Hi my name is Olivia but my friends call me Liv, I have been a union member since I was at university and have been nursing for 16 years.
Over the last 16 years I have previously worked within the aged-care sector and I’m currently a fulltime registered nurse within a private surgical hospital provider.
I have a passion for working towards change within our working environments for patients and staff, supporting my peers and being the gap-filler/link between staff/members and management, so thought ‘what better way than becoming a delegate?’, and there was also some gentle persuasion from work friends.
I had never attended a political forum before and honestly felt like I may have been an intruder into the area as our plight within private nursing at times doesn’t feel the same as the public sector’s. But actually attending the forum solidified to me that by simply being part of nursing and a New Zealander, it affects us all.
I had no expectations before arriving at the forum — I was coming with an open mind. I had to Google Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga Tāmaki Makaurau as I had no idea what their vision was, or who they were.
I found I loved that they bring together a diverse group of organisations, community and faith groups and unions with a common purpose and focus for a better Aotearoa.
‘Standing together, we can make change’ has always been my motto in life.
I sat in my car upon first arriving at the forum, as I was early. I am a long-standing people watcher and I loved the number and diversity of people walking in to attend.
‘I had never attended a political forum before and honestly felt like I may have been an intruder into the area.’
I felt excited to be a part of it. Sitting in the auditorium surrounded by all those people chatting, waving flags and cheering on the speakers was empowering and also a cause for self reflection.
Each speaker had a different story from a different area but their message was the same for our Government and future governments to do better within the health-care sector for the workers and the people of Aotearoa.
I was completely shocked and honestly so disappointed/disgusted by the top four political parties [National, ACT, NZ First and Labour’s leader and deputy] — as they didn’t have the decency to show face. Even if it wasn’t their top dog, there should have been some form of representation to show they were willing to listen and make a commitment to try to make a change.
Turning up is the first step to making people believe in you and what you stand for. It’s actually just that simple.
Moving towards the election I hope that political leaders have the decency to listen and truly hear that nurses and health-care workers want and need change.
Safe staffing makes for better working environments, and safer care for patients and the people of New Zealand.
Better pay and pay equity will help to retain and promote this vital workforce and the health-care system as a whole.
- Labour’s workplace relations spokesperson Jan Tinetti attended the forum but was not permitted to speak as organisers said only senior leaders could have speaking rights.