We write to express our heartfelt thanks to you all on behalf of the NZNO Board of Directors.
On Sunday we received news of the country’s first death from Covid-19. And last night we learned that a nurse in Queenstown has tested positive for the virus. Our hearts and aroha go out to the family and support persons for Anne Guenole and for the nurse in Queenstown.
But we are also thinking of the growing numbers of nurses, midwives, students, kaimahi hauora and health care workers now in self-isolation. We understand many of you are worried, not only for your patients but for yourselves and your families and whānau.
We believe in you. You have the skills and knowledge to safely care for people through this crisis and we are working to ensure you have the resources and support you need.
As nurses on the frontline ourselves, the members of the Board are alongside you. We hear your concerns at our workplace, and in reports from around the country. We are continuing to meet virtually so we can focus NZNO’s priorities and oversee the organisation’s internal COVID-19 response, and contribution to the national response.
Deferred fee increase
As part of the Board’s work, we have deferred the membership fee adjustment for six months. We understand that the health system and its staff are under immense strain and this is one small burden we can help relieve you from at this time.
The advertised increases which were due to come into effect tomorrow on 1 April now won’t happen until 1 September. We realise a small number may already have paid in advance and NZNO will be holding those payments in credit for you where that is the case.
We appreciate the work you do and as an organisation will advocate to ensure health and safety standards and resources to enable you to do what you do best. Thank you again.
We are in this together. He waka eke noa.
And together we will get through this.
Kerri Nuku (Kaiwhakahaere) and Grant Brookes (President)
New Zealand Nurses Organisation | Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa
Your Choice. Your Voice | Grant Brookes for NZNO President 