Saturday, 22 August, marks the 30th anniversary of the Nurses Amendment Act 1990, providing statutory recognition for midwives as “safe and competent practitioners in their own right.” In addition, midwives won the statutory right to…

The unexpected resignation of Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye has put a spotlight on the contest between Helen White, MERAS lawyer, and Chloe Swarbrick, who is a Green MP and highly placed on the Green…

Government announcements today have been applauded by MERAS, the midwives’ union. However, Co-leader, Jill Ovens, is urging politicians not to stop there. She says the 9.6% increase in the starting salary for Early Childhood Education…

Today provides an opportunity for midwives to celebrate being a midwife and the value of our role. We hope that you all have the chance to do something special as part of that celebration at…

Ministry of Health guidelines released on Friday are causing considerable anxiety and stress for hospital midwives who feel they are putting themselves, the women they care for, and their families at unnecessary risk. MERAS, the…

Most New Zealanders are expressing relief at the latest steps announced yesterday by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the pressure on our health services. We are now at…

Employers have a responsibility under the Health and Safety Act to provide a safe workplace. However, unions have been advised that health professionals should not be at risk of contracting COVID-19 at work if clinical…

The review of Holidays Act compliance conducted by Ernst and Young at the three Auckland Metro DHBs has identified 18 areas of non-compliance relating to Annual Leave and BAPSF (bereavement leave, alternative days, public holidays,…

On 12 August 2020 we will hold the inaugural MERAS national forum at the Quality Inn in Parnell, Auckland. The forum is open to all workplace representatives. An important part of our union democracy, this…