Out of scope
From: Patricia Pascual
Sent: Tuesday, 24 March 2020 6:29 PM
To: GRP AC COO ‐ Regulatory Services <[email address]>
Cc: Andrew Drever <[email address]>; Andrew McCosh
<[email address]>; Penny Williams <[email address]>
Subject: Craig's Director Chat notes ‐ 24 March 2020
Hello everyone,
Craig spoke to the Regulatory Services team today during his latest Director’s Chat session. More than 400 staff
connected to the video.
Below is an overview of what Craig briefed the team on.
You can also view the full video broadcast here.
Please feel free to email me/Craig any further questions.
Covid-19 response is a rapidly moving situation. Auckland Council is following Central Government and
Ministry of Health advice.
ELT is meeting daily and the Crisis Management Team (including CCO’s) is meeting twice daily.
Kotahi is the key point of information for people. Check it daily for information and updates.
As of Thursday 26 March, we expect every member of our staff to be working from home, except those
delivering essential services.
Essential services for Auckland Council relevant to Regulatory Services are as follows:
Reactive regulatory and compliance activities required to maintain human health and safety at
home or work.
Environmental Health (i.e. those already proactively working with ARPHS and DHB’s).
Building and Resourcing consenting necessary for essential services and critical infrastructure only.
Note that noise-related work by Auckland Council is not considered to be essential work at this
stage.
1
Equipment: If you have taken or need to take office equipment home (i.e. chairs, monitors, keyboards etc),
please don’t help yourself. Please email [email address] to register equipment
you wish to borrow, detailing your name, department, team leader name and the equipment you will be
taking, noting the serial number for laptops. Team Leaders should also provide this information to Sue
Veitch and Sharon Coombes, including a summary of people in your team who will need to be supplied
equipment (and their contact details).
Working from home: It will take time to determine how our ICT systems and software will support us. There
will be challenges and things may not work all the time. Bear with us as ICT work through the
challenges. We understand that getting set up will take time for our people and productivity may take a hit
during this time. Manage your time. Be flexible. Communicate with your people leader to manage
expectations.
At this point in time, Council is guaranteeing employment for up to 12 months, if we are still responding to
Covid-19 in that time. Employees may be asked to do work that’s different to your normal job. A skills
matrix is being built currently, with staff and team leader input.
There will be a slow down on applications and customer requests. We will be looking to clear backlogs,
work on other projects and undertake business improvement initiatives. This will be a key focus for us
going forward.
Vehicles for business purposes - Hopefully, you will not have a need to leave home, but if you are called
out for an essential service, you can use your private vehicle with sign off from your team leader and claim
mileage info and claim form on Tupu.
If you become unwell at home or have been in contact with someone who has Covid-19, please register
your details with Healthline on its dedicated COVID-19 number 0800 358 5453, and with Auckland
Council’s People Solutions team at [email address] and let your team leader know.
Planned flu vaccines will still be available to staff, but potentially in the form of vouchers for later collection.
Please use EAP if you need it. Download the EAP app. EAP organisation code is Aklcouncileap2019
Finally, be calm and considered in our approaches and don’t jump to conclusions. Use judgement. Out of
adversity comes opportunity. The strong message from the executive leadership team is that we will do the
right thing by our people.\
Stay safe,
Craig Hobbs
Andrew Drever | Senior Communications Adviser, Regulatory Services Auckland Council, Level 2, 35 Graham St
Visit our website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
2
Out of scope
From:
Craig Hobbs
Sent:
Thursday, 26 March 2020 8:32 am
To:
Patricia Reade
Subject:
RE: Recent Comms to your division
OK, thanks Patricia
Nga mihi
Craig Hobbs | Director Regulatory Services
Mobile 0274 548 845
Auckland Council, Level 15, 135 Albert Street, Auckland
Visit our website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
EA: Patricia Pascual
Mobile 021 803 608
[email address]
From: Patricia Reade <[email address]>
Sent: Thursday, 26 March 2020 8:31 AM
To: Craig Hobbs <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Recent Comms to your division
Great, thanks Craig. I’ll give you a quick call about one sentence ‐ easier than trying to explain while Skyping with
ELT!
Sent from my iPad
On 26/03/2020, at 7:15 AM, Craig Hobbs <[email address]> wrote:
Hi Patricia
A slight amendment:
Kia ora team,
During my Directors Chat on this Tuesday just gone, I stated that “at this point in time, Council is
guaranteeing employment for up to 12 months, if we are still responding to Covid‐19 in that time”.
I apologise, but I must correct and clarify this statement.
ELT has been very clear that, while the Covid19 pandemic and restrictions are impacting New
Zealand, we will not be terminating permanent staff positions in normal circumstances (i.e. there are
no serious misconduct issues, etc). However, my use of the words “guarantee and 12 months” during
the Director’s Chat was inappropriate. My apologies if you feel I have misled you as a result of my
statement; it was not my intention.
