When covid first began in NZ, nurses working in managed Isolation facilities were initially paid well to compensate the negative side effects of societal exclusion and risk of infection to themselves. However, the District Health Boards took over staffing around September last year and dropped the pay rates by 30% to be paid the same as any hospital nurse, with no benefits or danger pay. This, despite the fact that military personnel, whose job is far less demanding, receive food allowance, accommodation, and danger pay when they are posted to these facilities.

There is now no incentive for nurses to work in these facilities and they are understaffed and working 24 hour shifts, and NZ is at risk of an outbreak because of the DHB's poor management. This is unacceptable and needs urgent change. See the article below.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/436036/miq-nurses-speak-out-we-re-going-to-get-sloppy-we-re-tired-and-stressed