Gearing up for 2026
By Rachel Mackintosh, E tū National Secretary
Kia ora koutou E tū members.
As we reach the end of the year, some of us will be looking forward to a break and others will be working through the summer period, providing vital services to keep our communities functioning.
Whatever you are looking forward to, this is a time to reflect on our year.
With huge pressures on communities this year, from the continuing high cost of living, to major layoffs of workers by major companies, to disputes with high-profile companies like Resene and Air New Zealand, to attacks on workers’ health and safety protections and individual rights to justice, to Government actions that are designed to divide us: rich and poor, tāngata whenua and tauiwi, women and men, contractors and employees, we have had a lot to face.
We can be proud of how we stood together across the union this year, as we celebrate our tenth anniversary as the larger, stronger union of E tū. We can reflect on these 10 years while also carrying forward the legacy of all the different sectors and occupations that have been woven together since the first thread was laid down in 1863, when engineers met at the Aurora Tavern in Auckland to form the first union of our long history.
In 2025 we stood together with our allies in the union movement and in our communities. We rallied across the country on May Day to show our commitment to decent work and decent lives. We rallied again on 20 September to stand up for Pay Equity. Through our commitment and strength, we have won many victories.
When union members invite other workers to join us, it is a victory, because we have strength in numbers. And we can celebrate the fact that our union has grown this year. Every time we settle a collective agreement it is a victory, as union members in collective agreements have better wages and conditions than workers on their own.
We have won more public victories too: Uber drivers have won the right to be employees in law, rather than contractors, so they get the basic rights of sick leave, annual leave and minimum wage. We have won a commitment from the Labour Party to return the $12.8billion in Pay Equity, funding taken away by the current Government, so workers’ skill and responsibility can be recognised in their pay. We worked with our allies in the Living Wage Movement to keep a guaranteed Living Wage for cleaners, security guards and caterers when the government threatened to remove that guarantee or workers delivering those services through the core public service.
Our purpose is to empower working people and our communities for a better life. We are doing that, and all of us can be proud.
I wish you a year-end that is filled with solidarity and love and the chance to take a moment reflect on all that you value and contribute as a member of E tū.
Kia kaha tātou.
METUA NO’ORA AUGUSTINO SAMUELA
28 May 1967 – 3 November 2025
It is with deep sadness that we farewell our long-serving E tū organiser, Metua No’ora Augustino Samuela, who passed away peacefully at home on 3 November.
No’ora gave more than 30 years of dedicated service to our union, beginning as a hospital orderly and delegate before becoming an organiser. Born in Kimiangatau, Mauke, he was a proud Cook Islands leader, a devoted husband to Denise, father to Kane and Michael, and grandfather to Keenan.
No’ora’s commitment to Pasifi ka workers and our Komiti Pasifi ka was unwavering. He was also a much-loved figure in his local rugby league community, both as a player and a coach.
The whole E tū whānau sends our aroha and condolences to the Samuela family.
Moe mai rā, No’ora.