16884 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 18 May 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	16884 (2026)
Question asked:	21 Apr 2026
Member asking:	Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Portfolio:	Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Simeon Brown
Answer received:	12 May 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_16884_2026
Document guid:	26d786a8-0115-4813-8918-81849539e6aa

16884 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What specific infection prevention and control advice, if any, did Health NZ rely on to prohibit NZNO nurses from wearing stickers during industrial action?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that Health New Zealand’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) functions provided advice regarding NZNO strikes not complying with Health NZ policies on uniform and environmental requirements, including not wearing uniforms and the display of union materials on Health NZ property or on individuals. Clinical adjudicators’ determinations addressed risks relating to infection prevention and control; health and safety; patient safety; emergency staff identification, and professional standards. The clinical adjudicators’ determinations required continued compliance with IPC, health and safety, and Nursing Council standards, and confirmed that patient care must not be compromised by the display of political or industrial messaging.