New Zealand nurses strike against salary offer and staff shortage

30/7/2025 12:15

More than 36,000 nurses, midwives and health care assistants across New Zealand started a strike for 24 hours from Wednesday morning after negotiations on salary and staff recruitment failed with the authority.



It is understood that the wage offered by the public health authority, Health New Zealand, was not satisfactory to the nurses, and the staff shortage is becoming a big concern.



According to national broadcaster Radio New Zealand, Health New Zealand was offering a 3 percent pay rise over 27 months, while the New Zealand Nurses Organization's (NZNO) counteroffer sought a 5 percent pay rise over two years.



Meanwhile, figures obtained by NZNO from Health New Zealand show surgical hospital wards were short-staffed more than half of all day shifts last year.



NZNO Chief Executive Paul Goulter accused the authority of refusing to meet the urgent claim to recruit into roles identified as being necessary for safe staffing.



The strike will be a complete withdrawal of labor at every place in New Zealand where Health New Zealand provides health care or hospital care services, according to NZNO.