We’d also like to give a huge shout out to our comrades from E tū and the Tertiary Education Union who came along to help, allowing us to staff a crucial third manaaki station.”

PSA President Virgil Iraia joined the Hīkoi in Pōneke/Wellington. He said it was an “overwhelming” experience with many members waving PSA flags in the crowd, which was the largest protest crowd Parliament has ever seen.

“It was important for the PSA to be there because we acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tangata whenua and our history. As public and community service workers every day we work to address the impact of historic underprovision to Māori which Te Tiriti was supposed to uphold, it’s foolish to think that forgetting this past is a way to build a fairer and more equal Aotearoa into the future.

“What’s next is the PSA, Sector Committees, Networks and Te Rūnanga will be making submissions. We encourage everyone to do the same. Have those conversations, push back and kill the Bill.”

PSA members can also make individual public submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill by 14 January 2025.

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PSA delegate Olivia McHugo felt so passionately about taking part in the Fight Back Together | Maranga Ake hui that she took a day’s leave to make the hui at Parliament.

Olivia turned up early to help the organising crew set up for the event.

She was the first hui participant to claim a space on the grass in front of Parliament in the nervous minutes before the start time, when hui organisers were wondering how many people would show up.

But it wasn’t long before Olivia was part of a crowd of 4,500, who had streamed out of the offices that surround Parliament, their chants echoing in the narrow Wellington streets. Hundreds more people poured off the buses from Wellington Hospital, the Hutt Valley, Porirua and the Kapiti Coast.

PSA Organiser Katie Rowsell said, “when the first bus of nurses arrived, I knew we were going to be all right.”

Across the motu

Similar scenes were happening around the country. About 3,000 people rallied in Aotea Square in Auckland, which became a colourful, vibrant sea of union flags and banners.

A further 250 people took part in a community barbeque event in Manukau.

In Christchurch 900 people packed out the Addington Raceway venue, while a smaller rally at the Bridge of Remembrance attracted another 150 people.

More than 500 people filled Nelson’s Trafalgar Centre and 500 joined the hui in Dunedin’s Octagon. Between 250 to 300 people took part in each of the hui in Palmerston North, Mt Maunganui, New Plymouth and Hamilton.

PSA Organiser Chris Ollington said the Hamilton hui was notable for the Community and Public Services sector workers who turned out in their own time in between the valuable mahi they do to support people in the community.

Hui in Greymouth, Invercargill and Whangārei attracted between 50 to 150 people each. In total about 11,000 people across the motu attended the hui, organised by the Council of Trade Unions with support from affiliated unions including the PSA.

Union power!

At the hui participants voted on five motions calling for better, safer work, greater investment in public, health and community services, respect for Māori and Te Tiriti, an end to inequality, and a just transition for workers in the face of climate and technology change.

More importantly, people felt the positive energy created by the banners, the flags, the music the speeches, and the power of standing together in solidarity with other workers.

PSA National Secretary Duane Leo, who spoke at the Aotea Square event, said, "people were happy to be there speaking up. It’s about time we started to do this.”

After the New Plymouth event PSA Organiser Chris Stuart said, “there was lots of energy in the group and they were keen to do it again.”

Olivia McHugo said the hui in Wellington was “really powerful, really moving. I was in touch with people attending in other places and the feeling was the same across the country.”

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The campaign kicked off in mid-July, when PSA learned that the Council’s governing body would vote on the privatisation in two weeks. “There was a bit of alarm – we were caught by surprise,” said Martin. “We knew that if we wanted to stop the privatisation, we had to win this at the governing body.”

Getting word out

The first step was to hold meetings with members at the affected centres to get their input. “[Members] were outraged at not being told about this before,” said Gaby, “This would directly affect their jobs and communities.”

Alongside the member meetings, PSA published resources and social media posts that laid out the issue and had a very clear ‘ask’: email your councillor, ask them to vote against privatisation.

