The Local notes with disappointment the outcome of the failed Auckland Working Group.

We note Secretary Watson’s statement from her latest National Notice:

“The NZPFU Representatives on the Auckland Taskforce invested hundreds of hours including personal time to canvas the membership, undertake the research, meet with FENZ-commissioned consultants external agencies that could give insight into some options; and with the FENZ Representatives on the Taskforce drafted a report that set out the evidence and listed Recommendations with options in orders of priority.” 

Whilst the outcome is not one we wished for, we would like to extend our utmost thanks to the members of the group that worked tirelessly for members, trying to get better conditions for Auckland members. 

A giant thank-you from Auckland members goes out to:

Jamie Whitehead
Terry Bird
Josh Burton
Brendan Pascoe 
Tim-Bob Julian

Unfortunately, it is not the outcome that Auckland members had wanted, nor expected.  

However, members should rest assured the Auckland Local is primed ready for the upcoming battle.  FENZ's response is, of course, the expected  preliminary shots fired in this first round. 

Auckland has been lied to and brushed off by FENZ, as though irrelevant to the extra burden of the high cost of living and other factors clearly and factually identified by experts in the report, impacting its members.  As well, the Auckland Working Group was a complete and utter waste of time.

The Local awaits direction from the National Committee about the strategy for the looming challenge in front of us.  One thing is for certain. Auckland will not accept zero return from the promises of the current contract that led to the formation of the AWG.

Buckle up, we are heading for a rough ride.

This issue will be discussed in more detail at our AGM, scheduled for 31 August, 1030 hours, at College Rifles Football Club, 33 Haast Street, Remuera.