PSA Press Release
13 October 2004
Partnership Resource Centre establishment timely
The union which pioneered the partnership approach in New Zealand is welcoming State Services Minister Trevor Mallard’s
announcement today that the government is establishing a Partnership Resource Centre to promote the approach across the
wider economy.
The Public Service Association and the Government renewed their second Partnership for Quality agreement last year,
committing to jointly develop a modern and innovative public sector. Partnership approaches have also been used to bring
together government, unions and private sector employers around issues of common interest.
PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff said many nations had realised the potential of adopting a partnership approach
– and it is timely that New Zealand was following suit.
“Many nations have long used a partnership model to realise the government’s goal of economic growth and social
development.
“New Zealand businesses and workers operate in an interconnected and rapidly changing world. To succeed we need to move
employer-union relationships beyond a sole focus on bargaining issues and on to ways to foster greater workplace
innovation and flexibility.
“The Partnership Resource Centre will provide leadership on how to develop stronger workplace relationships that lift
organisational performance and employment relations outcomes.
“The establishment of this Centre is one of the projects arising from the Partnership for Quality agreement we signed
with the Prime Minister last year. The PSA was part of the project group which was involved in its development, working
alongside the Council of Trade Unions, and employer and government organisations. Our members can feel justly proud that
the principles we have championed are now seen as central to New Zealand’s future development.”
[ends]