Working with allies in the community like ActionStation increased the reach of our campaign.

Playing the game

We also met with the councillors who would be voting on the issue. Martin said the idea was to “put our position to them and get agreement from them to vote against the proposal.”

“I was a little bit nervous before meeting them,” said Gaby. “[But] they were just normal people. They were doing their game, and we were doing our game, it wasn't scary or anything. It was really good to see how politics actually works.”

Decision day

Two weeks of campaigning flew by, and 1 August was the day the governing body would make its decision. Martin and Gaby spoke at the Council meeting. “It was intimidating, but it was worth it,” said Gaby, “it felt that we were actually changing their minds.”

As the mayor and councillors debated the issue, it was clear the campaign had gotten through to many of the councillors. Still, it wasn’t an easy wait: “Right up to the vote, it wasn't clear what would happen,” said Martin.

But the wait was worth it: councillors decided not to contract out management of the facilities it currently operates. The facilities will remain publicly owned and operated.

We have the power

The campaign showed Gaby the potential of focused, people-driven campaigning. “At the start we didn't have much hope,” she said, “[but] very soon we saw we have a lot of power, more than we thought.”

“We can make change happen,” she continued, “but nothing will happen unless we try. Even if you don’t always get the result you want, by doing something you can achieve a completely different result than what you were expecting.”

“Never underestimate the capacity of our members to take on the big challenges of the day,” said Martin. “They're intelligent, they're passionate, and they're committed to public service.”

“Always try,” concluded Gaby, “Don’t lose hope, and fight with all you know.”

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This year has been one of the most challenging periods Māori have experienced for decades – a year marked by Government actions that have been damaging and divisive for our people.

We’ve seen the rise of racist rhetoric, attacks on Māori, and a disregard for the use of te reo Māori. The Government has proposed changes to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including the possibility of a referendum on our constitutional agreement, which threatens the foundation of our nation's identity.

On top of this, as a country we face relentless announcements of job losses and funding cuts. The impact on Māori has been profound, with continuous assaults on our rights, and cutbacks on services created by and for Māori. These policies undermine the progress we have fought so hard to achieve.

The disestablishment of Māori specialist roles across our community and public services is highly damaging. These roles ensure the country’s institutions reflect

Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and bring our unique Māori worldview to the forefront of policy, practice, and care.

This Government is slashing and burning the very services that uphold our well-being, our mana, and our whānau. If they continue down this path, what will be left for our tamariki and mokopuna?

The attack on te reo Māori and our culture

It’s not just jobs they are attacking – it’s our culture, our language, and our dignity. This Government wants to erase the use of te reo Māori in community and public services, strip te reo from official parliamentary correspondence and government agency branding. Te reo Māori is the heartbeat of our culture and a reminder of our history. To remove it from our public spaces is to deny Māori our identity, and our place in this land.

Treaty Principles Bill

The Treaty Principles Bill, which disregards Māori rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a foundation document of our country, has just been introduced to Parliament.

PSA members and staff rallied in support of the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti as it passed through their regions on the way to Parliament. PSA members were out in force, marching, waving flags running sausage sizzles and posting on social media, to increase pressure to kill the Treaty Bill.

The PSA is also supporting other efforts to have the Bill voted out and is giving members the opportunity to submit their opposition to it when the Bill advances to the Select Committee stage.

As well as riding roughshod over the rights of Māori and the role of Te Tiriti, the Bill, if it were passed, would make it easier for the Government to sell off public assets. Treaty principles have acted in the past as a brake on corporatisation and privatisation. Te Tiriti protects all New Zealanders from corporate exploitation. This Bill isn’t about equality—it’s about corporate greed and profits versus all the people of Aotearoa, Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti.

Kotahitanga – solidarity

Our tūpuna fought for the recognition of our language and culture, for the signing of Te Tiriti, for our place in Aotearoa. We will not allow their legacy to be destroyed by political games.

