More than 36,000 nurses take two-day strike action
Nearly 14,000 patients are having operations, procedures and appointments postponed this week, during two days’ strike action by Nurses Organisation members.
It follows nearly a year of deadlocked negotiations between the union and Health NZ, which culminated in a 24-hour strike at the end of July.
Health NZ chief executive Dr Dale Bramley said the agency was committed to ensuring patient safety during the strikes, which he was “deeply concerned will result in delays to treatment, services and care for an estimated 13,850 patients”.
“Contingency plans are in place to ensure those who need care the most will still be able to receive it, but the planned strikes will see our hospitals disrupted for the entire week,” he said.
“They will cause further delay to patients waiting for treatment, disrupt treatment and care for those already in hospital and set back our work to improve access to services.”
More than 300 graduate nurses who were due to start work on Monday have had their start date delayed a week as a result of the industrial action, he said.
“We have listened to our nurses’ concerns on safe services and the employment of graduate nurses and we are ready and willing to work with the union on solutions.
“We are absolutely committed to ensuring that we have the right staff and skill mix to deliver quality, safe patient care.”
However, Nurses Organisation president Anne Daniels said management was refusing to give any guarantee on safe staffing levels, which were critical to patient care.
“It’s unprecedented to have two full-day strikes within one week.
“That reflects to me the extreme anger that our members have towards Health NZ and the Government over not putting on the table something we can talk about.
“Our Minister of Health keeps telling us to come back to the table, but nothing new is put on the table – so what is the point?”
NZNO delegate Noreen McCallan said the two-day strike action was not taken lightly by members.
“We are doing this because we fear for the safety of our patients. We will lose two days’ pay for striking but we are standing up for safe staffing because it is the right thing to do.
“We became health workers because we want to care for people. But staff shortages have become overwhelming and exhausting for many of us. Our patients are suffering longer because we can’t get to them as quickly as we should.”
NZNO members will be spending their strike time doing a range of activities including hīkoi, pickets, candlelight vigils, food bank drivers, blood bank donations, sausage sizzles and BBQs.
Hospitals and all emergency departments would remain open during the strike, with a small number of staff providing life-preserving services.
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Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?
New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.
But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?
If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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