Media Release:

Nurses Organisation Looks Forward to Working with Government

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is looking forward to meeting with the new Minister of Health, Tony Ryall, as soon as possible to discuss the detail of National’s health policies.

“Our 42,000 members have provided clear indications of where the needs are within our health system and we will endeavour to achieve these goals,” Geoff Annals, NZNO Chief Executive, said today.

“I have met with Tony Ryall on a number of occasions and believe that he is very open to working collaboratively with NZNO. We have established a good working relationship and I looking forward to working with him to achieve safe staffing,” said Marion Guy, NZNO President.

NZNO has welcomed Tariana Turia as an Associate Health Minister.

“Tariana Turia has been very supportive on the Health Select Committee, specifically around the need to ensure that people working for Maori and Iwi primary healthcare providers are not disadvantaged. We are confident that her presence will ensure pay parity for these primary healthcare workers,” Annals said.

“United Future has been publically supportive of NZNO members in our campaign to achieve a ‘fair share in aged care’. We are hopeful that having Peter Dunne as an Associate Minister of Health with a focus on aged care, will mean that the crisis which the sector is facing can be addressed. There are urgent needs around ensuring mandatory staffing levels, addressing the appalling rates of pay, and insufficient training for caregivers,” Annals said

ENDS