Vote Nayda Heays for NZNO Board of Directors 2025

12/09/2025

Results are in. Congratulations to all the candidates who successfully obtained a place on the Board of Directors. I did not make it on this time. I have reflected this morning on my journey with friends and whānau and my worth is not measured by how many votes I received. I am grateful to all who voted, and see this moment in time as an opportunity to rise up and carry on business as usual for our members and community. Mauri ora.

11/09/2025

Final Day of our campaign, A Day Like Any Other

As this campaign draws to a close, I want to pause and share a reflection or even a vision i have on my heart.

Today has been, in many ways, a day like any other. I rose early, prepared kai for my mama, put my home in order, shared time with my husband, caught up with my mentor, and readied myself for another shift with the rapid response team in ICU. Later tonight, I will finish work and return home, and tomorrow I will rise and do it all again. This rhythm of whānau, mahi, and service grounds me and reminds me of why I chose to put my hand up in the first place.

Throughout this campaign, I have been humbled by the space people have made to sit with me in kōrero, the aroha that has been shown in so many forms, and the encouragement and support offered along the way. None of it has gone unnoticed. Every word, every gesture, every vote of confidence has carried me.

For me, standing for the Board has never been about seeking a position. It has always been about recognising a responsibility. To see a need, to step forward, and to ask: how can my contribution strengthen our collective work? How can I uphold the values of whakamana (uplifting others), in every decision and every action?

I am mindful that this responsibility does not sit lightly. It requires strength, but it also requires humility, the willingness to listen, to ask for help, and to work alongside others. That is what I promise to bring to the table, if I am fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to serve.

I carry unionism in my whakapapa. My father stood strong with his fellow workers at the Whakatu Freezing Works, and my mother would often travel to NZNO (NZNU) meetings in Wellington when I was a child. Being part of this movement feels like coming home, and I am proud to stand in that legacy.

As I reflect on today, and on this campaign, my heart is full. Full of gratitude for those who made time, who shared aroha, who walked with me through this journey. Whatever the outcome, I know I will continue as I always have: caring for my whānau, honouring those who came before me, and carrying the values that shape me into the work that lies ahead.

Ngā mihi nui,
Nayda

09/09/2025

This speaks volumes about how we have to justify that health is a fundamental human right. Pay equity negotiations are a hard slog, often feeling like proving worth. But by whose standards?

The first two pay equity claims under the government's tougher new regime were filed on Monday on behalf of Plunket and hospice nurses.

09/09/2025

Healthcare is a politically charged issue for both central and local government. Last night we hosted some of our local Hawke’s Bay candidates at Te Awa Hauora Marae at Hastings Hospital, where they shared their experiences and aspirations for a seat at the table. The event drew members from various sectors, including our students, whānau, and our tamariki. The key points highlighted the need to encourage and support everyone in exercising their right to vote and selecting candidates who share their values for the future. Big mihi to Heather Te Au-Skipworth, Siiam Daniel and Nick Ratcliffe.

07/09/2025

"Being Mãori is speaking our language. It is taking care of the environment. It is reading and learning about our history. It is the choice to be called by our Maori name. There are many ways to manifest being Mãori, not just in times of protest.” Te Arikiniui Ngāwai Hono i te po. ❤️🤍🖤

07/09/2025

3 DAYS TO GO until online voting closes on 11 September at 5 pm! It’s as easy as finding your NZNO email with your voting code and selecting the candidates you align with. No vote is a wasted vote. Mauri ora.

07/09/2025

04/09/2025

It is my turn to provide Life Preserving Services today. Normally, a routine PM shift entails a battle for staff car parks almost an hour before my shift commences. The photo speaks volumes 👊🏽

03/09/2025

Let’s go!!!!

Check out Merehinekete’s video.

02/09/2025

Collectively we marched in Hawkes Bay, chanted together and will continue to unite in our fight for safe staffing. Me tika te utu, me Kaitiaki te hauora - Fair Pay We Demand, Healthcare we Protect! Big thank you to our Organisers, Delegates and other Unions supporting our kaupapa.