Key Takeaways
- The “Repay the Risk” campaign, led by the police union, has placed stickers bearing the slogan in Dunedin Central Police Station and other Southern District locations.
- Southern District Commander Jason Guthrie issued a memo reminding staff that while they may advocate for the campaign, they must not alter or diminish professional standards, including displaying non‑branded police material on uniforms, vehicles, equipment, or buildings.
- Assistant Commissioner Deployment Jeanette Park reinforced the long‑standing policy that stickers, decals, ribbons, clasps, lanyards, and similar items are prohibited on all police assets to preserve public trust and a professional image.
- The police association rejected the notion that campaign participation is unprofessional, arguing that caring for terms and conditions and taking collegial action is a legitimate, professional activity and that restrictions on non‑branded material constitute intimidation.
- Both police leadership and the union have exchanged written communications, with the union warning of possible further action if the dispute is not resolved, while police have stated they will remove any offending stickers and expect compliance moving forward.
Background of the “Repay the Risk” Slogan
The phrase “Repay the Risk” emerged as the central slogan of a bargaining campaign undertaken by the New Zealand Police Association. It reflects the union’s contention that officers assume significant personal risk in their duties and therefore deserve improved pay and conditions. The slogan was printed on stickers, wristbands, and other promotional items intended to be displayed by members as a visible show of solidarity during negotiations.
Discovery of Stickers in Dunedin Central Police Station
On Friday, RNZ obtained a photograph showing a sticker bearing the “Repay the Risk” slogan affixed to a window inside the public area of Dunedin Central Police Station. An RNZ employee reported that at least four similar stickers were visible in the station’s public spaces. The sighting prompted RNZ to seek comment from police leadership regarding the appropriateness of such material on police premises.
Southern District Commander’s Directive
In response to the sticker sightings, Southern District Commander Jason Guthrie emailed staff on the same day. He clarified that while employees are permitted to “advocate and engage with campaigning” surrounding the pay round, they must not “alter or diminish our professional standards throughout this period.” Consequently, any non‑branded police material—including stickers, ribbons, and similar items—was prohibited on uniforms, police assets such as vehicles, equipment, and buildings. Guthrie also stated that picketing during work hours was not allowed and ordered the immediate removal of all offending stickers, emphasizing that they must not reappear.
Assistant Commissioner’s Reinforcement of Policy
Earlier on Thursday, Assistant Commissioner Deployment Jeanette Park had circulated a memo to staff on behalf of the deployment division. The memo reiterated that police have a “long history” of positively engaging with service organisations and supporting staff advocacy, but stressed that core values—particularly professionalism—must remain “front and centre.” Park explicitly listed stickers, decals, ribbons, clasps, lanyards, and other non‑branded police material as prohibited on uniforms, vehicles, equipment, buildings, office spaces, and noticeboards, arguing that maintaining a professional image is essential for public trust and confidence.
Union’s Rebuttal and Defence of Campaign Activities
Following the police memos, the New Zealand Police Association issued an email to its members, which RNZ also viewed. The association rejected the police’s characterization of the “Repay the Risk” campaign as unprofessional, asserting that it is “highly professional to care about your terms and conditions and take collegial action to seek improvements.” The union argued that the campaign’s materials—wristbands, stickers, etc.—are legitimate expressions of member concerns and that restrictions on non‑branded items constitute an intimidation attempt aimed at undermining the bargaining effort.
Protection of Members’ Rights and Potential Escalation
The association’s communication emphasized that members’ right to participate in union activities must be protected and that employers should refrain from imposing restrictions inconsistent with allowable external material. It invited any member who experienced retaliation to contact the union for support. Additionally, the association noted that Police Commissioner Richard Chambers had been informed beforehand about the campaign materials and had raised no concerns. Association president Steve Watt indicated that he had written to the commissioner outlining the union’s concerns and signaled willingness to pursue further action if necessary.
Police Response to Media Inquiries
When approached by RNZ for comment, police officials stated they had no further remarks beyond the memos already issued. This terse response suggests that the institution prefers to let the written directives speak for themselves while avoiding public debate that could exacerbate tensions. The lack of additional commentary may also reflect an attempt to de‑escalate the situation and focus on operational duties.
Implications for Police‑Union Relations
The clash over stickers and related campaign material highlights a broader tension between the police administration’s emphasis on uniform professionalism and the union’s drive to advocate for better remuneration and working conditions. While leadership views any non‑branded display as a potential threat to the institution’s image and operational integrity, the union regards such expressions as a vital, legitimate component of collective bargaining. The outcome of this dispute may set a precedent for how future advocacy efforts are accommodated within police workplaces and could influence the tone of negotiations moving forward.
Conclusion and Outlook
As of the latest updates, police have ordered the immediate removal of all “Repay the Risk” stickers from stations and other assets, with an expectation that they will not reappear. The union, however, maintains that the campaign is a professional and necessary endeavor and has warned of possible further action if members perceive retaliation or undue restriction. Both sides appear entrenched in their positions, suggesting that ongoing dialogue—or potentially formal dispute resolution mechanisms—will be required to reconcile the demand for professional presentation with the right of officers to advocate for their employment terms. The resolution of this issue will likely affect not only the immediate bargaining round but also the longer‑term culture of engagement between the New Zealand Police and its workforce.