UTMOST RESPECT TO OUTGOING PRESIDENT IAN WRIGHT

As of today, 1 August 2024, new National President Joseph Stanley and Vice President Martin Campbell take up their new positions.

Both were elected unopposed ensuring the National Council is an experienced team to continue to lead the Union placing the health, safety and welfare of members at the core of everything we do while working to protect and enhance terms and conditions of employment.  Joseph was elected National Vice President in 2018 and Martin continues to be the Auckland Local Secretary and until today the Northern Branch Secretary.  Both bring a range of strengths that will be critical to building on the benefits and protections for members, including through the current collective employment agreement negotiations.

On behalf of the National Committee and Union membership we acknowledge the tremendous sacrifices that outgoing President Ian Wright made to lead the Union as National President since 2018,  and through his preceding roles held on the National Council, National Committee and Wellington Local. 

Under Ian’s stewardship we have seen the changing of the guard with a new National Council, reunification of the national union, an emphasis on communication and respect particularly through the NZPFU Charter, and many advancements and achievements for the membership including the 2021-2024 CEA which resulted in the recognition of medical response, employer-paid income protection insurance, cancer screening and decent pay increases across the membership.

We wish Ian all the very best for his new-found spare time that has previously been absorbed with the constant demands of a Union official.  We wish to thank Sandie for her patience and support as families are the first to suffer and sacrifice precious family time as calls for support and representation occur at all hours of the day and what should be a precious days off.   

This is not good bye to Ian as he continues in his role with FENZ which currently includes working on the necessary local planning that will help map the necessary response resources for the future.  Ian will also continue his union work for members through the staffing working party and will assist with the current bargaining as required.

The Union will ensure that Ian’s contribution to the Union is formally acknowledged and celebrated.

In unity,  
Wattie Watson
National Secretary