Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.

THE YEAR THAT WAS

I acknowledge all the smart work that members have done as part of their job at NorthTec.”  It is no doubt that this contributes to positive student experiences at NorthTec.”  Students appreciate this special bond and generally are also thankful and supportive of their kaiako.

On 2 March 2009, our MECA expired.”  Settlement of a new agreement has not happened at the time of writing this report and industrial action has been overwhelmingly supported by members across the six ITP’s in the MECA.”  The bargaining environment is one where there is high unemployment, more demand for tertiary education, most institutions are recording increases of student numbers and are likely to reach or exceed their budgeted student numbers, there is a global recession, a National party in Government.”  NorthTec has a forecasted surplus in excess of $1,000,000.”  There has been much in the news about the Government’s Expectation in Pay and Employment Conditions in the State Sector and how this impacts on our negotiations.”  Of importance for members to note is that our CE, Mr. Terry Barnett is not required to obtain agreement from the State Services Commissioner to proposed conditions of employment to be included in any collective employment agreement.- – he has to listen to comments, but ultimately the decision is his and likewise for the five other CE’s in the MECA.

The TEU Branch Executive are committed to retaining our current conditions of employment, ensuring healthy workloads, working smarter and not harder, increasing workplace democracy and improving workplace culture and climate.”  To achieve this we work with National TEU staff, TEU members and NorthTec management.

The following TEU members served full terms; Bill Rogers as an ex officio Kaiawhina, Eric Stone as President, Guntram Gross as Vice President, Mautini Bryers as Te Uepu Representative; Lou van Es as Treasurer, Adele Stone as Recruitment Officer, Women’s Representative and TEU Health and Safety Committee Representative, Jane Scripps as TEU Representative on the Staff Wellness Advisory Group and Steven Sandford-Hill as Roving Regional Representative. Julia Iri served as a co-opted member on the Branch Executive to complement her staff representative role on the NorthTec Council.

Five Branch Executive meetings, one claims meeting, one special meeting and one stop work meeting were held this year (August to September).”  Susan da Silva was ASTE’s Representative on the Progression Sub-committee.”  Terry Corridan, Janine McVeagh, Charlotte Tane, and Desiree Wikaira have kept the Branch Executive aware of Learning Centre and regional issues.

Eric Stone served on the National ASTE Executive and TEU Council and ITP Sector Group until present.”  Bill Rogers, Adele Stone, and Eric Stone participated in the last ASTE and inaugural TEU Conference last year.”  Zona-May Heta participated in Te Ara Taumata -Māori Leadership and Organising and Taina Savage participated in the TEU Hui-a-tau.

Executive members, TEU Organisers (Chan and Lionel), and National TEU staff are thanked for their time and commitment.”  A special thanks to Lou van Es for keeping the Branch in good hands while I was in Samoa.”  There are many other members that have contributed to the operations of the NorthTec Branch of TEU.”  You are thanked for your mahi.

In solidarity

Eric J. Stone

TEU National Council Member

TEU ITP Sector Group Member

NorthTec TEU President