We started to take the campaign for presumptive legislation to recognise occupational cancer on the road. National President Ian Wright joined us for the road trip and first stop was Masterton Fire Station for firefighters to hear about Alex’s experiences and the support firefighters can give to the campaign through sharing NZPFU posts through social media as well as posts from MPs that support the campaign.
We later joined the nation listening to the call for prayer, the minutes silence and the moving statements broadcast on national TV and
radio from Christchurch.
In Hastings we met with Tukituki National MP Lawrence Yule who pledged his support for our campaign. Lawrence set aside an hour to meet with
us and to hear Alex’s experiences. He was quick to demonstrate he understood the basis for the campaign and supported our bid for
firefighters’ occupational cancer being recognised.
The next stop was the Hastings Fire Station where Alex again relished the opportunity to speak to firefighters and answer questions
regarding the application of presumptive legislation.
Friday evening Napier Fire Station continued with the warm Hawkes Bay welcome with a firefighters and their families evening. There has been a fantastic
response to his visits with many firefighters coming into stations on their days off to meet with Alex. We greatly appreciate the Napier Local organising
for Alex’s presentation last night to be professionally videoed. We will distribute that video so that all firefighters have the opportunity to hear
Alex’s experiences.
Today Alex gets to enjoy a well-earned day off.
Tomorrow we head to Christchurch for station visits and an MPs visit on Monday. Tuesday morning we are in Invercargill before driving to Dunedin to meet
with firefighters. Wednesday and Thursday 6 station visits are planned in Auckland.
For locations and times please contact your Local committee.
In unity,
Wattie Watson
Secretary
