New Collective Agreement Approved for 4,400 Health New Zealand Staff

“I am pleased for the approximately 4,400 Health New Zealand staff across the country who will benefit from this agreement,” Mr Brown said.

Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the ratification of a new collective employment agreement covering Policy, Advisory, Knowledge and Specialist (PAKS) members represented by the Public Service Association (PSA), providing pay increases and improved allowances for thousands of health sector staff.

The agreement applies to approximately 4,400 Health New Zealand employees nationwide, recognising their role in supporting the delivery of healthcare services and assisting frontline medical teams.

“I am pleased for the approximately 4,400 Health New Zealand staff across the country who will benefit from this agreement,” Mr Brown said.

“These employees play a critical role in enabling the delivery of health services and supporting frontline teams across the health system.”

Pay Increases and Additional Benefits

Under the new agreement, eligible staff will receive a 2.5 percent salary increase in the first year, followed by a further 2 percent pay rise in the second year.

The settlement also includes:

• A $500 one-off lump-sum payment

• Increased on-call allowances

• Improved after-hours provisions

Officials say the changes aim to recognise the contribution of specialist and advisory staff who support clinical teams and help ensure the health system operates effectively.

Broader Collective Agreements Covering 20,000 Staff

With the ratification of the PAKS agreement, around 20,000 Health New Zealand employees are now covered by recently negotiated collective agreements.

These include agreements with members represented by several unions and professional groups, including:

• PSA Public and Mental Health Nurses

• PSA Allied Public Health, Scientific and Technical workers

• APEX dietitians

• APEX pharmacy staff

• APEX psychologists

The agreements cover a broad range of professionals working across the health system, from clinical specialists to policy and advisory staff.

Recognising Staff and Supporting Healthcare Delivery

Mr Brown acknowledged the collaborative efforts between Health New Zealand and union representatives in reaching the settlement.

“I want to acknowledge Health New Zealand and the unions for their constructive engagement in reaching these agreements,” he said.

The Government says the agreements provide certainty for staff and stability for the health system, helping ensure healthcare services continue to operate effectively for patients.

Officials say maintaining constructive relationships with healthcare workers and their unions is important to ensuring New Zealanders continue to receive timely and reliable care.