Tributes have been pouring in from all sectors of the community for former NZ Council of Trade Unions President Helen Kelly, who has died in Wellington.
The president of the NZ Council of Trade Unions Richard Wagstaff says New Zealand mourns the loss of union leader Helen Kelly.
“She was a fighter who died after a battle with cancer. Helen died too young, and will always be remembered in our hearts, minds and on the frontlines of the fight for everyday working people.
“Helen lived her commitment to fairness and justice every day. She was generous, creative, innovative, inspired and determined. She dreamed big and worked hard – and we’re a better country for her achievements.
“People from around the world are now remembering how Helen inspired and empowered them to make their working lives better.
“When people were killed at work in the forestry sector Helen was there as a compassionate friend and relentless changemaker. She succeeded.
“Helen worked with the West Coast community for justice ever since 29 miners were needlessly killed at Pike River. She campaigned to stop the reckless abuses of safety laws and best practices.
“Helen fought for a better working life for all, especially those who found it hard to make ends meet. Her principled stance empowered people in the film industry to speak up together with one clear voice for a fair return on their work.
“Helen stood shoulder to shoulder with working people, forging tight and loyal friendships wherever she went. Helen’s leadership was valued both nationally and internationally. Her quick and strategic thinking set the course for expanding the rights of working people here and abroad.
“Helen has left a wonderful legacy that will inspire working people and their unions into the future. Her death is such a loss to all of us here at the CTU and throughout the union movement.
WorkSafe New Zealand chief executive, Gordon MacDonald says Kelly helped put health and safety “front and centre” as an issue that the whole country needed to address.
“Helen Kelly was the first person, after the border control officers, I met when I arrived in New Zealand two and a half years ago. I was jaded and tired after the trip from the UK but I left the airport totally re-energised after my first conversation with Helen.
“Helen was committed and passionate about health and safety. She was a constant presence, sometimes a critic and sometimes a supporter but without a doubt always intent on making life healthier and safer for people at work.
“I will miss her both professionally and personally. She will be missed but not forgotten by everyone associated with WorkSafe,” MacDonald says.
Workplace relations and safety minister Michael Woodhouse also expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Helen Kelly.
“Helen was a passionate advocate for the rights of New Zealand workers,” Woodhouse says.
“She championed the cause of making our workplaces healthier and safer, particularly in the wake of the Pike River Mine disaster.
“I enjoyed our robust and respectful discussions on employment law and health and safety and admired her passionate advocacy of the causes she strongly believed in.”