He waka eke noa – we are all in this together. We stand together, Māori and Tāngata Tiriti, workers and whānau, to protect what is rightfully ours. We will not be divided. We will not be silenced.

Kia mau te mana. Kia manawanui. Ka whawhai tonu mātou, ake ake ake!

Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.

Janice Panoho

Te Kaihautū Māori o Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi

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Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina (TRONTA) is proud to announce the new Tuakana and Teina of the Kōmiti. We would like to congratulate both Joanna Houston and Bronny Pegler who have been instrumental leaders in their own enterprises, leading and supporting Māori to be active in advocating for te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the workplace. Congratulations to you both!

Joanna Houston, Tuakana/Vice President Māori

Tuia te rangi e tū nei Tuia te papa e takoto nei Ka rongo te pō

Ka rongo te ao Tīhei mauri ora!

Kia whai kororia ki a Ihoa o ngā mano

Tūāuriuri whāiōio

Kii tonu te rangi me te whenua i te nui o tana kororia.

Tangihia rā ngā mate huhua o te wā Haere, whakangaro atu rā

Rātou ki a rātou, haere atu rā, tātou te hunga ora ki a tātou anō.

Tēnei te tuku i ngā tai o mihi ki a koutou, otirā ki a tātou e noho nei i raro i te haumarutanga o Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi, kei te mihi, kei te mihi, tēnā rā koutou katoa!

Ko wai tēnei e mihi atu nei?

Ko Whakapunaki tōku maunga Ko Wairoa tōku awa

Ko Takitimu Waiherere me Ruataniwha ōku marae

Ko Ngāi Te Apatu tōku hapū Ko Joanna Houston tōku ingoa.

He uri ahau nō Kahungunu ki te Wairoa, Ngāti Tuwharetoa me Ngāti Ruanui o Taranaki iwi,

E mihi ana ki a koutou katoa.

Born and raised in Ōtautahi Christchurch, I am a mum to five amazing adult tamariki who I share with my wonderful husband, Johnny.

It is my privilege to be elected Vice President Māori of the PSA and Tuakana of TRONTA. I am thankful for the support and encouragement from my Public Service Rūnanga whānau to stand for the role, and deeply humbled by the confidence the Sector Mangai of TRONTA have in me to fulfil this role and reflect the voice of the members they represent.

As the current Hinonga Māngai Māori and National PSA Co-convenor at Te Tāhuhu o Te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education (MoE), I am no stranger to advocating for and carrying the voice of our PSA members.

From fighting to protect collective agreement entitlements before the Employment Relations Authority, to advocating in the Employment Court for MoE to honour our Ngā Kaupapa Principles, Kaitiakitanga and Pono. All that I have achieved and continue to do as a delegate has been with our PSA members in mind. Most importantly, to have shared in these experiences with those closest to me, my MoE Co-convenor Myron Elkington, my public service rūnanga whānau and my Sector Committee Co-convenor, Ulualofaiga Mareko.

“anō te ātaahua o te nohotahitanga a ngā tainai me ngā tuakana i raro i te whakaaro tahi.

“Such is the power of whanaungatanga, the strength in unity and working together to achieve interests in common.”

Bronny Pegler, Teina

Ko Tararua tōku maunga

Ko Ruamahanga rāua ko Mangahao ōku awa

Ko Ngāti Kahungunu, ko Rangitāne nui ratou ko Ngāti Tama ōku iwi

Ko Ngāti Raukawa, ko Ngāti Rongomaiaia ratou ko Ngāti Hāmua ōku hapū

Ko Takitimu rāua ko Kurahaupō ōku waka

Nō Ōtepoti ahau

Ko Bronny Pegler tōku ingoa

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa

My husband, Jase and I have two beautiful daughters, Merikuru (27) and Toneisha (25), we are very excited about the arrival of our first moko early next year. The steps I take in life are illuminated by their aroha and awhi.

