Concern over Te Whatu Ora's Conflict of Interest policy

Kia ora member,

NZNO has written to Te Whatu Ora to express our concerns regarding it demanding all staff complete and sign conflict of interest declarations by 31 March 2026. We understand there is concern and confusion amongst some members about this.

From NZNO’s perspective, we disagree with Te Whatu Ora indiscriminately requiring all employees to complete a declaration. This will result in Te Whatu Ora holding significant amounts of our members’ personal information, in our view, without good reason. We are also concerned that if you declare you have no conflicts, there could be confusion if one later arises.

We also believe the initial consultation on the drafting of the policy was inadequate and Te Whatu Ora never discussed its implementation with us or our fellow unions.

For these reasons, we are advising you not complete the declaration without first seeking advice from your delegate or organiser first. We have also asked Te Whatu Ora to remind their staff that they have a right to obtain legal advice before making any such declaration.

Ngā mihi,

David Wait, Industrial Advisor
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO