Looking back over 2023, two words come to mind – Stand Together. They were the theme of our election campaign, and it’s a message of solidarity that is going to be important as we start dealing with a new government.

We are still waiting to see what policy programme the government coalition will hash out. Whatever happens, we will be reinforcing to the new government that public servants, like other workers, are covered by well-established and hard fought-for, employment obligations. We’ll also continue to promote the value of public and community services and the excellent work PSA members do to deliver these for New Zealanders.

While the election dominated the year, it was not the whole story. There’s been a number of successes over the past 12 months and we celebrate some of these stories – including progress on pay equity – in this edition of Te Mahinga Ora.

An event we celebrated in 2023 was our 110th birthday. Some of the PSA’s eventful history, is highlighted in Policy Advisor Grace Millar’s entertaining account of some of the
significant and quirky events from our past.

2023 was also the year of the big rain and PSA members stepped up to help New Zealanders deal with a constant spate of floods. Auckland PSA member Kath Ashley’s inspiring story is just one of the examples of the mahi put in by many PSA members.

Recently at the Public Services International Congress in Switzerland I was lucky enough to meet up with unionists from all over the world. I attended the congress with National Secretary Kerry Davies and Māori Vice President Lesley Dixon, who presented on the topic of Decolonising Labour Regimes. We were blown away to be part of a gathering of 1200 committed unionists and we learned first-hand that we share many common struggles with our comrades from around the world.

Māori vice president Lesley Dixon (middle) at PSI Congress

After the congress we met unionists in England and Wales. My personal highlight was meeting the Welsh unionists and learning about their social partnership approach, which means all government agencies must engage with unions. It was uplifting to see how including the workers’ voice can lead to much better outcomes for people.

It’s been quite a year and we will all looking forward to a
summer break. To help take our minds off serious matters, we’ve put together a quiz and some suggestions of things you may want to read and watch over summer, along with our first ever PSA Summer Hits Spotify playlist.

Over the holiday break I hope you find joy celebrating, and sharing time with family and friends, so you start 2024 with a refreshed state of mind.

Naku iti noa, na
Benedict Ferguson (He/Him)
President Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi | PSA

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