**Nurses Initiate New Industrial Action in Response to Work Conditions and Contract Disputes**

Nurses Intensify Action Over Staffing Crisis in New Zealand

August 17, 2025

Auckland, New Zealand – Nurses across New Zealand are amplifying their calls for improved staffing levels, initiating a new phase of industrial action to highlight what they describe as a deepening crisis within the public health system. The escalating situation reflects a widespread concern about the quality of patient care amid chronic understaffing.

District Nurses on Auckland’s North Shore have begun visibly demonstrating their concerns, opting to wear t-shirts proclaiming “Not Enough Nurses” in place of their standard uniforms.This visible protest aims to draw public attention to the challenges they face daily.

Further action includes nurses specializing in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Intensive Care Units at Auckland City and Whangārei Hospitals declining assignments to other wards in response to staff shortages. This refusal to fill gaps is intended to underscore the strain on existing resources and the need for dedicated staffing solutions.

This latest wave of action follows a 24-hour nationwide strike involving 36,000 nurses, midwives, and healthcare workers at the close of last month. The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is spearheading these efforts, demanding systemic changes to address persistent understaffing issues.

The Human Cost of staff Shortages

Lesley Pook, a delegate for the NZNO and a district nurse on the North Shore, articulated the frustrations of her colleagues. She conveyed that the team is attempting to bring awareness to the “chronic” understaffing that has been plaguing the system for years. “This current government does seem to be deaf and is really not listening to the nurses with regard to this issue,” she stated.

Pook detailed the immense strain on nursing staff, expressing deep concern for the impact on patients. She reported a shortage of six staff members within the North Shore District nursing service. “I’m just so passionate about our health service and what we do as nurses. I don’t want that to be devalued,” she explained. “If we don’t have enough staff, we can’t deliver the professional care that we’ve trained to give.”

District nurses on Auckland’s North Shore wear t-shirts saying ‘Not Enough Nurses’ as part of industrial action over staffing levels.
Photo: RNZ / Jessica Hopkins

Demands for safe Staffing Ratios

Chantelle Thompson, an NZNO delegate from Whangārei Hospital, emphasized the core of the dispute: safe staffing levels and prioritizing patient safety.She voiced concerns about nurses being frequently reassigned to understaffed areas, frequently enough without proper orientation or familiarity with patients. “We want to highlight the massive gap within Te Whatu Ora and the need to have safe staff-to-patient ratios implemented,” Thompson asserted.

Health New Zealand acknowledged the industrial action in the Northern region and stated contingency plans are in place to maintain healthcare services. However, the NZNO maintains that these measures are insufficient to address the underlying problem.

Acting Minister of Health Matt Doocey has urged the union to return to negotiations, highlighting the Government’s investment in the nursing workforce, with over 2100 new nurses employed by Health new Zealand since 2023. He also expressed concern that the union is prioritizing politics over patient well-being.

Further nationwide industrial action is scheduled for September 2nd and 4th. Health New Zealand anticipates these strikes will lead to the postponement of over 2200 planned procedures, 3600 first-specialist appointments, and 8000 follow-up appointments, substantially impacting patient access to care.

Key Statistic	Details
Nurses on Strike (Last Month)	36,000 Nationwide
North Shore District Staff Shortage	6 Nurses
Expected Postponed Procedures (September Strikes)	Over 2,200
Expected Postponed Appointments (September Strikes)	Over 11,600

did You Know? According to a 2024 report by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, healthcare staffing shortages cost the New Zealand economy an estimated $1.8 billion annually in lost productivity and increased healthcare costs.

Pro Tip: If you are scheduled for a medical appointment during the upcoming strike period, it is advisable to contact your healthcare provider to confirm its status.

What are your thoughts on the state of healthcare staffing in New Zealand? Do you believe the government is doing enough to address the concerns of nurses and ensure patient safety?

The Global Nursing Shortage: A Growing Crisis

The staffing challenges faced by New Zealand’s nurses are not isolated. A global nursing shortage is impacting healthcare systems worldwide. Factors contributing to this trend include an aging nursing workforce, burnout, increasingly complex patient needs, and limited training capacity. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates a projected shortfall of 10 million healthcare workers globally by 2030, with nursing representing a significant portion of this gap. Addressing this crisis requires long-term investments in nursing education, improved working conditions, and strategies to retain experienced nurses.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Zealand’s Nursing Crisis

• What is causing the nursing shortage in New Zealand? The shortage is caused by a combination of factors,including an aging workforce,burnout,and insufficient training capacity.
• What are the nurses demanding? Nurses are demanding safe staffing ratios to ensure they can provide adequate patient care.
• How will the strikes effect patients? The strikes are expected to lead to the postponement of numerous appointments and procedures.
• What is the government doing to address the issue? The government says it is investing in the nursing workforce and is urging the union to return to negotiations.
• What are safe staffing ratios? Safe staffing ratios are the minimum number of nurses required to care for a specific number of patients, based on the patients’ needs.
• How does the current situation compare to past nursing strikes in New Zealand? this round of industrial action is notably significant due to the scale of the planned strikes and the unified front presented by the NZNO.
• where can I find more information about the strikes? Visit the RNZ website for updates.

Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how these developments are affecting your community.

What specific staffing ratios are nurses in the United States demanding during contract negotiations?

Understanding the Current Nursing Strikes & Labor Disputes

Nurses across multiple regions are engaging in new waves of industrial action, ranging from strikes and work-to-rule campaigns to protests and resignations. These actions stem from a complex interplay of factors, primarily revolving around deteriorating work conditions for nurses, stalled contract negotiations, and growing concerns about patient safety.The core issues driving this unrest include:

Staffing Shortages: A critical lack of nurses is overwhelming existing staff, leading to burnout and compromised patient care. This is exacerbated by an aging nursing population and insufficient recruitment. Recent WHO data indicates a global nursing workforce of 29.8 million (as of 2023), but meaningful regional disparities persist.

Workload & Patient Ratios: Nurses are consistently reporting unmanageable patient-to-nurse ratios, forcing them to stretch resources and possibly impacting the quality of care delivered.

Compensation & Benefits: Nurses are seeking fair wages that reflect their skills, responsibilities, and the increasing cost of living. Benefit packages,including healthcare and retirement plans,are also key points of contention.

Safety Concerns: Increased instances of workplace violence against nurses, coupled with inadequate security measures, are contributing to a hostile work surroundings.

Burnout & Mental Health: The cumulative effect of these stressors is leading to widespread burnout and mental health challenges among nurses, further fueling the workforce crisis.

Regional Breakdown of Nursing Industrial Action (August 2025)

while the issues are global, the specifics of the industrial action vary by location. Here’s a snapshot:

united States: Several hospital systems in california, New York, and Pennsylvania are facing strikes over contract disputes. Key demands include improved staffing ratios and hazard pay. The California Nurses Association (CNA) has been notably vocal.

United Kingdom: The Royal Collage of Nursing (RCN) is continuing its campaign for improved pay and working conditions, with ongoing localized strikes and threats of further action. The NHS staffing crisis remains a central issue.

Australia: Nurses in new South Wales and Victoria are protesting against wage caps and demanding better resources for public hospitals.

Canada: Negotiations have stalled in several provinces, leading to potential strike action. Concerns over workload and access to mental health support are prominent.

The Impact of Nursing Shortages on Patient Care

The consequences of these ongoing disputes and the underlying nursing shortage are far-reaching:

1. Increased Medical Errors: Overworked and fatigued nurses are more prone to making mistakes, potentially leading to adverse patient outcomes.
2. Longer wait Times: Reduced staffing levels result in longer wait times for patients seeking care, both in emergency rooms and for scheduled appointments.
3. Reduced Quality of Care: Nurses are unable to provide the same level of individualized attention and comprehensive care when they are stretched thin.
4. hospital Bed Closures: Some hospitals are being forced to close beds or even entire units due to a lack of available nursing staff.
5. Delayed Procedures: Elective surgeries and other non-emergency procedures are being postponed due to staffing constraints.

Contract Negotiation Sticking Points: A Closer Look

The core of many disputes lies in the contract negotiation process. Common sticking points include:

Wage Increases: Unions are seeking considerable wage increases to compensate for inflation, the rising cost of living, and the demanding nature of the profession.

Staffing levels: Mandatory minimum staffing ratios are a key demand, aiming to ensure safe patient care. Hospitals often resist these demands due to cost concerns.

Benefits Packages: Negotiations frequently enough center on healthcare coverage, retirement contributions, and paid time off.

Workplace Safety: Nurses are pushing for improved security measures and protocols to protect them from workplace violence.

Mental Health Support: Access to confidential counseling and mental health resources is becoming increasingly important for nurses struggling with burnout and stress.

The Role of Unions and Advocacy Groups

Nursing unions, such as the CNA, RCN, and United Nurses Associations of California (UNAC), are playing a crucial role in advocating for nurses’ rights and negotiating with healthcare employers. These organizations provide:

Collective Bargaining Power: Unions give nurses a stronger voice in negotiations.

Legal Representation: Unions provide legal support to nurses facing disciplinary action or other workplace issues.

Advocacy & Lobbying: Unions lobby policymakers to address systemic issues affecting the nursing profession.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Unions raise public awareness about the challenges facing nurses and the importance of investing in the nursing workforce.

Addressing the nursing crisis: Potential Solutions

Resolving the current crisis requires a multi-faceted approach:

Increased Investment in Nursing Education: Expanding nursing school capacity and providing financial aid to attract more students.

Improved Recruitment & Retention Strategies: Offering competitive salaries, benefits, and working conditions to attract and retain nurses