Today we received a beautiful tribute to our members in appreciation of their care and response during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The New Zealand Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) has sent a bouquet with the message:

“ With grateful thanks to all of the staff and members of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union for their hard work & care during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Kia kaha, From the Teachers and Staff of PPTA.

On behalf of our members I thank the PPTA for their appreciation and kind message.   

Our members continued to respond to protect the community despite the risks during the Covid-19 pandemic.  They took all precautions to protect themselves and their families but still had to work in communications centres taking emergency calls, professional career firefighters responding to all calls including medical response, and other members continuing in their roles supporting the FENZ network regardless of the risk.

It is wonderful and humbling to have our members’ dedication and sacrificed recognised.  It is even more special when we consider the significant workload and hours that resulted from the National lockdown for the PPTA membership

On behalf of the NZPFU membership we send our appreciation of the work of the PPTA and its membership with teachers working extraordinary hours to develop and present on-line and distance learning programmes to students. We know from our own membership that the PPTA membership went the extra mile to support secondary students.  Their dedication made all the difference, particularly for the students concerned about the impact of school closures on their studies and future exams. 

The recognition from one union membership to another is solidarity in action.

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary