Dunedin Officers Defy High-Level Ban on Pay Protest Materials

fficers at Dunedin Central Police Station post pay protest stickers despite a ban from leadership, as the Police Association accuses brass of "intimidation."

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 3:25 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The "Repay the Risk" Campaign

The "Repay the Risk" campaign is a historic first for the Police Association, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Because police officers are legally barred from taking industrial action or striking, the association has turned to "active and visible advocacy" to highlight the dangers and financial pressures faced by the force. The campaign involves the distribution of stickers, ribbons, and wristbands intended to maintain public visibility of their bargaining position. Association President Steve Watt has emphasized that caring about working conditions is a professional standard, contrary to the views expressed by police executive leadership.

Command Directives and the Professionalism Debate

The friction center on a memo from Assistant Commissioner Jeanette Park, which reminded staff that "professionalism" involves looking and being "the part." The memo explicitly banned stickers, decals, and lanyards from uniforms, vehicles, laptops, and station walls, arguing that such materials could diminish public trust and confidence. Southern District Commander Jason Guthrie echoed this in an email to staff, stating that while advocacy is allowed, it must not overlap with "operational delivery." Guthrie ordered the immediate removal of all campaign materials from New Zealand Police (NZP) assets, specifically targeting the stickers found in the public area of the Dunedin station.

Allegations of Member Intimidation

The Police Association has strongly rejected the premise that participating in the campaign is unprofessional. In a letter to members, the union stated it was "extremely concerned" that the official police pānui (announcement) was an attempt to undermine the campaign through intimidation. The association argues that their right to participate in union activities is protected and that Commissioner Richard Chambers had been previously advised of the campaign materials without raising concerns. The union has indicated a willingness to escalate the matter legally if the restrictions on advocacy materials persist.