The NZNO election result

Statement from NursesUnited Te Kāhui Tāwharau

The results of the NZNO election have been released by the Returning Officer. Lizzy, Grant and Saju would like to thank everyone who participated. We have appreciated all the kōrero people have shared with us during the election campaign, which enabled us to gain greater insights into the issues we all face. We are especially grateful for the amazing support we received from our fellow NZNO members, which meant that Grant and Saju emerge as the two top-polling candidates.

Although we are very disappointed that Lizzy missed out on being elected by just 17 votes, Grant and Saju will now work collaboratively with others to implement the policies all three of us campaigned on:

• Our member-driven union achieving safe staffing & fair pay for ALL members in ALL sectors
• Our union governed with genuine bicultural partnerships
• Our union being for everyone, including greater support for IQNs with a Migrant Nurses Section

At 6.31%, the voter turnout was almost exactly the same as the 2020 Board by-election (6.32%) and down slightly from the triennial Board elections in 2019 (8.11%) and 2016 (8.17%). Clearly the pattern of very low voter participation continues, which suggests to us that the visibility of the Board and understanding of its role are also very low among the NZNO membership.

Lizzy, Grant and Saju will continue to work together as and look forward to further strengthening our connections with union members. People are welcome to contact us at any time through this, our shared Facebook page.

ENDS