'Major disruption': As Air New Zealand workers' strike looms, union says staff are 'under-appreciated and under attack'
A planned strike among nearly 1000 Air New Zealand engineers and logistics workers that could put Kiwis' holiday travel plans in disarray is about more than just pay, the union representing the workers said today as it called a competing press release by airline management "misleading". "No one wants to disrupt people's Christmas plans, but Air New Zealand has taken an unnecessarily aggressive approach," said E tū union's head of aviation, who goes by the single name Savage. "Aviation workers don't make these decisions without good cause.
"In aviation, there is a constant downward pressure on costs driven by airlines. The result is a race to the bottom on wages and conditions." About 95 per cent of the union voted for the strike, which is scheduled to take place December 21. But both sides will go into mediation on Monday "and carry on bargaining in good faith". If an agreement isn't reached before December 21, Air New Zealand pointed out in a press release today, the strike will put "thousands of holiday plans at risk" on the busiest travel day of the year. Nearly 42,000 customers have booked flights for that day and now face cancellations, the airline pointed out. The average income of maintenance engineers, logistics and other staff to strike is $115,000 - more than double the average wage in New Zealand - and around 170 of them earn more than $150,000, Air New Zealand said. The union has rejected an offer for an immediate 2 per cent pay increase, followed by a 3 per cent increase next year. But the union said today it is responding to cuts to their conditions amid record profits for the airline. "This is not just about pay. It's about repeated proposals by the airline weeks out from Christmas to pay them less than colleagues who have already settled, and to cut into key conditions, including overtime rates."This affects line and hangar engineers, but also store workers and aircraft cleaners, who are covered by the same document and who are struggling to get ahead. Our members feel under-appreciated and under attack. "The ballot results show an overwhelming resolve to...defend themselves." Air New Zealand has said it will contact customers booked to travel on 21 December closer to the travel date if the strike action goes ahead as planned. In the meantime, the company has asked customers not to call with questions, as no further information is available.
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Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
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