Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This list of questions and answers has been put together by NZNO staff and includes some of the more common questions we receive from members and visitors to our website. They are guidelines only and not intended to replace the advice of a professional.
Please note, as we often receive requests for information outside the scope of our organisation, some links are to external websites.
You may find the following pages helpful:
- Links - links to other organisations both in NZ and overseas
- Help - tips on using this website
- Contacts - email enquiry form and list of all NZNO offices with contact details
Joining NZNO
Q. How do I join NZNO?
A. You can download an application form from this website or you can call 0800 28 38 48 and request a membership pack be mailed out to you.
Q. What are the benefits of belonging to NZNO?
A. Joining a union is all about working together to make your workplace a better place. NZNO is one of New Zealand's biggest, strongest unions because of our active membership, become a member of New Zealand's largest health union and:
- access and support with collective agreement bargaining
- know your voice is being heard
- take advantage of opportunities for further education
- receive the latest news and information
- access information and advocacy
- receive free legal advice
- get assistance with getting an Employment Agreement
- join a variety of special interest groups
- access the Members Only area of NZNO website
More information about the benefits of joining NZNO can be found on our website here.
Q. I was a member some years ago, how do I rejoin?
A. We may still have you on our database, if so we can update your details and you won't need to reapply. Call us on 0800 28 38 48 or email membership@nzno.org.nz to find out if we still have you in our system.
Q. I am a member of the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps. Can I join NZNO?
A. Service personnel are prohibited by law from being members of an industrial organisation. In order to enable service personnel to access the professional nursing benefits of membership in NZNO a special RNZNC category has been established.
RNZNC NZNO members are not entitled to industrial representation or to participation in any industrial membership activities of NZNO. They do have access to all professional services and may participate fully in the professional activities of NZNO.
The subscription fee is that set for members of other unions affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.
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Membership Rates
Q. I am a qualified nurse but working as a caregiver what rate do I pay?
A. Membership rates areas per your qualifications.
Q. Does the NZNO offer a part-time or casual rate?
A. Not as such, but we do have a reduced rate for those earning under $19,000 gross per annum.
Q. Who is entitled to the reduced fee?
A. Anyone who earns under $19,000 gross per annum, is on parental leave, is unemployed, is not in nursing practice or is affiliated to another union. You must apply in writing with evidence of earnings, at least 2 pay slips showing year to date figures, or a covering letter from you employer stating what your estimated income will be over the next 12 months. We will assess your documentation and verify by letter as to whether or not you qualify and will bill you accordingly.
Q. I was on a reduced fee but my payment was at the full rate?
A. A reduced fee is not automatically renewable each year. You must re-apply every financial year.
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Membership Payments
Q. If I become non-financial member could I back pay my membership fees so that my membership status is backdated?
A. No. It is not possible to back-pay the membership fees or your membership status. NZNO services including indemnity insurance will not cover you for the period in which you were non-financial.
Q. How can I pay my subscription?
A. We offer a variety of methods for payment:
- Credit Card
This is available for annual payments only
- Direct Debit
Direct Debits are monthly withdrawals made by NZNO from your private bank account and a Direct Debit form MUST be completed
- Automatic Payments
These are your responsibility and set up by you, they advise your bank to make regular payments to NZNO.
- Salary Deduction
This from your wages and will show up on your pay slip as NZNO SUB etc. NZNO Membership will supply a form with your membership number and the amount that will be deducted from your salary
- Money Order
Q. I have received an overdue/non-financial letter in the post, but my fees are being deducted from my salary - what's going on?
A. If you area casual worker NZNO may not receive regular payments for you. You will have to choose another method of payment. Please ring us on 0800 28 38 48 to discuss your options.
Q. Do I automatically receive a receipt for payments made?
A. Receipts are only issued if requested. However, all new members receive a welcome letter and a membership card (non students only) which can be used as proof of membership. As a new student member you will receive a letter telling you when your membership is paid up to.
