Bay of Plenty Local reps and District management met yesterday to discuss the impact of Omicron on both staff safety, and Operational Capability concerns.

The meeting was a collaborative approach to see how we can continue to support NTC during this challenging time, while maintaining our operational capability and keeping our people safe. With that intent, it has been agreed by both parties that with the safety measures currently in place, career staff across the BoP District will still be able to carry out casual trainer roles at NTC until further notice. Both parties agreed this will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

Staff are strongly encouraged to keep themselves safe, wherever they are, by following the usual guidelines, particularly Social Distancing and wearing of masks. Please familiarise yourselves with the recently updated RAT policy which includes what to do if you are a household contact or develop symptoms. If you have questions or concerns around this, please raise these with your Union Rep and/or Management.

This continues to be a stressful time for all staff, management included. We have all been working hard to put in place measures to both keep us safe and to maintain our operational capability. Numbers of cases are increasing around the country so, if you have symptoms or feel unwell, isolate, contact the on-duty Officer, and start working through the protocol.

Mike Swanson - Tauranga Local
Jeff Parker - Kawerau Local
Des Chan - Rotorua Local
David Phillips - Taupo Local