Public sector strike October 2025

The story so far

Four public sector unions planned a coordinated strike for 23 October that could affect schools, hospitals and health services.^{30 Sep 2025; 2 Oct 2025} Allied health workers, nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants and primary school teachers committed to join, with estimates of about 100,000 workers taking part.^{2, 3, 16 Oct 2025} Before the strike, Public Service Minister Judith Collins criticised unions, claiming the Post Primary Teachers Association prioritised Palestine over teacher concerns in government meetings.^{19 Oct 2025} Labour sought an investigation into Public Service Commission Facebook ads about the strike, which were criticised for lacking impartiality.^{21 Oct 2025} Severe weather forced some outdoor rallies in Wellington and Dunedin to be cancelled or changed, but unions said the strike would go ahead.^{22, 23 Oct 2025}

Latest

Up to 100,000 workers walked off the job, with many schools closed and non-emergency medical procedures delayed. Rallies were held in Auckland, Rotorua and Hamilton.^{23 Oct 2025}

Key moments

1. 30 Sep 2025Four unions plan coordinated strike for 23 October, possibly one of NZ's largest.
2. 16 Oct 2025Estimated 100,000 teachers and medical staff scheduled to walk off on 23 October.
3. 19 Oct 2025Judith Collins criticises unions, alleging PPTA prioritised Palestine over teacher concerns.
4. 21 Oct 2025Labour seeks investigation into Public Service Commission strike advertisements on Facebook.
5. 22 Oct 2025Severe weather prompts cancellations and changes to some outdoor strike rallies.
6. 23 Oct 2025Up to 100,000 workers walk off in nationwide mega-strike; many schools close.

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