Q. If I cancel my payments from the bank, does NZNO automatically know about this?
A. No, you must ring us so we can take out your account number. You also need to notify us if you have changed your bank account number. If you are resigning we need notification in writing.
Q. I pay my NZNO subscription by fortnightly deductions from my salary, I now want to pay by direct debit from my bank account what do I need to do? How much do I have to pay? How often do I pay?
A. Firstly you need to contact your payroll administrator to cancel your existing deduction authority. Then let us know so we can send you a direct debit authority. Please fill in the details and return it to NZNO in the prepaid envelope supplied. We will enter your bank details onto your membership file then we will send your debit authority to your bank for processing. Direct Debit is payable on the 20th of each month and can be paid monthly, twice monthly, quarterly, half yearly or annually. The amounts payable are on the direct debit form.
Q. Can I pay my fees by credit card?
A. Yes, we accept an annual payment by Mastercard or Visa.
Q. Can I claim a refund?
A. Our Membership Refund Policy (approved by the NZNO Board of Directors, June 2005) is as follows:
- It is a member’s responsibility to ensure that appropriate membership fees are paid to NZNO.
- NZNO will provide a refund of membership fees up to a maximum of 12 months at the discretion of Business Manager
- There will be no refund for members who do not cancel their membership in writing (e.g. who are going overseas etc)
Please make your request in writing.
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Changes to your Circumstances
Q. I’m married now, do I need to send anything to change my surname?
A. No, all you need to do is call membership on 0800 28 38 48 and let us know. Please note that your Member Only log on will reflect your new name.
Q. How do I change my address or workplace details?
A. You can either email us at membership@nzno.org.nz or ring membership on 0800 28 38 48 and follow the voice prompts.
Q. I have paid up as a student member until the end of the year. Does this mean that I will be covered until the end of the year, even after I graduate and commence work as a registered nurse in August?
A. No. Your student membership is valid only whilst you are doing your undergraduate studies (ie until August). Once you graduate and commence work you must update to full membership with NZNO otherwise you will not be covered by NZNO's indemnity insurance policy.
Q. I’m going on Maternity Leave
A. We have a Maternity Leave rate of $144.00 per annum. The benefit of remaining a member at this rate is that we still cover you if your employer unexpectedly asks you to do some relief work and continue sending you the Kai Tiaki journal monthly.
Q. I am retiring but would like to remain a member of NZNO, is there a retirement rate?
A. By paying a minimum fee you may retain your membership. The cost is $23.00 per annum or $62.00 if you wish to retain the Kai Tiaki journal.
Q. I will be nursing overseas - can I still be a member?
A. On 5 August 2005 the NZNO Board of Directors, decided that from 01 April 2006 NZNO will not offer membership benefits including indemnity insurance for members whose primary place of work and/or study is outside of New Zealand. It is hoped that members will understand the rationale for this decision which is intended to manage and minimise NZNO exposure to unqualified risk of potential indemnity insurance claims.
Q. I’m not going to be nursing but wish to remain a member of NZNO
A. Yes, this is possible. The fee is $144.00 per annum and you will still receive the Kai Tiaki magazine to keep in touch with the happenings in the nursing profession.
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Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand - Journal
Q. Is the journal an optional extra?
A. It is complimentary to members. We can take you off the mailing list if two or more people in the same house are receiving it but that will not reduce your fee. Students need to pay an additional $33.75 if you wish to receive the journal.
Q. I haven’t been receiving the Kai Tiaki journal, what's happened to it?
A. Please contact membership to check we have your correct address and remember to let us know when you change your address or workplace so that our records for you are always up to date.
