Statement attributable to Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Interim Chief Executive Dr Dale Bramley

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is calling on the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) to return to the table so we can resolve the collective bargaining and allow us to continue to deliver the healthcare our community needs.

We are disappointed with the outcome of the ratification vote last month.

We believe we made a fair offer that addressed the union’s priority claims and included targeted and general pay uplifts that were affordable for Health NZ. The offer also adopted all the Employment Relations Authority’s (ERA) recommendations following facilitation.

Since 2011 nurse salaries have outperformed the broader labour market outcomes, as shown through comparison against the Labour Cost Index.

For registered nurses, the top salary step rose by $45,377 between 2011 and 2024. This increase includes a $16,444 pay equity settlement.

We acknowledge that the NZNO are holding paid union meetings across the country from today. We will be making arrangements to allow union members to attend these meetings whilst we continue to deliver care to our community.

Hospital services will continue during the union meetings and clinical staff will be on site to ensure patients receive the treatment they need. People with appointments or who need care should come to the hospital as usual.

We remain committed to settlement of the collective agreement and believe the way to achieve this is around the bargaining table.

Additional information

For information on the role of a Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora nurse, and the salary and benefits see here:

NZNO Nursing Workforce Factsheet [PDF, 240 KB]

The ERA’s full recommendations can be found here:

Determinations - Employment Relations Authority (external link)