2009/2010 HRINZ HR Initiative of the Year Distinction Awards

Bay of Plenty District Health Board

This application outlines how an effective working partnership was established between the BOPDHB and the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO).

Prior to this initiative, the relationship between the two parties was characterised by a lack of trust and was highly ineffectual given the levels of frustration both parties experienced.

The process is viewed as ground breaking and a model for employment relations within the health sector and has given the BOPDHB a framework to begin replicating the process with other unions, and look forward to the rewards of wider constructive engagement and productivity gains.

We believe the impact of the initiative has added significant value throughout the organisation displaying many of the competencies outlined in the HRINZ framework. As a result, HR has established itself as a valued and respected partner to the wider BOPDHB management team.

With NZNO’s support, the BOPDHB HR team is proud to submit this application for HRINZ Initiative of the Year. We believe we have broken through what were the existing barriers of routine and accepted industrial relations by not accepting the status quo and believing in ourselves, our teams and each other to deliver mutually beneficial and significant business outcomes. 

Congratulations to Gordon Mackay and the Bay of Plenty District Health Board team.