The arbiter’s decision, which accepted the case of the association in its entirety, is binding and no ratification is required from the constabulary membership.

The permanent pay rises favoured by the arbiter will, as previously agreed with Police, be offered to Police employees with the first increase effective from July 1, 2021.

The association’s claim was led by president Chris Cahill and industrial advocate/national secretary Greg Fleming in what they said was a particularly difficult pay round given that the first day of negotiations in May 2021 coincided with the announcement of a public-sector pay freeze.

“Much has been gained since then as the association remained focused on securing the very best outcome for members,” Chris said.

“Key to our success was the multi-faceted approach we take to the welfare of members and their whānau. We look after their family and private lives with the Police Welfare Fund and we represent their employment issues with the association’s industrial team. In this role, nothing is more important than the negotiations of pay and conditions.“

Chris and Greg said members could take comfort from one particular passage in arbiter Ken Anderson’s decision where he noted the demands placed on members.

“In regard to the special conditions and demands currently faced by frontline police officers, as comprehensively (and compellingly) portrayed by the submissions for the Service Organisations, and even allowing for a degree of hyperbole therein, it is difficult to identify any other public (or private) sector group that is faced with a comparable work environment that can result in abuse, assault or serious injury or even potential death, being present on a regular basis and incurred purely in the course of carrying out an essential public service.“

The wider association team were integral to the negotiations and submissions to the arbiter, Greg said. “Our staff and the 14 pay advisers from around the country have kept us focused, in touch with the real issues, and they assisted with the preparation and presentation of the claim.”

He added that although Police employees were not directly covered by the arbitration decision, the parties had agreed in advance to apply the outcome to their collective agreement and that was now a priority.