30 October 2006
A group of prominent New Zealand leaders has come together to raise the profile of the NZDF's Territorial Forces to employers and the wider community.
The Territorial Forces Employer Support Council was launched in October by the Minister of Defence Phil Goff. The 12-member council is made up of high-profile business executives, and representatives from Government departments, employers groups, unions, and the tertiary education sector. As well as promoting the Territorial Forces to employers, the council will advise the Minister of Defence on what can be done to make the reservist system more employer-friendly.
The CEO of New Zealand's biggest employer, John Allen of NZ Post, is leading the new council and says his team is enthusiastic about the task ahead.
“Our council sees that the NZDF is making a difference in hot spots all around the world and we know that the Regular Force is very strongly supported by the Territorial Forces. My team and I are very proud to be backing the Territorial Forces and we have a real passion to make a difference.”
There are 2,230 people serving in the part-time Territorial Forces - the Territorial Army, Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserves and Territorial Air Force. The Territorial Forces are a key part of the New Zealand Defence Force and have been involved in peacekeeping missions in the Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Afghanistan and the Middle East. Territorial Forces also assist in times of natural disaster and in military training exercises.
John Allen has a clear message for employers about Territorial Force employees.
“I want them to understand that the leadership, team work and technical skills that are being given in the Defence Force are world class. I want employers to understand that if you have employees who are in the Territorial Forces you are going to be more successful.”
Tenby Powell, CEO of the Rakino Group, knows first hand the value of the Territorial Forces. He has been in the Territorial Army for 23 years and is currently serving as the commanding officer of the 3rd Northland/Auckland Battalion Group. “My business leadership success and my success in business generally would not have been the same without my military training,” he says.
Tenby Powell points out that for some commercial employers, especially owners of small to medium-sized businesses, there are issues with employing reservists. Key concerns are the costs associated with covering leave taken for training and finding appropriate temporary staff. He sees the appointment of the council as “an extremely positive” first step in finding ways to address these issues.
The council will begin their work by talking to Territorial Force employees and their employers to understand the key issues before developing initiatives and advice for the Defence Minister. Six regional employer support committees will also be set up to engage directly with local business communities.
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