Not one more: Rally against health and safety rollback

Pike River family members Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse will join the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi (NZCTU) and workers from across the country at a rally opposing the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill.  

Rows of empty work boots and shoes – representing every sector and industry – will stand for the 75 people each year who die by suicide linked to their work. This is a stark reminder of what's at risk if health and safety protections are weakened, including reduced attention to mental health risks at work.

The Bill winds back protections introduced after the Pike River disaster killed 29 men in 2010. The families who fought for those laws say the Government is legislating against the lessons of Pike River and risking another tragedy.

When: 1:00pm, Wednesday 24 June 2026

Where: Parliament grounds, Wellington

Speakers:

• Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse

• Sandra Grey, NZCTU President

• Workers affected by the changes

Visuals: Empty boots and shoes display representing workers across New Zealand's industries; rally crowd; speakers; banners.

Interviews: Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse (together), Sandra Grey, and other speakers are available for interview before and after the rally.

Background: An open letter signed by Anna Osborne, Sonya Rockhouse, and the NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi urging MPs to vote down the Bill has collected thousands of signatures and will be handed over at the rally.

Contact: Aaron Hailwood, NZCTU, 021 1465251