Strike Action

NZNO strike action: Wednesday 11 December: 1-5pm

Southern nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants (HCAs) who belong to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) union are planning to strike on Wednesday 11 December, from 1 to 5pm. 

Our hospitals and healthcare services will continue to provide acute and emergency care throughout the strike with the help of other clinical staff.

Anyone staying in hospital during the strike time will still receive the care and support they need.

Please help by keeping our emergency departments for emergencies only.

Do not delay seeking help if you or someone else is in a serious or life-threatening condition.

We will continue to provide all our emergency services. If you have a medical emergency, or a sudden decline of your health, do not delay seeking help. Call 111 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.

Unfortunately, some appointments will need to be rescheduled. If you have an appointment booked for Wednesday 11 December and you are not contacted directly to have your appointment rescheduled, please come to your appointment as normal.

Our nurses, midwives, and healthcare assistants are a highly valued part of our workforce and are committed to caring for our patients. We respect their right to take industrial action and know the decision to strike is a very difficult one.

You can read more information here: Industrial action – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

What you need to know during strike actions

• Emergency departments remain open, and hospital inpatients will receive safe care. But please only visit an emergency department if you require urgent care.
• People with non-urgent ailments or injuries should contact their GP in the first instance. Anyone unsure about whether they need emergency department care should contact their GP or call Healthline (0800 611 116) for free advice.
• Unless you are contacted directly, please attend any scheduled appointment or treatment