In the current uncertain economic circumstances, ELT is working through forecasts of what our
financial situation may be and until we gain a better understanding of how the lock down affects our
business, we cannot give any guarantees. We do however want to give our people as much comfort
of job security through this difficult and challenging time as possible, but as the priorities and the
1
situation shift even daily, I am not as well placed to provide certainty as what I was hoping I would
be. I will address my mistake again on Friday at my next Directors Chat (time to be confirmed) and I’ll
continue to keep you updated and informed as things evolve. All the best Craig Nga mihi
Craig Hobbs | Director Regulatory Services
Mobile 0274 548 845
Auckland Council, Level 15, 135 Albert Street, Auckland
Visit our website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
EA: Patricia Pascual
Mobile 021 803 608
[email address]
From: Craig Hobbs
Sent: Thursday, 26 March 2020 7:08 AM
To: Patricia Reade <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Recent Comms to your division
Thanks Patricia
I have been getting good support from Hannah Speedy and my team. This is what I propose to go
out with this morning:
Kia ora team, During my Directors Chat on this Tuesday just gone, I stated that “at this point in time, Council is
guaranteeing employment for up to 12 months, if we are still responding to Covid‐19 in that time”. I apologise, but I must correct and clarify this statement. ELT has been very clear that, while the Covid19 pandemic and restrictions are impacting New
Zealand, we will not be terminating permanent staff positions in normal circumstances (i.e. there are
no serious misconduct issues, etc). However, my use of the words “guarantee and 12 months” during
the Director’s Chat was inappropriate. My apologies if you feel I have misled you as a result of my
statement; it was not my intention. In the current uncertain economic circumstances, ELT is working through forecasts of what our
financial situation may be and until we gain a better understanding of how the lock down affects our
business, we cannot give any guarantees. We do however want to give our people as much comfort
of job security through this difficult and challenging time as possible, but as the priorities and the
situation shift even daily, we aren’t as well placed to provide certainty as what I was hoping we
would be. I’ll continue to keep you updated and informed as things evolve. Cheers
Nga mihi
2
Craig Hobbs | Director Regulatory Services
Mobile 0274 548 845
Auckland Council, Level 15, 135 Albert Street, Auckland
Visit our website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
EA: Patricia Pascual
Mobile 021 803 608
[email address]
From: Patricia Reade <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 25 March 2020 10:09 PM
To: Craig Hobbs <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Recent Comms to your division
Thanks, let us know if you’d like some help with the wording of the retraction.
Sent from my iPad
On 25/03/2020, at 9:53 PM, Craig Hobbs <[email address]>
wrote:
It was bloody stupid Patricia. I realised what I had done after the chat. I can't
open the dropbox link but understand it has probably put everyone in an
awkward situation! I'll flag it at ELT in the morning. Sorry again.
Get Outlook for Android
From: Patricia Reade <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2020 9:40:32 PM
To: Craig Hobbs <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Recent Comms to your division
Ok that’s good ‐ thanks Craig, it has sent some folks into a spin.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6kcf9aox63x5ykn/AACS 1tUwJqzV87uvxDDw0Z9a?dl
=0
Sent from my iPhone
On 25/03/2020, at 9:30 PM, Craig Hobbs
<[email address]> wrote:
Hi Patricia. I am clarifying and retracting this tomorrow with the
entire reg svs team. I did say guarantee in my directors chat,
which was bloody stupid! Trying to make a point that we are
looking to provide as much security as possible. Very clumsy
of me, sorry. I have already talked to my PSA rep and will
send an email to the team tomorrow. I'll copy you in. Foot /
Mouth springs to kind!!
Cheers Craig
Get Outlook for Android
3
From: Patricia Reade <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2020 8:56:31 PM
To: Craig Hobbs <[email address]>
Subject: Recent Comms to your division
Hi Craig, I
understand that in
your recent
update to the Reg
division You
stated that
“Council is
guaranteeing
employment for
up to 12 months,
if we are still
responding to
Covid-19 in that
time”. I am not
aware of any such
decision. Please
confirm, I haven’t
missed
something.
Thanks, Patricia.
Sent from my iPad
4
Out of scope
From:
Craig Hobbs
Sent:
Thursday, 26 March 2020 10:11 am
To:
Patricia Reade
Subject:
RE: How is this?
Thanks Patricia
Nga mihi
Craig Hobbs | Director Regulatory Services
Mobile 0274 548 845
Auckland Council, Level 15, 135 Albert Street, Auckland
Visit our website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
EA: Patricia Pascual
Mobile 021 803 608
[email address]
From: Patricia Reade <[email address]>
Sent: Thursday, 26 March 2020 9:17 AM
To: Craig Hobbs <[email address]>
Subject: Re: How is this?
Looks good to me thanks Craig.
Have a good day!
Sent from my iPad
On 26/03/2020, at 8:53 AM, Craig Hobbs <[email address]> wrote:
Kia ora team,
During my Directors Chat on this Tuesday just gone, I stated that “at this point in time, Council is
guaranteeing employment for up to 12 months, if we are still responding to Covid‐19 in that time”.
