This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Official Information request 'Gaurantee of employment with AKLCouncil'.
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.
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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