New Zealand Public Service Association - Structure of The PSA

Structure of The PSA

The PSA is a democratic union with members involved in policy decisions at every level. Annual Members' Meetings elect the nearly 4000 delegates who represent the union in workplaces. PSA members are grouped into five sectors. Each sector has a sector delegates’ committee. The elected convenor of each sector is on the executive board which oversees policy implementation and the efficient use of resources.

The executive appoints the secretariat that is responsible for management and day-to-day leadership of the union. The secretariat currently comprises two national secretaries. The PSA has more than 130 staff in 10 locations across New Zealand. A staff representative sits on the executive board. Policy and the overall direction of the union are set by the PSA National Delegates’ Congress held every two years. Congress elects the national president who chairs the executive board.

The PSA structure reflects the unique place of Maori in New Zealand society. As tangata whenua (indigenous people) with a special status conferred by the nation’s founding document, Te Tiriti ō Waitangi. Te Tiriti ō Waitangi, Maori are represented in the PSA (Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi) through Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina – the national body representing the interests of Maori members. Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina has two representatives on each of the sector committees and the convenor of the Rūnanga committee is a member of the executive board.