The Auckland Local Committee wishes to thank the members that attended the meetings at Avondale and Papatoetoe Stations to meet with our National Council members of Wattie Watson, Ian Wright and Joe Stanley.

We are appreciative that they were able to take time out of their busy schedules to come and meet with and address our members. We hope to be able to arrange additional meetings for a wider audience later in the year as schedules allow.

Whilst there was obvious strong emotions displayed, it was especially pleasing that a strong unanimous message from both meetings was able to be given to Wattie that she could present as the voice of Auckland membership to the National Committee.

The message from both meetings was that the National Committee accept full unconditional reinstatement of both Sulu and John as members of the NZPFU, acknowledgment that there has been hurt on both sides and an apology on behalf of the committee for its part, and legal fees to date be reimbursed to appropriate sources upon receipt of evidence of the fees and payment.

The other message to come out of today’s meeting was that organisational change is coming down the line from FENZ and that all members need to be prepared to get informed and get involved. Local Committee positions have been advertised for re-election and we strongly encourage those that wish to get involved in the Local Committee to make sure their nomination forms are submitted to the Northern Branch Office no later than 31 May.

Members are also reminded that the special conference of the NZPFU is being held next week, May 6 – 9, at the Heritage Hotel in the CDB. This will be a conference dedicated to updating and modernising our Union Rules, financial governance, Union governance, leadership and organisational change. Where possible, you are encouraged to attend and observe your Union in action and where appropriate, to voice your ideas and opinions.

The Local Committee will keep members apprised of the above points as more information becomes available. In the meantime, your Local Committee members are available, as usual, for assistance in any way.