In our first face-to-face conference since 2019, there was high energy and spirits and a determination to staunchly take on any challenges to working people’s rights.
In President Richard Wagstaff’s speech, he highlighted the recent accomplishments and challenges faced by the New Zealand trade union movement.
We were privileged to have knowledgeable speakers share their experiences with us. These included:
- Dr Veronica Tawhai’s discussion about the ongoing importance of te Tiriti
- Felix Anthony (ITUC-AP President), discussed the importance of collective strength during political opposition and some of the shocking personal experiences he had as a union leader in Fiji
- Sally McManus (ACTU Secretary), who in her 26 years as a union official has spent 20 in opposition, shared some lessons she’s learnt along the way about the role of the union movement under right wing governments.
We also passed our Conference Resolution, and Resolution on the Palestine/Israel Conflict.
