Violence and Aggression

On this page:

The Aggression and Violence working group

The Aggression and Violence working group left to right: 

Back row (left to right) – Suzanne Rolls (NZNO Professional Nursing Advisor), Bridget Richards (College of Gerontology - Chair), Sue Gasquoine (NZNO Policy & Research Advisor), John Miller (NZNO Lead Organiser), Cecil Williams (Mental Health Nurses Section – National Committee), Lynley Mulrine (NZNO Lead Organiser), Margaret Bigsby (NZNO Professional Nursing Advisor), Kerri Nuku (Kaiwhakahaere of Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa). 

Front row (left to right) – Sandra Richardson (College of Emergency Nurses – Chair), Diane Varey (NZNO Member, RN, H & S Rep), Hugo Robinson (NZNO Communications & Media Assistant), Dana Hudson (NZNO Professional Services Administrator), Rob Zorn (NZNO Communications & Media Adviser)

Absent Working Group members (past and present) – Sophie Meares (NZNO Medico-legal Lawyer), Param Jegatheeson (NZNO Medico-legal lawyer), Belinda Tuari-Toma (NZNO Policy Analyst – Māori)

 Whakapapa o te kaupapa - Background to the project

At the 2018 NZNO AGM, the College of Emergency Nurses New Zealand-NZNO requested NZNO to respond to the increase in violence and aggression experienced by nurses in the health sector. 

Since that time NZNO convened a working group with staff from both the industrial and professional teams. We have also established a reference group with participants from NZNO colleges and sections, including Gerontology, Mental Health and Emergency Nurses. Their concerns are driving the direction of our work. 

This reference group has built a relationship with the Victorian Branch of the Australian Nurses and Midwife Federation (ANMF) and is looking to adapt its ten point plan to the nuances of health care in Aotearoa New Zealand.

We know the realities of working in the health care system, and we know that violence and aggression occur across all workplaces and for all workers. NZNO is committed to finding solutions that allow our health workers the safety and support to provide the best care they can.

A safe workplace for our health workers is a safer health system for us all.

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 Pūrongorongo - Report

Member feedback and broader research indicates that instances of workplace harm are regularly under-reported. This is due to a number of factors, including the time-consuming nature of reporting and the disheartening lack of response from employers.  

One of the crucial ways we can prove the need for urgent change is to have data that reflects the real magnitude of the issues. That’s why we strongly encourage you to follow through on reporting. You can also find resources below to support you in taking stronger action to stand up for you and your colleagues’ health and safety. 

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Hapahapai - Advocate

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.

My strength is not mine alone but that of many. 

Alongside your fellow members in NZNO we are able to make a change. Get involved so we can hold employers and the government to account and bring about a safer workplace.  

Below you can find the work that the AVAN working group has completed to date.  

AVAN in the media 

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Tautoko - Support

Below are a list of ways you can find support if you have experienced workplace violence. 

Our Member Support Centre is the first port of call to get advice and support. You can call them on 0800 28 38 48 or email nurses@nzno.org.nz.

We have a big emphasis on reporting so that we can get you the concrete support you need, as well as to show how significant the issues of workplace violence are. 

Some of the things you can do to help us help you are:

  • Complete an incidence report 
  • Complete a hazard form 
  • Report the incident to the manager 
  • Contact your Health and Safety Representative
  • Alert your delegate 


Other support centre:

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