DISTRICT HEALTH BOARDS / PSA

ALLIED, PUBLIC HEALTH & TECHNICAL

MULTI EMPLOYER COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

Bay of Plenty District Health Board

Canterbury District Health Board
Capital and Coast District Health Board
Hawke’s Bay District Health Board
Hutt Valley District Health Board
Lakes District Health Board
MidCentral District Health Board
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Northland District Health Board
South Canterbury District Health Board
Southern District Health Board
Tairawhiti District Health Board
Taranaki District Health Board
Waikato District Health Board
Wairarapa District Health Board
West Coast District Health Board
Whanganui District Health Board

Expires 30 April 2015

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 AGREEMENT FORMALITIES ..................................................................................................................4

1.1 Parties .......................................................................................................................................................4
1.2 Coverage ..................................................................................................................................................4
1.3 Existing Employees on IEAs .....................................................................................................................6
1.4 New Employees ........................................................................................................................................6
1.5 Partnership Agreement .............................................................................................................................6
1.6 Definitions .................................................................................................................................................6
1.7 Categories of Employment .......................................................................................................................7
2.0 HOURS OF WORK ...................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Hours of Work ...........................................................................................................................................7
2.2 Overtime and Penal Time ...................................................................................................................... 10
3.0 CALL BACKS ......................................................................................................................................... 12
4.0 ALLOWANCES ...................................................................................................................................... 12
4.1 On Call ................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Meal Allowance ...................................................................................................................................... 13
4.3 Higher Duties Allowance ........................................................................................................................ 13
4.4 Duly Authorised Officer (DAO) Allowance ............................................................................................. 13
5.0 REMUNERATION .................................................................................................................................. 14
5.1 Application of All Salary Scales ............................................................................................................. 14
5.2 Allied & Public Health ............................................................................................................................ 16
5.3 Alcohol & Other Drug Clinicians ............................................................................................................ 17
5.4 Health & Clinical Support Workers & Hauora Maori Workers ............................................................... 18
5.5 Psychologists ......................................................................................................................................... 21
5.6 Management .......................................................................................................................................... 22
5.7 Assistants............................................................................................................................................... 22
5.8 Technical................................................................................................................................................ 23
5.9 Salary Increments While On Study Leave ............................................................................................. 38
5.10 Payment of Salary ............................................................................................................................. 39
6.0 ANNUAL LEAVE .................................................................................................................................... 39
7.0 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ............................................................................................................................... 40
8.0 BEREAVEMENT/ TANGIHANGA LEAVE.............................................................................................. 41
9.0 SICK & DOMESTIC LEAVE ................................................................................................................... 42
10.0 PARENTAL LEAVE ................................................................................................................................ 44
11.0 JURY SERVICE/WITNESS LEAVE ....................................................................................................... 47
12.0 LEAVE TO ATTEND MEETINGS .......................................................................................................... 47
13.0 LONG SERVICE LEAVE ........................................................................................................................ 47
14.0 LEAVE WITHOUT PAY .......................................................................................................................... 48
15.0 HEALTH & SAFETY ............................................................................................................................... 48
16.0 ACCIDENTS – TRANSPORT OF INJURED EMPLOYEES .................................................................. 48
17.0 UNIFORMS, PROTECTIVE CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT ..................................................................... 49
18.0 REFUND OF ANNUAL PRACTISING CERTIFICATE AND CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY
FEES ...................................................................................................................................................... 49
19.0 INITIAL REGISTRATION COSTS.......................................................................................................... 49
20.0 PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION FEES ............................................................................................... 50
21.0 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION & TRAINING LEAVE ............................................. 51
22.0 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................ 51
23.0 INSURANCE PROTECTION ................................................................................................................. 52
24.0 TRAVELLING EXPENSES AND INCIDENTALS ................................................................................... 52
25.0 INDEMNITY INSURANCE ..................................................................................................................... 52
26.0 EMPLOYEE ACCESS TO PERSONAL INFORMATION ....................................................................... 52
27.0 PAY & EMPLOYMENT EQUITY ............................................................................................................ 53
28.0 SUPERANNUATION .............................................................................................................................. 53
29.0 WORKING BETTER TOGETHER ......................................................................................................... 53
29.1 Deduction of PSA Subscriptions ........................................................................................................ 53
29.2 Union Meetings .................................................................................................................................. 53