I’ve been working at Oranga Tamariki for 18 years as a senior practitioner in Youth Justice. I started my journey as a PSA delegate in 2015 and been national delegate since 2017 in both general and Rūnanga spaces. Since 2021, I’ve been elected Hinonga Māngai Māori for Oranga Tamariki and Public Service Sector Māngai.

A highlight for me was the 2024 PSA Congress. I led TRONTA Notices of Motion to change the PSA Rules and Regulations. We were able to achieve 97% of our drafted motions. At the heart of this mahi was a call for Tino Rangatiratanga and Mana Motuhake! I am humbled to be elected as

Teina and to have the confidence of TRONTA to carry the voice of our members. I believe that no one sector is more important than another. In the current political environment members voices are being muted, mana is being trampled on, Te Tiriti o Waitangi is under attack and there have been thousands of job losses.

As Māori we need to be united across all sectors to have genuine influence that enables transformational change.

I want to thank all my PSA whānau alongside te whānau o te naughty corner! You are all the ‘wind beneath my wings’.

Ki te kotahi te kākaho, ka whati; ki te kāpuia, e kore e whati!

When we stand alone, we are vulnerable, but together, we are unbreakable!

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At the PSA Congress in September, hundreds of delegates heard outgoing President Benedict Ferguson recommit the PSA to climate action.

As the PSA Eco Network gears up to make this a reality, convenors of the Eco Network share why climate change is a union issue, and what unions can do for the environment.

Climate issues are worker issues

Climate change will directly impact community and public service workers. Many of the impacts of climate change – increasing resource scarcity, collapsing biodiversity, increasing severe and unusual weather, rising sea levels – will directly impact our lives, and also our jobs. “We will be on the frontlines of responding to these challenges,” says National Eco Network Convenor Briar Wyatt. “Ultra-rapid climate change, and a chaotic transition, will make community and public service jobs harder and more precarious. Action on climate change is a fight for a liveable planet, and secure jobs.”

Climate change matters to workers just like any other form of justice and human rights. North Island Eco Network convenor Sarah Roberts points out that, “Good working lives has always been about more than just pay increases. Fair treatment at work, decent hours and conditions, health and safety, rainbow rights, upholding Te Tiriti, dignity in work – climate action is just another item on the long list that unions fight for.”

We have the power

Collective employment agreements are an opportunity to bind employers and workers to take climate action.

Climate-positive clauses are already happening in all different sectors. Crown Law’s collective agreement binds the organisation to be carbon neutral by 2025, to have dedicated sustainability advisor time, and to work in partnership with the union to reduce carbon emissions. Many organisations have flexible working provisions, which reduce transport emissions. Auckland Council has formally agreed to work with the PSA to implement Auckland’s Climate Plan. Christchurch Airport has to regularly update the PSA about their progress on emissions.

Lead the change

Workers shouldn’t just wait for climate clauses to happen.

“People need to speak up to get climate action into collective agreements,” says PSA National Eco Network Convenor Martin Graham. “You need passionate people on each bargaining team, and you need the general membership to push these clauses into bargaining claims and support them all the way to ratification.”

Ready to make it happen? Let your local delegates know that climate action is important to you, and join the Eco Network through your MyPSA portal. You can get in touch at eco@psa.org.nz.

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*Editor's note: In the time since this article went to print, Amy has been redeployed within ESR.

Amy is a project lead in the Genomics and Bioinformatics team at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). The Crown Research Institute works across several disciplines, including public health, water and environment, and food product safety.

Amy’s specialist area, genomics, is the research of an organism’s genetic material. The science has broad applications that impact our lives – including tracking and eliminating viral outbreaks in food products, to exploring medical breakthroughs in personalised medicine, which looks at how different people respond to treatments. It’s a highly specialised, skilled and vital field of work.

Amy’s role is one of more than 500 science roles that have been axed or are planned to be axed, as part of the Government’s savage cuts to the sector.

