“NZNO also looks to support the delivery of a first-rate health system where individuals, family and whānau are cared for and where every health worker is safe and receives fair pay,” president Heather Symes, kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku and chief executive Memo Musa wrote.
NZNO supported tino rangatiratanga – Māori self-determination – as “fundamental to addressing the systemic dispossession that hinders tāngata whenua from looking after themselves on their own terms”, as recommended by the Waitangi Tribunal’s 2019 hauora report.
Nurses wanted pay equity across the workforce, a safe work environment and a sustainable workforce, particularly in aged and dementia care, mental health, iwi providers and primary health care.
Faster progress on implementing safe staffing system care capacity demand management was also needed.