7:56pm update
Hi guys

First and most importantly, we are absolutely relieved to have accounted for all of our Christchurch based people. We have no known fatalities within the Telecom Group but we know some of our people are injured, some seriously so, and others in Christchurch and across the country have lost loved ones in the quake. We are deeply saddened by the news of injury and loss and if you’re in Christchurch or are personally impacted; our love and thoughts are with you. We continue to pray for the safe return of loved ones who are yet to be located.

I and the Gen-i Leadership team are committed to doing everything we can to support our Christchurch team every step of the way back. Across Telecom we are focused on continuing to mobilise a co-ordinated effort, providing essential support for our people and their families; support that assists our people but doesn’t put further pressure on the Christchurch region. Efforts include helping our people into alternative accommodation, connecting them with access to boiled water and power and facilitating counselling for our people and their families through EAP. If you have offers of support or you require assistance, please contact our HR team on 0800 275 476; they are available 24 hours on this number.

While supporting our people’s safety and wellbeing, our focus and resolve continues to be on maintaining and stabilising critical communication services in the region. Communication service stability is critical to emergency services, civil defence, health and safety and government agencies who continue to lead and support the rescue effort. I am so proud to see all of Gen-i across the country and in Australia, once again stand up by doing everything humanly possible to deliver the IT and telecommunication services required by the region.

For those of you based outside of Christchurch, I know you are feeling frustrated not knowing how you can help in a practical way to support our Canterbury team. One way you can assist is by supporting the Telecom Big Whip Around. Every donation made by our people will be matched dollar for dollar by the Telecom Group. Every contribution will make a difference so if you are in a position to assist, please do whatever you are able.

For Gen-i people in New Zealand, you can donate online or in any Westpac branch, view the account details.

For Gen-i folks in Aussie who wish to donate, please donate directly to the Australian Red Cross NZ Earthquake Fund. Your donation will also be matched if you print off, scan and email your receipt to sponsorships@telecom.co.nz.

As a symbol of our solidarity and support for our people and the wider Christchurch community, we are encouraging our people across New Zealand and Australia to wear “Red and Black” to work tomorrow.

Over the past 24 hours some amazing stories have started to emerge about our people going above and beyond during a time when their own families, friends and properties have been significantly impacted. Thank you.

I am continuing to send notes to our clients to keep them updated on Gen-i services in the region. I’ve received many emails from our clients; emails of support and concern for our people, and emails of thanks for the efforts you are making. Here are just a few:

“Your team are doing a great job supporting us through this challenging time. We are working well together as a team and collectively [our] frontline staff with the services they need to keep the Christchurch Community safe. It is really appreciated.”

“All our staff have been accounted for and fortunately no one has been injured. Thank you for your updates and your offer of assistance. As always Gen-i’s response is clear and measured. I hope that none of your people have been injured or worse. It is indeed a very sad and tragic day on top of what has already been a miserable time for people in the South Island.”

“Thanks for the update and a real thank you to you and your team for the great work you are carrying out in these difficult times. It is not until something like this happens that we really appreciate what our fellow New Zealanders can do, thanks once again.”

“Thanks for the information Chris and my thoughts are with your teams through this arduous time.”

“I (and the wider team) would like to express our appreciation for your continued informative updates during these unfortunate times and also commend client management and support team for the continued proactive support they are providing to us. I wish you all in the best in your continued efforts in the region.”

We’re continuing to deliver for Civil Defence and Emergency Services during the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts and to prepare for the days ahead our Client Managers have set up a buddy system to help our Christchurch based guys support their clients. Again, thank you all for stepping up all over Gen-i in Australia and NZ – the effort has been brilliant and I’m humbled and proud to be part of such an awesome proactive team who care so much about their workmates.

The Managed Customer Centre (MCC) calls are continuing to be redirected to our Service Desk teams in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington, who have pulled out all the stops to make sure our clients are well taken care of. We are ensuring our people in these areas are being supported to get the rest they need to continue to maintain support levels for as long as they are needed. Our Head of Service Desks, Mel Knight has had offers of help from all over Client Delivery and Sales which has been an amazing showing of working together as one. Some of her Christchurch based team have asked if they can log in remotely to assist with the MCC but we’re encouraging our people to take it easy and focus on making sure their loved ones are safe.

I’ve been completely humbled by the willingness of people from within our team to jump in and help out where they can. It makes me absolutely proud the way we are working together as ONE Telecom to support our people and clients.

Like everyone across the country right now we’re all doing what we can to help in the right ways, during an incredibly tragic time. Canterbury, our thoughts are with you, your family and friends. We are deeply committed to supporting you every step of the way back.

On Twitter last night I shared a quote someone gave me a long time ago after losing my parents. It said “We are never upset about what is, we are upset about what is not!” I guess it’s about not being able to change what happened and reflecting on what we miss; people, places and the great city Christchurch is to live, work and play. We will all see it be one of our favourite Kiwi places again!

Kia kaha

CQ