The NZPFU and FENZ were in facilitated bargaining this week.  At the close of that bargaining FENZ agreed to provide specific information we have requested which we say is necessary for us to have a full understanding of what FENZ claims are fiscal restrictions by Treasury, Government and the Public Service and what is FENZ’s determined limitations.  

FENZ has refused, and continues to refuse, to provide other information the Union has requested which is the updated detailed financial position and projections that were provided in the 2022 bargaining and integral to us reaching a settlement. 

FENZ is playing games on the request for the updated 2022 information.  They have provided a PowerPoint that was provided to other associations in the context of the restructure but that PowerPoint does not contain the information we have requested for the bargaining. 

That PowerPoint was presented to those associations at a meeting to push on with FENZ’s massive restructure. The NZPFU and PSA did not attend  that meeting as we will not participate in pushing on with a restructure when the two unions have a live urgent application in the Employment Relations Authority (ERA).  The disregard for the legal process is appalling with FENZ arrogantly continuing even though the outcome of that case could find their actions unlawful.   That meeting of the other associations took place the day after the first day of hearing in the ERA where the Union’s claims that FENZ did not comply with the requirements to consult was heard.  The Authority will issue a determination on that issue, and then the claims regarding the breach of good faith are scheduled to proceed.

The NZPFU National Committee is frustrated with the time it is taking to get necessary information that could well influence the outcomes of the bargaining.  But we will continue to push and adapt in a bid to reach a fair and reasonable settlement.

In the interim we continue to notify of one-hour full stoppages from 12 noon on Fridays and have given notice of a one-hour full stoppage from 12 noon on Monday 16^th February.   At the July 2025 meetings 97% of members voted for the one-hour strikes and the National Committee have had the right to escalate to stoppages on Mondays and Fridays since October 2025.   The National Committee has determined it was time to escalate and give notice of Monday and Friday strikes.

Tomorrow’s strike (Friday 30^th January) and last Friday’s strike were cancelled due to the extreme weather events and ongoing operations including the recovery operation for the six who perished under the Mount Maunganui camping ground slip. We also cancelled the strike on Boxing Day to enable volunteer firefighters and our members to spend precious holiday time with family and friends.

Union membership meetings

Today the NZPFU gave FENZ notice of a national tour of membership meetings in February.  In accordance with the Employment Relations Act 2000 these are Section 26 union meetings where we can have two meetings a year of up to 2 hours duration and the employer must allow to attend on pay if they would otherwise be working at that time.  The Union Locals work with their relevant FENZ management to make the appropriate arrangements for availability during those meetings.

Members are urged to attend these meetings so that they can be updated on the industrial action, undertake any ballots relevant to the bargaining circumstances, and discuss other current union issues.

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary