Mike Bain/cvnznews.com
Labour is accusing the Government of presiding over a “health failure”, pointing to more than 185,000 understaffed nursing shifts recorded in 2025 — but the claim lands at a time when hospitals are already under heavy strain from a nationwide influenza surge.
Labour health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall says the figures show National has failed to properly staff and fund the health system, leaving nurses stretched and patients waiting longer for care.
“National is leaving nurses stretched and patients waiting, while hundreds of nursing graduates are left without jobs under a hiring freeze,” Verrall said. She argues National has increased the nursing workforce by only 54 in two years, with some regions seeing declines.
But the Government is likely to counter that the current pressure on hospitals — driven by one of the worst flu seasons in a decade — is amplifying staffing challenges across the board. Emergency departments nationwide have reported spikes in admissions, and DHBs have warned that winter illnesses are pushing rosters to breaking point. Health analysts note that understaffing during peak seasonal outbreaks is not unusual, regardless of which party is in power.
Labour maintains the issue goes beyond seasonal strain. “There are trained nurses ready to work but are locked out of jobs, hospitals crying out for staff, and patients waiting longer,” Verrall said. She argues National’s hiring freeze has worsened the situation and broken its promise to put more nurses on the frontline.
Transport and health minister Simeon Brown has previously insisted the system is improving, citing recruitment pipelines and international hiring efforts. Labour disputes that, saying the understaffed shift count proves otherwise.
“Simeon Brown cannot have it both ways. He cannot claim the health system is improving while 185,000 shifts go understaffed and qualified nurses are left without jobs,” Verrall said.
Health experts say the full picture is more complex: winter surges, global workforce shortages, and post‑pandemic burnout continue to affect staffing levels. While Labour blames underfunding, the Government argues structural reform and long‑term workforce planning are underway.
With hospitals under pressure and political parties trading blame, New Zealanders waiting for care are caught in the middle of a debate unlikely to ease before the election.