Limiting the cost of COVID-19

After COVID-19 hit our shores for the first time in early 2020, Amy was part of Aotearoa’s workforce of scientists working to understand and eliminate the virus. Amy’s specialisation was in tracking the growth and spread of the virus through genomic sequencing and surveillance.

“It was a very, very intense job for a while. Weekend work, dropping everything to work on it, responding to the crisis in front of us,” Amy says.

“There were a lot of things that we helped with by sequencing the COVID-19 genomes – avoiding another lockdown in Auckland, tracking and identifying the source of local outbreaks. We managed to save Auckland quite a lot of money in lost business.”

Amy and the rest of the Genomics and Bioinformatics team work on countless research projects that better Aotearoa – and the same can be said across the whole of ESR, and the wider science sector.

“We [at ESR] are working towards future pandemic preparedness, that's essential. Another [future goal] is point-of-care testing, rolling out sequencing capabilities to regional labs close to where the patient is being treated. Hospitals wouldn’t have an overnight delay while the samples are sent to us to receive and process – they’d be able to do it themselves. It would expedite patient care, particularly in critical cases.”

Defunding science

Despite the demonstrable value of their work to keep Aotearoa healthy, safe, and future-proofed, the science sector has weathered sparse budgets delivered by successive governments, made worse by ruthless cuts since the coalition Government took power in 2023.

“If the Government doesn't fund things, we're going to have to stop doing them,” she says.

Amy’s words have a chilling resonance. In the short term, tax cuts are given to landlords, and in the long term, our scientists, along with their vital work, dissipate, either to the private sector or overseas, leaving Aotearoa exposed to preventable risk.

“Scientific work requires very specialised people, essentially, and one of the issues we have is attracting and retaining people with that niche skill set.

“Because New Zealand is a low wage economy, we lose a lot of scientists overseas because they make more money in, say, Australia or the UK, and [the wages are] enough to justify paying interest on their student loans.

“Then, it's harder to attract people from overseas, to come to New Zealand and work with us. What we really need is to retain our skilled people in New Zealand. It's super important,” Amy says.

The impacts on science sector workers

There are many other science sector workers who are in the same shoes as Amy – facing another round of redundancies, a diminishing workforce, and financial uncertainty.

Much like the rest of our community and public services, full and consistent funding is essential to ensuring the science sector continues to deliver on what is crucial work.

“No one does this work by themselves - there's a huge team behind everything,” she says.

“While you might see one or two people on the news representing us, there’s a whole workforce behind them putting in the mahi to get the work done.”

As this article goes to print, it is undetermined where Amy will be heading after her role is made redundant*.

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Throughout the year, thousands of PSA members have continued to mobilise to settle their pay equity claim.

Demonstrating member power

In March an open letter with more than 9,100 signatures was delivered to Te Whatu Ora, demanding urgent action on the stalled pay equity claim. On International Women’s Day, PSA delegates Eleanor Keepa, Alice Vaevae, and Pinky Kumawat were at the presentation of the letter talking about the reality and complexity of working in home, mental health, and disability support, and what pay equity would mean to them.

The open letter highlighted the gender discrimination faced by the predominantly female workforce of 65,000.

In May, care and support workers joined other unions to protest against the Government’s axing of the pay equity taskforce within Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission, which had led efforts to close the public service gender pay gap. In early June, care and support workers joined more than 1,000 people who marched through Wellington against cuts to public services and for a Te Tiriti-based future underpinned by strong community and public services available to everyone.

Calling "Time's Up"

In June, care and support workers called “Time’s Up” and took their long-overdue pay equity claim to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA). This significant escalation marked a determination on the part of unions involved in the claims to achieve fair pay for people doing this essential work and an end to gender- based discrimination.

On July 1, members from three combined unions rallied across the motu to amplify our demand that the Government fully fund pay equity settlements.

