A little over two weeks ago, amendments to the Health and Safety in Work Act (2015) were passed and will be enacted in April 2027. This bill was passed despite unions, health and safety professionals, employer groups and even ACC themselves, warning the...

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The Coalition Government has shown repeatedly it’s no defender of workers’ rights and its latest proposed changes are a blatant attack on the regulation of our traditionally independent workforce. Introduced to Parliament in May, the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance...

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On 7 November 2026, New Zealand will once again decide on our next government. That means every one of us who are enrolled to vote must take the opportunity to decide on our future (Enrol or update online | Vote NZ). During every election we hear promises from political parties. Now is the...

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It was not uncommon for a nurse to come from generations of nurses. In many whānau there was a nurse, Kaiāwhina, community nurse, Karitane nurse, hospital...

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The close ratification of hard-fought Te Whatu Ora negotiations, is naturally a time of reflection and analysis. Will the acceptance of this offer stem the tide of nurses leaving our shores to work in Australia for better pay, nurse to patient...

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A year after pay equity was stripped from women, we are seeing – again – how this country relies on women’s unpaid and underpaid labour: caring, birthing, leading communities, and holding people together. When women demand fair pay for work society cannot function without, we...

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As a nurse, I have learnt over the years never to assume that the information given to me is correct. To keep my patient safe, I always need to verify that the information I have received, or information in front of me, is correct. We all know the old saying about assumptions – assumptions...

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Recently, I've followed media coverage from Poihaere Whare, highlighting the significant challenges faced by student nurses in New Zealand. The ongoing fuel crisis and added practical demands like travel and parking costs intensify existing student poverty. Poihaere's core message,...

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Reading the Sunday Star Times (22.3.2026) caused me to observe the devolution of much of what is meaningful to our collective society. The health and wellbeing of our nation is, indeed, under continuous attack through deliberate dismantling of legislation, infrastructure, policy and procedure...

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The knock-on effects of the latest wars started by the United States is a reminder that when they act Aotearoa is not immune. Just last night, the Government met to urgently consider the return of carless days and fuel rationing. Flights have been reduced to some of our most vulnerable...

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The Treasury last week told the Government there was room to borrow more for essential infrastructure such as health and education. The fact is that Aotearoa/New Zealand GDP to debt ratio is the lowest in comparative countries. In response, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour stated there was...

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My whakapapa recognises Maungaharuru, the mountain renowned for its distinctive roaring sounds—a legacy of the diverse avian populations that once inhabited the area. Maungaharuru holds spiritual significance for the hapū Ngāti Kurumōkihi, who serve as its kaitiaki (guardians). Aotearoa...

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The year has just begun. Nationally and internationally, we see, hear and experience turmoil everywhere. How do our hearts not break for those families who have lost loved ones in the recent rains, floods and slips that have changed the lives of many in an instant? It could have been any one of...

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When I hear of pushes to up security in hospital emergency departments, I must admit there’s a part of me that is hesitant. Of course, I want all health care workers to be safe on duty including ED nurses. But I also know many Māori already feel discriminated in ED and other hospital...

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Throughout history, women who are healers, have been silenced. From the time of burning of wise women who helped and healed at the stake, to this very day, where the Coalition Government is being very deliberate in its choices of whose voices will be heard and privileged on the new Health...

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Anne Daniels, President NZNO Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa Recent times have been so challenging for our members that they will be remembered as the worst of times. We have a Government that is doing everything it can to oppress and create fear and uncertainty among workers, the...

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Kerri Nuku, Kaiwhakahaere NZNO Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa The unrelenting challenges from this coalition Government has been overwhelming. From the Regulatory Standards Bill, wider deregulation programme, repeal of the Smokefree Act, Treaty Principles Bill, assault on pay equity,...

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Kerri Nuku, Kaiwhakahaere NZNO Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa Earlier this week, we heard about the cost of not exercising bravery or courage when it is most needed. The British nurse, Lucy Letby, convicted of murdering seven babies over two years was shocking news to hear. But...

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Kerri Nuku, Kaiwhakahaere NZNO Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa This coalition Government punched women in the face when it recently cut and made it even more tricky to progress pay equity claims. I want to offer a wāhine Māori perspective, in the hope to keep us inspired and...

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