Health worker strikes 2025

The story so far

More than 11,500 allied health workers voted to strike for four hours on 28 November, after mediation over cost-of-living pressures and staffing safety failed.^{8 Nov 2025} As part of the action, the workers also plan to work to rule by avoiding unpaid overtime and taking regular breaks.^{8 Nov 2025} The Public Service Association said an additional 5,200 health workers would join the strike, bringing the total to about 16,700, including mental health and public health nurses and various specialist and policy workers.^{11 Nov 2025} Health NZ said Northland hospitals remain open, but appointments will be rescheduled.^{28 Nov 2025}

Latest

Health NZ said Northland hospitals would stay open but appointments would be rescheduled.^{28 Nov 2025}

What's next

The strike is scheduled for 28 November.^{8, 11 Nov 2025}

Key moments

1. 8 Nov 2025Allied health workers vote to strike for four hours after mediation fails.
2. 8 Nov 2025Workers plan to work to rule, avoiding unpaid overtime and taking regular breaks.
3. 11 Nov 2025PSA says 5,200 more health workers will join, bringing total to about 16,700.
4. 28 Nov 2025More than 500 PSA workers in Northland and Waikato strike for better pay and conditions.
5. 28 Nov 2025Health NZ says Northland hospitals stay open, but appointments will be rescheduled.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.