So how can we build a better Aotearoa together? Here are the first steps towards fulfilling the Aotearoa Wellbeing Commitment.
HEALTHCARE
Everyone deserves access to quick, effective, compassionate care if we are sick or injured
First steps:
HOUSING
All New Zealanders should have secure, warm, dry, energy-efficient housing
First steps:
INCOME SUPPORT
Everyone deserves the means to make ends meet if they fall on hard times and at least a living wage when they are working
First steps:
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Public transport should allow us to access the places we work, live and play. This in turn will minimise the impact on the environment and make our cities more liveable.
First steps:
INTERNET
Access to information is a necessity for work opportunities and social connection
First steps:
EDUCATION
No matter where they grow up, all children should be set off with the skills and knowledge they need to fully participate in our society
First steps:
BUT CAN WE AFFORD THIS?
You may ask if we can afford the Aotearoa Wellbeing Commitment as we weather the economic storm of a global pandemic? We say we can’t afford not to do it.
Having some people not able to access these services has costs for them and their families, and also for the country.
Modelling by University College London shows this approach to be fiscally neutral and highly progressive.
In New Zealand it would be paid for through government making the right choices on how to allocate funding, re-prioritisation of funding and the Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund.
To find out what the political parties think of our key first steps check out our journal election scorecard or go to www.letsdoevenbetter.nz/party-positions
This election we’re asking the politicians to commit to providing a collection of public services that will help ensure the wellbeing of New Zealanders.
PSA members and the wider union movement are voicing their support for the Aotearoa Wellbeing Commitment.
In the lead-up to the general election, the PSA welcomes the new Public Service Act’s affirmation that public servants have the same rights of political expression and freedoms as all other New Zealanders.
It was a moment to savour for all of us who have been campaigning for pay equity.
The people who work on our border and in managed isolation and quarantine facilities are among those doing it tough as the battle against Covid-19 continues.
PSA Pasefika union members have been voicing their support for the Pasefika community during the latest Covid outbreak.
Our Progressive Thinking webinar series has provided an opportunity for conversations about new ‘Perspectives on the Future of Public and Community Services’.
Covid-19 has revealed how institutions in Te Ao Māori can react decisively and positively on behalf of their people, DR AMOHIA BOULTON and DEB TE KAWA write in their chapter in our Progressive Thinking series.
Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina KUIA GEORGINA KERR supports the assessment of Progressive Thinking authors Dr Amohia Boulton and Deb Te Kawa that the overall Māori response to the initial Covid crisis was exceptionally well done.
Union members are celebrating two new collective employment agreements in the community and public service sector
Here's what the Council of Trade Unons is asking the political parties to commit to this election:
PSA delegate Bob Renshaw was among the essential workers who presented a petition calling for safer sick leave to Workplace Relations Minister Andrew Little on September 1.
The murders of dozens of trade unionists in the Philippines sparked a protest in Wellington in July.
Donna Wealleans says support workers are told they shouldn’t get attached to their clients. But she believes you shouldn’t be doing the job if you don’t care.
Tēnā tātou katoa
It is with mixed feelings that I sit down to write my last message to you all as PSA President.
Kia ora PSA members!
Climate change is something that will impact every living thing on our planet. Should we as union members be actively working to fight it? Should climate change be one of our Strategic Goals?
Protests at proposed cuts at Canterbury DHB, a campaign for home support with dignity, the PSA member card goes digital and other stories feature in our News in Brief.
While we've just celebrated Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, there are many ways we can help promote the language all year round.
Photos from protests against proposed cuts at Canterbury DHB, and attacks on Filipino unionists, along with the presentation of the Safer Sick Leave petition feature in our Around and About pages.