The NZPFU has cancelled this Friday’s full strike due to the ongoing operations in the storm-devastated areas in the North Island. The strike scheduled to occur for one hour from 12 noon on Friday 30 January 2026 will not proceed.

The NZPFU extends heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of the six who perished in the massive slip that hit the Mount Maunganui Camping Ground last Thursday. Specialist firefighting and other personnel continue to work at the treacherous site in the hope of recovering the remains so that the waiting families will at some point be able to lay their loved ones to rest. It is a complex operation that relies on various specialist skills to appropriately adapt the approach as the conditions change.

Work of FENZ staff and volunteers, and personnel from other agencies, continues in other storm-ravaged areas. Many East Coast and Far North districts have suffered more devastating damage than in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle. Some East Coast and Northland communities are still cut off and could be for weeks. Many will never be able to return to their homes.

Our thoughts and focus remain this week on the ongoing operations supporting those most affected by the storms, with particular consideration of the recovery operation at Mount Maunganui.

In unity,
NZPFU National Secretary Wattie Watson on behalf of the National Committee.