Nurses collective agreement accepted: Pay rises for 35,000 staff at Te Whatu Ora

New Zealand Nurses Organisation members employed by Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora have voted to accept the latest collective agreement.

The 20-month agreement provides about 35,000 members with a 2.5% salary increase in year one and a 2% increase in year two.

It also includes an extra $2000 salary adjustment for those at the top of the enrolled nurses pay scale, and lump-sum payments of $1300 for senior designated nurses and $1000 for all other staff.

The professional development allowance for nurse practitioners will also increase from $5000 to $6000 per year.

The agreement comes after multiple strikes last year by New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) members.

NZNO Auckland delegate and bargaining team member Dawn Barrett thanked all members who participated.

“We could not have made any progress without their willingness to stand up for what was right for patients and nursing staff.”

More than 38,000 members were eligible to vote.

“We recognise that many members who voted to reject this offer were willing to carry on the fight,” Barrett said.

“We celebrate you and know there is more to be done as we continue to battle to ensure all New Zealanders get the care they need and our nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants are properly recognised and valued.”

The offer includes a joint statement of intent developed by NZNO and Health New Zealand, outlining their shared commitment to working together to support patient care and improved working conditions for nurses.

Theatre nurses and doctors outside Auckland City Hospital during nationwide “Fightback for Health” protests in May 2025. Photo / NZME

Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the result.

“Nurses, healthcare assistants and midwives are at the centre of our healthcare system, supporting patients and their families in moments that matter most, often in challenging circumstances.

“I want to recognise and thank them for the skill, care, and professionalism they bring to their work every day, and for their commitment to putting patients at the centre of what they do.”