The Peer Assistance Network New Zealand programme (PAN) was named a finalist in the ‘Best Initiative to promote better worker health’ category of the prestigious New Zealand Workspace Health and Safety Awards 2019.

The awards were announced at a ceremony in Auckland late last month. 

“Being named a finalist for this award is huge recognition of the success of the PAN programme, and all of the work that PAN team have put in behind the scenes,” says NZALPA Medical and Welfare Director Andy Pender. 

“Our thanks and congratulations go to the programme’s founder, Captain Herwin Bongers, and the wider peer support volunteer team. Their work has been paramount to PAN’s success and its industry-wide use.” 

The PAN programme is considered a world leader for mental health assistance. It supports jet, general aviation and helicopter pilots as well as air traffic controllers, who use PAN when they or their peers experience stress or other factors that compromise mental wellness. PAN has earned the support of the industry regulator Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and employers such as Air New Zealand and Airways.

The programme encourages contact with a PAN NZ representative (who are also pilots and controllers) for confidential and practical support. 

This year the New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety awards attracted more than 150 entries – showcasing the wide variety of approaches used to prevent injury and illness. 

Finalists included Air New Zealand and Christchurch International Airport, providing evidence of the aviation industry taking the lead on health and safety. 

The awards began in 2005 and are now an annual highlight for those involved in the prevention of work injury and ill health. 

Congratulations to all winners and finalists. 

PAN NZ representatives at the awards evening, from left Mark Mehlhopt, Angela Cronin, Janet Taylor, Andy Pender, Allan Baker and Herwin Bongers.