Local heroes stepping up after earthquakes and storms

Hundreds of local heroes working for councils, district health boards, and public service departments have been stepping up to make sure our communities are safe, says their union, the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi (PSA).

"These local heroes started working immediately after the first earthquake, and ever since they’ve been relentless in their efforts to keep us safe," says PSA national secretary Glenn Barclay.

"From council staff assessing buildings and roads, to Radio NZ journalists keeping us informed, to health staff helping to heal hurt bodies, our thanks go out to everyone involved.

"PSA members in Kaikoura and North Canterbury in particular deserve recognition, for being at their best despite being cut-off from much of the rest of the country.

"It isn’t easy to leave loved ones at home during times of stress, but our members are bound by an ethos of public service, and that propelled them into action.

"The work is nowhere near over, and PSA members will be at the heart of rebuilding damaged roads, and repairing hurt communities for months to come.

"Other PSA members working for social services such as Lifeline and the Ministry of Social Development also have an invaluable role to play in the coming weeks, helping people cope with what will be a difficult time for many.

"With flooding and high winds now hitting many of the areas affected by the earthquakes, PSA members continue to be at the heart of our response.

"Our thanks go out to all of these local heroes - your passion for our communities means everything in our time of need," said Glenn Barclay

ENDS

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