In August, the PSA rejected attempts by Te Whatu Ora to make late changes to the pay equity methodology the claim has been using, viewing it as a tactic to stall progress on a claim affecting thousands of care workers. The PSA stressed the urgent need for proper funding and equitable pay to those providing this vital service to vulnerable populations.

In late August, Margie Apa, the Chief Executive of Te Whatu Ora, spent an afternoon shadowing a care and support worker. The unions arranged this to continue the discussion about how complex and how undervalued the work is.

The fight continues

Members, delegates and officials are actively meeting with, and sending letters to, Ministers Louise Upston, Dr Shane Reti and Shane Jones, and Opposition leader Chris Hipkins, to lobby for pay equity. Training is underway across the motu to equip leaders in the pay equity campaign for effective lobbying.

In late November, unions attended mediation to attempt to advance the care and support and seek a date for the Employment Relations Authority to hear their claim.

In 2025, PSA members will continue the fight for fair recognition and respect for CPS workers and the vital work they do.

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NZCTU called for reversal of Myanmar junta invitation to ASEAN-NZ dialogue

In April 2024, NZCTU supported 33 Myanmar community organisations urging the New Zealand government to rescind its invitation to the Myanmar military junta for the ASEAN-NZ Dialogue meeting.

It was argued that inviting the junta signals support for a regime condemned for crimes against humanity, betraying New Zealand’s “principles and our reputation, and a betrayal of the Myanmar community in New Zealand”.

While Myanmar community organisations went to court to block entry, and the NZCTU spoke out in their support, delegates from Myanmar were able to enter the country.

The judge in the court proceedings did however recognise the understandable concerns raised about the human rights abuses by the military junta in Myanmar.

“The evidence before me indicates the junta is responsible for well documented, widespread and systematic human rights violations and crimes against humanity,” his judgement read, as reported by RNZ.

Global trade unions file complaint against Israel for wage violations affecting Palestinian workers

In September 2024, ten global trade unions, including PSI, filed a complaint against the Israeli government for violating the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Protection of Wages Convention.

The complaint highlighted the situation of over 200,000 Palestinian workers who have faced unpaid wages and withheld benefits, following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

These violations have caused severe financial distress for affected families, who lack access to legal remedies. Union leaders argue that withholding wages amounts to collective punishment and breaches international law.

They demanded immediate payment of owed wages and the reopening of the labour market to Palestinian workers.

This complaint emphasised the urgent need for Israel to fulfil its international obligations and ensure justice for workers impacted by ongoing conflict and economic instability.

PSI continues work on care and migration support

In October at the Asia-Pacific Care Forum, hosted by the UN Women Asia-Pacific office, PSI’s Regional Secretary for the Asia-Pacific region Kate Lapin raised concerns about the overrepresentation of private sector interests, which often prioritise profit over workers’ rights.

The forum was designed to bring together UN agencies, private sector representatives, and trade unions, to discuss the future of care work and its impact on women’s empowerment and economic restructuring.

Lapin emphasised the importance of unionising migrant care workers, arguing that both workers and care recipients benefit from strong union representation.

PSI’s statement urged the forum to recognise care as a human right and adhere to the 5R Framework – recognise, reduce, redistribute, reward and represent – for decent care work, ensuring that workers have a genuine voice in shaping policies that affect them.

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by Alethea Chai, PSA Deaf and Disabled Network committee member

When Nicola Willis announced new Government expectations on working from home, top of mind for the PSA Deaf and Disabled Network was reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

While the PSA is advocating to maintain flexible working by default, this is a good time to consider negotiating flexible working as a reasonable accommodation with your employer.

All workers can request reasonable accommodations. However, this article will focus on the legal right disabled workers have to reasonable accommodations.

Disabled workers have a right to reasonable accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are modifications to a job or physical work environment that enable a disabled person to carry out their work.

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission's (HRC) guidance on reasonable accommodations advises that it can be a form of discrimination if an employer fails to provide reasonable accommodations for a disabled employee.

