Nurses employed by Maori and iwi providers in NZ earn up to 25% less than nurses employed by DHBs, despite attending the same learning institutions, studying the same curriculum and obtaining the same qualification.

This is a breach of the Treaty of Waitangi, and a violation of basic human rights, and needs to be addressed urgently.

NZNO kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku has presented at the United Nations forum in New York, on behalf of all indigenous nurses, in an attempt to address this disparity. Her work has been commented on, and commended internationally.

We need to support this work to obtain fairness for this group of nurses.