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General Membership
Q. Can you send me proof of my membership? I need it to enrol on a course.
Q. Can you send me proof that I am covered for indemnity insurance? My employer has requested it.
A. Please email our Membership Team at membership@nzno.org.nz or call them on 0800 28 38 48 to request confirmation.
Q. How do I resign or cancel my membership?
A. Resignations must be made in writing, we cannot accept resignations over the phone. We need to maintain a paper trail and this requires your signature. You can fax your resignation as long as it is accompanied with your signature.
Q. I have lost my NZNO card, how can I get another one?
A. We will issue you another card, call us on 0800 28 38 48 . The card has your membership number on it and it represents that you are a member of the NZNO. The card is your life time card and it doesn’t mean that you are a financial member. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are a paid member.
Q. I have an enquiry but I don't know my membership number. Is that a problem?
A. That’s okay, we can search for your membership by name and then confirm it's you by checking your date of birth or address.
Q. Where can I get another badge?
A. NZNO doesn't issue badges, please contact the Nursing Council of New Zealand www.nursingcouncil.org.nz or (04) 385-9589.
Q: I haven’t received my practising certificate, when can I expect it?
A.NZNO is not involved in the issuing or renewal of annual practising certificates. Please direct enquiries relating to nursing registration and Practising Certificates to the Nursing Council of New Zealand www.nursingcouncil.org.nz or (04) 385-9589.
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Logging on to the Member Only Area of the Website
Q. How do I log onto the member only area of the NZNO website?
A. Your NZNO membership number and surname are all that you need to log on. This link takes you to the main log on page which includes instructions.
You can reach this page from anywhere on the website by clicking MEMBERS LOGON on the side menu. You can also log straight in from the side menu.
Common log on errors are:
- entering your membership number and password in the wrong order
- attempting to log on to the NZNO Staff Intranet
- using a surname that differs to the one on our database (eg you have changed your name)
If you are sure your log on details are correct please email the webmaster for assistance.
Q. I have forgotten my log on, can you tell me my Membership ID and password?
A. Please contact Membership at membership@nzno.org.nz or call them on 0800 28 38 48 and they will look up your membership number in our database. If emailing please remember to include your address or DOB, in case we have other members with a similar name.
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Financial Assistance/Scholarships
Q. What grants and funding are available to nurses?
A. NZNO offers several sources of funding in the form of scholarships and grants and administers others (eg Nursing Education and Research Foundation (NERF) and the Gretta and Harry Hamblin Trust).
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Nursing
Q. I have been advised by Nursing Council that they have information about my practise and are undertaking a competency review. What should I do?
A.Contact the NZNO Competency Review Advisor before responding to the Nursing Council’s letter on nurses@nzno.org.nz
The Competency Nurse Advisor will advise you and support you to make a response to the Nursing Council letter. If the Council decides to proceed with the competency review, NZNO members are eligible for support through the competence review process including:
- Help with submissions
- Support through the competency review hearing
- Follow-up support to meet any requirement that are made a result of the review.
Q. I am a New Zealand nurse. What can you tell me about working overseas?
Q. Can NZNO help me find work overseas?
A. NZNO is not able provide assistance to New Zealand nurses wishing to work overseas. However in response to many queries about this, we have provided contact details for many of the overseas nursing bodies.
Q. I am an overseas trained nurse. What can you tell me about working in New Zealand?
Q. Can NZNO help me find work in New Zealand?
A. NZNO does not provide assistance to nurses seeking work in New Zealand. However in response to many queries about this, we have produced a publication and fact sheet.
Q. Can NZNO recommend an Immigration Agency?
A. We do not recommend specific agencies but we have put together a fact sheet for nursing considering using an international immigration agency.
Q. Can you please inform me of the pay rates eg for a nurse or aide?
A. Please contact your local office as different regions have different rates of pay.
Q. What are the Public Sector Pay Rates for Nursing Staff?
Q. What are the DHB Salary Scales?
A. The NZNO DHB MECA 2007-2010 has recently been signed off. You can view or download the DHB MECA Agreement as a PDF from our Fair Play/DHB MECA campaign page. It is a large document (96 pages, 1.2MB).
