The symposium had been set up to run last year, but was postponed because of the Covid-19 lockdown. Memorial service organiser John Shennan said the idea was to enhance the memorial day by injecting more enthusiasm into the role of health and safety representatives. Representatives are trained workplace advocates for health and safety, with potential to go beyond making sure people simply complied with the rules to reduce risks of injury or sickness. The seminar is endorsed by Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith, who said everyone deserved to come home at the end of their working day to their families and loved ones.