The Human Rights Act 1993 protects employees against discrimination on the basis of disability.

This includes:

1. physical disability or impairment
2. physical illness
3. psychiatric illness
4. intellectual or psychological disability or impairment
5. any other loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function
6. reliance on a disability assist dog, wheelchair, or other remedial means
7. the presence in the body of organisms capable of causing illness.

The benefits of reasonable accommodations

Reasonable accommodations allow disabled employees to carry out their work on an equitable basis to others. Not only is this mana- enhancing for disabled workers, but it is beneficial to employers. As the HRC states, employers benefit “from the wealth of experience disabled people bring to their roles as members of staff”.

Flexible working can be a reasonable accommodation.

So, if you are a disabled worker and your employer has taken a restrictive approach following the recent announcement that affects your ability to be able to carry out your work, consider negotiating flexible working as a reasonable accommodation with your employer. One of the benefits to this accommodation is that there is little to no cost to the employer to provide this accommodation.

Negotiating a reasonable accommodation

It is best to formally request reasonable accommodations in writing. Make sure to explain how your reasonable accommodation is based on your needs, and how an accessible working environment will help you produce your best work for your employer. If you are unsure how to negotiate a reasonable accommodation, reach out to a PSA delegate to support you in the process.

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The survey was conducted after a directive from Public Services Minister Nicola Willis in September for tighter flexible work guidelines for government agencies. The survey results will inform the PSA’s feedback on draft Flexible Work Guidance being developed by Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission.

Benefits of flexible working

The survey found that 85% of public service worker members who responded said they worked from home at least one day a week. It also showed they found working from home improves productivity, with:

• 85% of survey respondents saying it enabled them to get more work done, and
• 78% of respondents saying it improved the performance of the organisation they worked for.

Other benefits identified included increased motivation, reduced commuting stress, and having more control over their work environment.

The survey reinforces the PSA’s view that the Government should step back from reining in working from home, says Acting National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.

“Our members are saying loudly and clearly that flexible working makes a positive difference to their productivity, which is why it should be supported and not curtailed,” Fleur says.

Follow the evidence

“This Government talks repeatedly about improving outcomes and making evidence-based decisions. The survey is exactly that – it shows that flexible work practices are good for organisations and the outcomes the Government wants from the public service.

“We urge the Government to listen to this evidence, and the considerable international research that shows that flexible work practices are now firmly established and make a difference to organisational culture and performance.

“Many public service workers already have flexible working built into the employment agreements that have been negotiated by unions and employers. The Government can’t just disregard negotiated employment agreements.

“Workers have made decisions around their family life based on these agreements, and its particularly important for our disabled, or chronically ill kaimahi. Flexible work arrangements make it easier for those who face challenges being in the office every day to have rewarding and productive 40-hour weeks.

Flexible working embraced worldwide

“One of the worrying findings of the survey is that even before the new guidelines have been established, one in three workers are saying their employer is already taking steps to restrict flexible working.

“But limiting flexible work practices is out of step with practice in workplaces around the world that have embraced flexible working, because of its many benefits for employers. These benefits included enhanced recruitment and retention of staff, better productivity, and improved staff wellbeing.

“Forcing public service workers back into CBDs an extra day or so a week to buy a cup of coffee or sandwich, won’t cure the ills the Government is inflicting on the local economy by laying off thousands of public service workers across the country,” Fleur says.

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1. Who was the first female PSA president?
   
