The Maritime Worker Official newsletter of the Wellington Branch of the Maritime Union of New Zealand – Vol 14 December 2021
A first for the branch – and the Union By Tony Mowbray, Branch President Now that branch elections results have been finalised, a special acknowledgement goes to Fiona Mansell who is elected to the position of Assistant Branch Secretary. Fiona is the first woman to be a paid official for our branch and for MUNZ nationally in our 150-year history. This is important role which, due to the everincreasing workload of the branch, has been increased from three days a week to five. I would like to congratulate all the new executive that are now holding positions, especially those new executive members that stepped up to give the branch its healthiest Executive number in many years. With a new term ahead of us all, the contribution of outgoing Assistant Secretary John Whiting’s and outgoing branch President Mick Williams is noted.
These two can’t be thanked enough, especially at a branch level, and have left big shoes for us to fill. Their mentorship has been instrumental for so many, whom will join us in wishing them all the best in their retirement. I can safely say we will be seeing plenty of both of them in the future. For any organisation to be successful, it takes the support of all that belong to it. Your officials aren’t the Union by themselves, so every member must be active in safeguarding our conditions and rights. I will close off by saying that a good start is to attend your monthly Stop Work Meetings when possible.