The NZPFU has cancelled the one-hour full strike scheduled from 12 noon tomorrow (Friday 23 January 2026).

Today and the following days will be extremely difficult for many families and communities.

Our thoughts are with the families of those reported as missing after a landslide hit the Mount Maunganui Holiday Park and a driver of a car was swept away north of Auckland. We stand with New Zealanders waiting for news as Urban Search and Rescue teams continue to work through the night.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the two people reportedly recovered deceased from the home hit by the Welcome Bay landslide.

Thousands of other families have been affected by floods, with damage compared to a “warzone” on the East Coast, many losing their homes in various districts, and major slips cutting off some Northland and East Coast communities possibly for days.

We acknowledge the heroic efforts of members of the public who have braved deadly conditions to rescue their loved ones and neighbours, and in some cases, strangers. We also acknowledge all the emergency responders from numerous agencies, including those that work and volunteer for FENZ, who have worked tirelessly in different regions since Sunday’s deluge in Northland.

While some areas are now in the clean-up phase, there is further rain expected in some already-affected parts of the country and the risks of landslides also remain.

Yours sincerely, 
National Secretary Wattie Watson on behalf of the NZPFU National Committee