Statement attributable to Dr Dale Bramley, Health New Zealand Chief Executive

While contingency planning for the strike by New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) next week is ongoing, we are also focused on progressing talks with the union to avert the strike.

A further bargaining meeting with NZNO is scheduled for Monday 28 July as we look to resolve outstanding issues. We are committed to reaching agreement with the union so the strike notice can be lifted and avoid disruption to patients waiting for planned care and specialist appointments.

It is estimated that 4,300 planned procedures and specialist appointments would have to be postponed should the 24-hour strike action on 30 and 31 July go ahead.

The landscape for our nursing workforce has changed significantly in recent years. Turnover has decreased markedly from 14% in December 2022 to 8.6% in December 2024.

The average salary for both senior and registered nurses, including overtime, PDRP allowance, and penal rates, is $125,662.

Since 2011 the top salary step of a registered nurse covered by the NZNO collective agreement increased significantly, rising by 73.95%, outpacing the broader labour market outcomes, as shown through comparison against the Labour Cost Index which increased by 35.53% over the same period.

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

Should the planned strike go ahead the public can be reassured that we have an agreement with NZNO for life preserving services support throughout the strike and our hospitals and emergency departments will remain open.

To maintain patient safety, most clinics will be closed. However, if you have a hospital appointment, please come to your appointment unless we have contacted you directly to reschedule. Any appointments that are deferred due to the strike will be rescheduled for the next available opportunity.

Our advice for all patients should the strike go ahead is:

  • all emergency departments will remain open and hospital patients will receive safe care
  • unless you are contacted directly, please attend any scheduled outpatient appointment or treatment
  • people with non-urgent ailments or injuries should contact their GP in the first instance.

Anyone unsure about whether they need emergency department care should contact their GP or call Healthline 0800 611 116 for free advice.

ENDS