Q. What are the Pay Rates Primary Health Care Nursing Staff?
A. The 2006-2008 Primary Health Multi-Employer Employment Agreement (MECA) is now available on our Pay Parity for Primary Healthcare campaign page. Caution this is a large file - over 2.5MB in size and may take some time to download if you are have a dial-up internet connection.
Q. What is the origin of the Five Pointed Star?
A.
Click on the image to
view an A4 printable pdf (1280kb). |
The designer of the Five Pointed Star was Mrs. Grace Neill, who was appointed assistant inspector of hospitals in New Zealand in 1895. Mrs Neill was successful in having the State Registration for Nurses Act passed.
The star encloses a Red Cross as an emblem of the blood and the Cross of Christ. The white background stands for the purity expected in the life of a nurse; blue stands for honour and loyalty, and gold for charity. The Medal was designed as a symbol of service in the alleviation of suffering.
Mrs J.J. McNab and Mrs G.M. Sides of Timaru were responsible for the designing of the creed. |
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Workplace Issues
Q. I need some information about rostering, can you help?
A. We have a resource available free to members, “Guidelines & Standards of best practice for Rostering to meet requirements of the Nurses & Midwives MECA" here.
Members should also be guided by clause 6 (pages 10-13) of the DHB MECA agreement (in full).
Those wanting more information are invited to look at the Library resource list “Rostering and Shiftwork“ available from our website here.
Q. Can you assist me with a workplace issue?
Q. My employer and I interpret my employment agreement differently.What should I do?
A. NZNO can assist members with workplace and professional concerns. To view our process, please click here.
Q. I have some questions about my Sick Leave rights?
A. Sick Leave is covered by the Holidays Act 2003. The Department of Labour’s Employment Relations website has information about the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers in the workplace according to the Holidays Act 2003.
Q. I have some questions about my rights under the Holidays Act?
A. The Department of Labour’s Employment Relations website has information about the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers in the workplace according to the Holidays Act 2003.
Q. I have some questions about my Parental Leave rights?
A. The Department of Labour’s Employment Relations website has information about the rights and obligations of employees, employers and self-employed persons in respect of parental leave.
Q. An injury is affecting my work, how can ACC help me?
A. The ACC website explains how to make a claim and how ACC can help you after an injury.
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Miscellaneous
Q. How do I purchase NZNO Publications?
A. NZNO produces a variety of publications and resources to keep members informed and up to date about current issues. Where possible publications are available to Members as PDFs from the Members Only area of our website or available in hard copy at a reduced cost. There is a charge for publications supplied to non-members.
Information on placing an order.
Q. Where can I get Indemnity Insurance from?
A. Professional indemnity insurance is carried by NZNO on behalf of members. This provides comprehensive cover for accusations or claims against you that relate to your profession.
For information on making a claim or more about the indemnity insurance policy, members can log on to the Members Only web pages.
NZNO no longer offers indemnity insurance for members whose primary place of work and/or study is outside of New Zealand. NZNO can not advise you on this matter as your options for Professional Indemnity Insurance will depend on which country you will be nursing in. Contact the organisation responsible for nursing registration in the country you intend to work infor advice: Overseas Nursing Contacts.
Q. Who do I contact if I have a concern about the information NZNO holds about me?
A. The information collected by NZNO is used to establish your membership for the purposes of the 2000 Employment Relations Act. Mailing list information is passed onto companies who distribute Kai Tiaki and provide member benefit packages under agreements which ensure it is kept confidential and not used for any other purpose. All other information is kept by NZNO for the exclusive use of NZNO.
Your are entitled to have access to, and request correction of any personal information about yourself held by NZNO. If you have any queries about your rights under the Privacy Act or about the personal information held by NZNO about you, please contact the NZNO Privacy Officer on privacy@nzno.org.nz, 0800 28 38 48 or PO Box 2128, Wellington.
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