More than 12,000 allied, public health, scientific and technical workers employed by Health New Zealand will receive pay increases and new career‑development support after members of the Public Service Association (PSA) voted to ratify a new collective agreement.
Health Minister Simeon Brown said the settlement marks “continued progress” in stabilising a workforce that has faced years of strain.
“I am pleased for the approximately 12,300 workers nationwide who will benefit from this agreement,” Brown said. “These professionals play a critical role in patient care, and this settlement acknowledges their important contribution to the healthcare system.”
Over the two‑year deal, workers will receive a 2.5% pay rise in the first year and a further 2% in the second, along with a $500 lump‑sum payment. A new pay scale for Sterile Sciences Technicians has been introduced, and a $400,000 national professional development fund will support training and career progression.
The PSA said members voted strongly in favour of the agreement, describing it as “a step forward” after prolonged staffing pressures. While the union welcomed the progress, it noted that pay equity issues remain unresolved across several health professions.
Today’s ratification follows recent settlements for APEX‑represented pharmacists and psychologists, signalling a broader push to complete stalled workforce negotiations across the sector. Brown acknowledged both Health New Zealand and the unions “for their work as these agreements are reached.”
Health sector commentators say the agreement will be welcomed by workers but warn that pay rises alone will not fix chronic shortages. Several DHB‑area leaders have publicly raised concerns this month about burnout, vacancy rates and the impact of ongoing infrastructure failures — including wastewater issues at Wellington’s Moa Point plant and a suspected sewage leak in Lyttelton Harbour — on public confidence in essential services.
A senior allied health clinician contacted today said staff were “relieved to see movement at last” but added that “retention will depend on whether the system becomes safer and more sustainable, not just better paid.”
The agreement takes effect immediately, with back pay expected to be processed in coming pay cycles.