Nurses Pay Independent Panel Appointed
Media Release on behalf of the Independent Panel’s secretariat
District Health Boards / New Zealand Nurses Organisation / MECA appoint Independent Panel
The Independent Panel recommended by the Prime Minister has been established to work with the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) and District Health Boards to help find an agreement to the current employment negotiations and a pathway to address the pay equity and workload concerns of nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants.
The Independent Panel comprises:
-Margaret Wilson – independent Chair
-Geoff Annals- former Chief Executive of the NZNO –representing the NZNO
-Julie Patterson – former Chief Executive of Whanganui DHB – representing the DHBs
The panel met for the first time with the parties in Wellington yesterday and heard submissions from both the NZNO and DHBs.
Chair Margaret Wilson says there was a good level of discussion between all parties and a full and frank discussion of the issues.
“The panel was impressed by the submissions made by both parties and the commitment to the process designed to be open and encourage a free-flow of information.
“Each party has made written submissions to the panel, which will draft interim recommendations. We’ll hear further submissions from both sides and hope to have a final recommendation for both parties to consider by the middle of May.
The panel’s
recommendation is not binding on either side, but it is
based on a joint approach and submissions and reflecting the
views of both sides,” says Ms Wilson.