The Southern Branch executive and Local Branch Secretaries have elected Richard Hurst-Long to the position of Southern Branch Returning Officer.
For practicality reasons outgoing Returning Officer Denis Fitzmaurice will continue to act as returning officer for the current Local Elections which are underway. This will be an opportunity for Richard to observe election processes.
We thank Denis for his work as returning officer and his service to the membership.
Members will no doubt be aware of the major 5th Alarm fire that broke out last night on the North Shore. This fire had widespread impacts to people across Tamaki Makaurau with several Emergency Alerts having to be made. Additionally, our thoughts go out the local community, including the owner, tenants, and staff of the businesses impacted.
Members will no doubt be aware of Wednesday's major fire in a scrapyard in Papakura. Whilst the cause of this fire is still under investigation what is known is that the impacts of it were widespread right across Auckland.
We have been told that staff wanting to do Return to Work Duties will have to do them at District HQ and they do not intend to reimburse your travel costs, “you are getting an enhanced pay and you can fund your own travel”. We have since got an agreement that the travel distance reimbursement will be paid for travel to District HQ.