August 13, 2002

Laila Harré To Join NZNO As Organising Services Manager

Minister of Women’s Affairs, Minister of Youth Affairs and Associate Minister of Labour in the previous Labour-Alliance Coalition Government, Laila Harré, has been appointed organising services manager for the Nurses’ Organisation.

Announcing the appointment today, chief executive Geoff Annals said Harré brought with her a wealth of experience in the industrial, legal and political arena. “Having a person with such proven ability and commitment to issues affecting women in the workplace, and with a strong interest in health, will be a tremendous asset to NZNO. We are delighted she is joining our staff.”

The primary function of the new organising services manager position is to lead NZNO’s industrial activities in support of better health for all New Zealanders by improving the workplace for health sector workers. Current objectives are safe staffing, consistent pay and conditions, and investment in workforce development. Harré will report to the chief executive and lead a team of 27 organising staff working for NZNO’s 32,000 members.

Harré has had a long association with the union movement. From 1990-1994, she worked as a solicitor with the National Distribution Union, representing workers and the union in proceedings under the Labour Relations Act and the Employment Contracts Act and in a number of Courts and Tribunals. After the birth of her second child, she worked part-time as General Secretary of the New Labour Party and has been a Member of Parliament for the past six years.

As Minister of Women’s Affairs and Associate Minister of Labour in the previous Government, Harré was actively involved in managing the Employment Relations Bill, annual minimum wage reviews and the passing of 12 weeks’ paid parental leave.

Accepting the new Auckland-based position, Harré said she welcomed the opportunity to support nurses in ensuring their working environments, pay and conditions enabled them to offer a high quality professional service. “My role will be to work alongside members industrially to ensure they are properly valued and supported within the health sector.”

Harré takes up her new role next week.

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