The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) are delighted to see that a key platform of its manifesto on pay equity for health workers in Māori and Iwi health providers has been taken up by the Māori party.

Members of the NZNO have been campaigning for some time to achieve fair pay for the work they perform. 

Unless we achieve pay equity, our highly prized and overworked 'Māori for Māori' workforce will continue to be a limited resource, and any new initiatives will continue to struggle and fail.” said Kerri Nuku, Kaiwhakahaere Te Runanga NZNO.

“This policy from the Māori party clearly illustrates that they understand that there is a clear issue of equity which must be addressed,” Nuku said.
Māori nurses and primary health workers play a vital role in the Māori community health sector and in improving health outcomes for Māori. They have the essential skills, qualifications and experience but are being paid significantly less than their colleagues in other parts of the health sector.”

“Our members would certainly support this policy and we welcome working with the Māori party to ensure this policy can become a reality” Nuku said.

ENDS