PSA Stands Firm On ‘Change The Government’ Campaign, Welcomes Talks With Commissioner
The PSA is standing by its ‘change the Government’ postcard campaign after issuing fresh advice to members – this follows Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche complaining the postcards breached political neutrality and should not be displayed in public service workplaces.
“We are not retreating from our position and reject Sir Brian’s characterisation of the postcards,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, PSA National Secretary Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Our legal advice is that they do not breach the obligations on public servants to be politically neutral and reflects the rights of public service workers to freedom of expression under the Bill of Rights.
“Our members have the same rights of political expression as any other New Zealander, and for many election cycles they have shared union material at work consistently with their duty to be politically neutral in how they do their jobs. That has not changed.”
The fresh advice sent to members confirms that the campaign will continue. Members can take postcards home to share with family and friends, and can share them with workmates, but should not leave or display them anywhere open to the public. Members are advised to keep doing their jobs impartially, not to use workplace resources for election activity, and, where practical, to cover or remove work lanyards or identifying items if attending rallies.
The PSA disputes the Commissioner’s view that the postcards amount to election advertising and is seeking further independent legal advice on the matter.
“It’s a bit rich for Sir Brian to lecture us on political neutrality when his own investigation into the Commission’s anti-strike Facebook adverts is well overdue, and has already cost tens of thousands of dollars,” Fitzsimons said.
“That review is due to report shortly. New Zealanders will be able to judge then for themselves whether it has delivered any real accountability.
“We welcome Sir Brian agreeing to meet with us to discuss this. We’re always ready for a genuine conversation, but political neutrality must be a standard the Commission holds itself to as well.
“And we stand by our campaign – we need to change the Government to one that properly values a public service and equips it to meet the many challenges New Zealanders face. This government has done nothing but run it down, cast thousands out of work, and eroded the services New Zealanders rely on.
“The Government plans 9000 more job cuts so we are sending a loud and clear message that enough is enough and come 7 November we urge voters to change the Government.”
Notes:
19 December 2025 Explosive document dump days out from Christmas exposes Govt’s cynical attack on striking workers
1 December 2025 PSA welcomes external review of Public Service Commission strike adverts – PM now needs to intervene in health dispute
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
Interesting that Roche doesn’t seem to accept any responsibility for the inadequate senior management of a number of our Government Depts.
Everyone in NZ has the same rights under the Bill of Rights. The PSA disputes the Commissioner’s view that the postcards amount to election advertising and is seeking further independent legal advice on the matter. And this is why I despise the system that gives out knighthoods like a lolly scramble. For every valid one, there are at least five that are suspect! Every worker has the same right to freedom of speech and we should be encouraging them to make their point then move on past it. No wonder NZ is in the political mess it is, when you have baffoons running the show – and it is a show – yet another distraction!