I apologise, but I must correct and clarify this statement.
ELT has been very clear that while the Covid19 pandemic and restrictions are in place, we will not be
terminating permanent staff positions in normal circumstances (please note that serious
performance and/or misconduct issues will still be addressed as they would in normal BAU).
However, my use of the words “guarantee and 12 months” during the Director’s Chat was
inappropriate. I am sorry if you feel I have misled you as a result of my statement; it was not my
intention.
In the current uncertain economic circumstances, ELT is working through forecasts of what our
financial situation may be and until we gain a better understanding of how the lock down affects our
business, we cannot give any guarantees. We do however want to give our people as much comfort
of job security through this difficult and challenging time as possible, but as the priorities and the
situation shift even daily, I am not as well placed to provide certainty as what I was hoping I would
be.
1
I will address my mistake again on Friday at my next Directors Chat (time to be confirmed) and I’ll
continue to keep you updated and informed as things evolve.
All the best
Craig
Nga mihi
Craig Hobbs | Director Regulatory Services
Mobile 0274 548 845
Auckland Council, Level 15, 135 Albert Street, Auckland
Visit our website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
EA: Patricia Pascual
Mobile 021 803 608
[email address]
2
Out of scope
From: Craig Hobbs <[email address]>
Sent: Thursday, 26 March 2020 10:14 AM
To: GRP AC COO ‐ Regulatory Services <[email address]>
Subject: Directors chat clarification and correction (and apology)
Kia ora team,
During my Directors Chat on this Tuesday just gone, I stated that “at this point in time, Council is guaranteeing
employment for up to 12 months, if we are still responding to Covid‐19 in that time”.
I apologise, but I must correct and clarify this statement.
ELT has been very clear that while the Covid19 pandemic and restrictions are in place, we will not be terminating
permanent staff positions in normal circumstances (please note that serious performance and/or misconduct issues
will still be addressed as they would in normal BAU). However, my use of the words “guarantee and 12 months”
during the Director’s Chat was inappropriate. I am sorry if you feel I have misled you as a result of my statement; it
was not my intention.
In the current uncertain economic circumstances, ELT is working through forecasts of what our financial situation
may be and until we gain a better understanding of how the lock down affects our business, we cannot give any
guarantees. We do however want to give our people as much comfort of job security through this difficult and
challenging time as possible, but as the priorities and the situation shift even daily, I am not as well placed to provide
certainty as what I was hoping I would be.
I will address my mistake again on Friday at 2pm in my next Directors Chat and I’ll continue to keep you updated
and informed as things evolve.
Again my apologies.
All the best
Craig
Nga mihi
Craig Hobbs | Director Regulatory Services
Mobile 0274 548 845
1
Auckland Council, Level 15, 135 Albert Street, Auckland
Visit our website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
EA: Patricia Pascual
Mobile 021 803 608
[email address]
2
Out of scope
From: Craig Hobbs
Sent: Thursday, 26 March 2020 10:21 AM
To: GRP AC Executive Leadership Team <[email address]>
Cc: Priscilla Balakrishnan <[email address]>
Subject: My foot in mouth issue!!
Hi all
For your reference, this email that has just gone to all Regulatory Services staff addressing my directors chat
messaging cock up, that I mentioned on our meeting this morning.
I thought it worthwhile you having this so it can be forwarded onto any of your staff who are looking for the same
“guarantee”, if they have heard of my initial message!
Sorry if this has caused unnecessary noise in your teams!
Cheers
Craig
Kia ora team,
During my Directors Chat on this Tuesday just gone, I stated that “at this point in time, Council is guaranteeing
employment for up to 12 months, if we are still responding to Covid‐19 in that time”.
I apologise, but I must correct and clarify this statement.
ELT has been very clear that while the Covid19 pandemic and restrictions are in place, we will not be terminating
permanent staff positions in normal circumstances (please note that serious performance and/or misconduct issues
will still be addressed as they would in normal BAU). However, my use of the words “guarantee and 12 months”
during the Director’s Chat was inappropriate. I am sorry if you feel I have misled you as a result of my statement; it
was not my intention.
In the current uncertain economic circumstances, ELT is working through forecasts of what our financial situation
may be and until we gain a better understanding of how the lock down affects our business, we cannot give any
guarantees. We do however want to give our people as much comfort of job security through this difficult and
challenging time as possible, but as the priorities and the situation shift even daily, I am not as well placed to provide
certainty as what I was hoping I would be.
1
I will address my mistake again on Friday at my next Directors Chat (time to be confirmed) and I’ll continue to keep
you updated and informed as things evolve.
All the best
Craig
Nga mihi
Craig Hobbs | Director Regulatory Services
Mobile 0274 548 845
Auckland Council, Level 15, 135 Albert Street, Auckland
Visit our website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
EA: Patricia Pascual
Mobile 021 803 608
[email address]
2
