Nurses in Christchurch joined thousands of their colleagues across the country in a 24-hour strike today, calling for urgent action on safe staffing and better pay.

Despite rain, determined health workers gathered at the Bridge of Remembrance in the central city, waving signs and chanting as passing cars honked in support.

NZNO Chief Executive Paul Goulter said there was no new offer from Te Whatu Ora to put to members.

“Disappointingly, Te Whatu Ora refused to meet our urgent claim to recruit into roles identified as being necessary for safe staffing.

“NZNO has raised concerns about chronic and ongoing staff shortages continually throughout the collective agreement bargaining process which began last September.”

Paul Goulter said NZNO members are adamant they are in this for the long haul, for the sake of their patients.

 

The weather did little to dampen the workers’ message in Christchurch.

While the demonstration was peaceful, tensions briefly escalated when several police officers were seen arresting a man nearby on Cambridge Terrace.

One man, not part of the strike, was taken into custody for disorderly behaviour.

The nationwide strike, led by the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, was sparked by Health New Zealand’s refusal to meet demands for safe staffing levels.

Health NZ said all emergency departments remained open and hospital patients would receive safe care.

Christchurch Hospital staff in theatres, post-anaesthesia care and radiology are also voting on a two-hour full strike.