   
2. Where is the oldest PSA holiday home located? Otematata, Queenstown or Whitianga?
   
   
3. Where in Aotearoa did the 1908 Miners’ strike occur?
   
   
4. What sector does new president Virgil Iraia hail from?
   
   
5. In 2025 how old will the PSA be?
   
   
6. Which Wellingtonian was the highest wicket taker and the player of the tournament at this year T20 Cricket World Cup?
   
   
7. How many times has New Zealand won the Rugby World Cup?
   
   
8. Which sport did Samoa-born NZer Seiuli Fiao’o Fa’amausili play?
   
   
9. Which informal summer holidays sport has the rule “six and out”?
   
   
10. Which New Zealander was inducted into a golfing hall of fame this year?
    
    
11. In 2025, how old will The Rocky Horror Picture Show, written by Hamiltonian Richard O’Brien, be?
    
    
12. Protest song There is no depression in New Zealand written by Blam, Blam, Blam was released in what year?
    
    
13. Lorde is the most Grammy nominated artist from Aotearoa. How many Grammys has she won?
    
    
14. In what year was “Kia ora, Shortland Street” first said on the famous show?
    
    
15. Where in Aotearoa is WOMAD held every year?
    
    
16. What is the name of the Māori Queen?
    
    
17. What is a kōauau ponga ihu?
    
    
18. Pūkākī, a rangatira of Te Arawa, is on which NZ coin?
    
    
19. Which whetū within the Matariki constellation is connected to the promise of a prosperous season and is known as the wishing star?
    
    
20. In which biome would you find kōura?
    
    
21. What is the largest active volcano in NZ?
    
    
22. What was the 2024 Bird of the Year?
    
    
23. What is the most popular pet in NZ?
    
    
24. How many Māui dolphins are left in the world?
    
    
25. Which New Zealand region has the largest rainbow population?

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I didn’t grow up learning about Te Tiriti, but I found out later on in life that it underpins our entire nation.

Prior to 1840, the British were struggling to ensure that their people visiting our shores behaved themselves — and when they didn’t, it put our relationships, including trade, in jeopardy. The 500-plus rangatira who signed Te Tiriti gave the British the ability to establish governance over their people here, so that everyone could live in peace and continue to seek prosperity together. That’s how so many people from around the world came to call this beautiful place home.

While Te Tiriti o Waitangi offered the generous invitation for newcomers to find a sense of belonging in Aotearoa, it also affirmed that Māori would continue to govern ourselves. As we had for thousands of years, according to our own laws, language and ways of being. Despite successive governments disrespecting Te Tiriti (the original document was literally left in a basement, and eaten by rats which explains the torn edges), Māori still believe in the promise of the agreement that so many of our ancestors thoughtfully signed.

But lately, you might have heard all sorts of mistruths, and divisive rhetoric from decision-makers about Te Tiriti. There has been a raft of law changes that undermine or breach the commitments that were agreed to nearly 200 years ago. Each one chews away at the relationship between Māori and the Crown, taking us backwards on the clear progress we have made together over previous decades.

Which is why so many of us joined in kotahitanga during the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti. Well over 100,000 gathered around the country to show that we respect our founding document. Nearly 300,000 have signed a petition opposing the Treaty Principles Bill. Many of us love what Te Ao Māori offers - the haka, the spirituality and the deep connection to the natural world.

If Māori don’t have the rights guaranteed through Te Tiriti, then we can’t protect the taonga (treasures) that are precious to us.

Plus, we haven’t fully restored the imbalance that colonisation caused.

It’s not a coincidence that Māori die seven years younger than non- Māori, and we are overrepresented in every negative statistic you can think of. If you’ve worked in health, justice, statistics or education - then you might have noticed this too. Te Tiriti offers us a pathway forward to rebalance the scales and find solutions that often end up helping everyone.

Over the coming month, we have a chance to show how important Te Tiriti is to all of us. Two actions you can take right now are: make a submission opposing the Treaty Principles Bill before January 7, and put a sign or sticker up to show you’re Together for Te Tiriti. We’ve provided tools and resources at togetherfortetiriti.nz. Karawhiua e hoa mā, let’s honour Te Tiriti together.

Visit togetherfortetiriti.nz.

Kassie Hartendorp (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) is the Director of ActionStation, and member of the PSA. She is a former youth worker and advocate for equal pay. She currently focuses on Te Tiriti and economic justice.

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