Nurses strike for safe staffing benefits all New Zealanders

Nurses strike for safe staffing benefits all New Zealanders

• July 30, 2025July 30, 2025

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is today supporting NZNO members across the country who are striking to push the Government to ensure safe staffing in the healthcare system.

"The NZCTU and wider union movement stand in solidarity with nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants who are standing up and fighting for safe staffing and quality care," said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

"Workers never make the decision to strike lightly. It is only when they have exhausted all other options. In this case, NZNO members are taking action on behalf of all New Zealanders to ensure safe staffing in the health system.

"Understaffing at Te Whatu Ora affects all of us - it increases hospital wait times, undermines quality safe healthcare and puts people at risk.

"The Government is prioritising tax cuts for the wealthy over essential public services such as our hospitals. That's why this action is so important - we need to force the Government to guarantee safety in healthcare system.

"Everyone should be grateful to the nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants who are taking strike action this week," said Wagstaff.