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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