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 29.3 Delegates/Union Workplace Representatives ................................................................................... 53
29.4 Leave to Attend Employment Relations’ Education Leave ................................................................ 54
29.5 Right of Entry ..................................................................................................................................... 54
30.0 BARGAINING FEE ................................................................................................................................. 54
31.0 CONSULTATION, CO-OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE ........................................... 55
31.1 Statement of Intent ............................................................................................................................ 55
31.2 Management of Change .................................................................................................................... 55
31.3 Participation ....................................................................................................................................... 56
31.4 Staff Surplus ...................................................................................................................................... 56
32.0 RETIRING GRATUITIES ................................................................................................................... 60
33.0 ENDING EMPLOYMENT ....................................................................................................................... 60
33.1 Notice Period ..................................................................................................................................... 60
33.2 Abandonment of Employment ........................................................................................................... 60
34.0 HARASSMENT PREVENTION .............................................................................................................. 60
35.0 EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS: .................................................................................... 60
36.0 VARIATION TO COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT ...................................................................................... 63
37.0 SAVINGS ............................................................................................................................................... 63
38.0 NON- WAIVER UNDERSTANDING ...................................................................................................... 63
39.0 TERM OF DOCUMENT ......................................................................................................................... 63
Appendix A - Career and Salary Progression (CASP) Framework ....................................................................... 66
Appendix B – Merit Progression ............................................................................................................................ 79
Appendix C - Merit Criteria. ................................................................................................................................... 85
Appendix D – Technical Pay Spine ....................................................................................................................... 88
Appendix E - Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians............................................................................... 89
Appendix F - Medical Laboratory Scientists & Technicians .................................................................................. 90
Appendix G - Hauora Maori Worker Assessment of Clinical and Cultural Competency ....................................... 91
Appendix H - AGREEMENT FOR BIPARTITE RELATIONSHIP FRAMEWORK ............................................... 105
Appendix I – Occupation & DHB Specific Allowances ........................................................................................ 109
Appendix J – Dental Therapy Provisions............................................................................................................. 114
Appendix K – Indicative Job Title Table .............................................................................................................. 126
Appendix L – Healthy Workplaces ....................................................................................................................... 129
Appendix M – National DHB/PSA Allied, Public Health & Technical Engagement Forum ................................. 131

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1.0 AGREEMENT FORMALITIES

1.1 Parties

In accordance with the Employment Relations Act 2000 this collective agreement is made:

Between:

a) Bay of Plenty District Health Board,

Canterbury District Health Board
Capital and Coast District Health Board,
Hawke’s Bay District Health Board,
Hutt Valley District Health Board,
Lakes District Health Board,
MidCentral District Health Board,
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board,
Northland District Health Board,
South Canterbury District Health Board
Southern District Health Board
Tairawhiti District Health Board,
Taranaki District Health Board,
Waikato District Health Board,
Wairarapa District Health Board,
West Coast District Health Board,
Whanganui District Health Board,

Where a new DHB is established in the place of two or more DHBs who are parties to this Agreement
during the term of this Agreement, any clause or term of this Agreement that refers to specific terms and
conditions that apply to any of those DHBs will transfer to the DHB created in that DHB’s place and will
recognise the former DHB boundaries that existed prior to the new DHB being established which will
become location specific terms and conditions.

In the case of the formation of the Southern DHB it is acknowledged that Public Health employees in
Southland are covered by the Otago provisions.

(hereinafter referred to as “the employer” or DHB)

and

b) New Zealand Public Service Association Incorporated (hereinafter referred to as the PSA or the
‘union’)

1.2 Coverage

This is a multiple employer collective agreement (MECA) and is made pursuant to the Employment Relations Act
2000. This MECA shall apply to all employees who are members of the PSA and who are employed by the
DHBs party to this MECA in the following services and professions:

1.2.1 Public Health

Public health professionals provide services for the purpose of improving, promoting, or protecting public health
including preventing population-wide disease, disability, or injury; through—
a) Health Protection Services, which include regulatory functions; and
b) Health promotion services.

1.2.2 Technical/Scientific (including Food Supervisors & Vision Hearing Testers/ Technicians)
A range of technical or scientific positions that either:
a) Provide clinical support services to clinicians who provide direct patient care; or

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 b) Provide direct patient care; or
c) Provide public health services.

These positions can be supervised or non supervised depending on the level of skill, education and qualification.

1.2.3 Health Assistant

A health assistant works under the direction and supervision of an allied health, public health, technical/scientific
professional or dentist.

1.2.4 Allied Health

The allied health professions each have a distinct, specialised body of knowledge and skills, and actively work
with people accessing health and disability services across a range of settings. In their practice, allied health
professionals provide services and engage in activities that may include: prevention, assessment/evaluation,
identification/diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation/habilitation, promotion of health and well being, education,
research and health services management.

To be part of the allied health professional workforce, health professionals must be:
a) Involved in direct patient contact providing patient treatment, intervention or assistance,
assessment, patient management and education, working in primary, secondary and tertiary care
settings;
b) Tertiary trained undertaking recognised university degrees at undergraduate and/or graduate entry
level;
c) Required to obtain specific qualifications to either obtain (or be eligible for) professional registration
to practice, or to join the relevant professional association and have a specific professional
qualification recognised by NZQA;
d) Allied to each other and the medical, nursing/midwifery and technical/scientific professions, working
together as part of multidisciplinary or inter-professional teams to achieve best practice outcomes for
the client across the primary, secondary and tertiary health sectors; and
e) ‘Allied’ with clients, the client’s family/whanau and other carers, and with the community in order to
achieve best outcomes for the client.

The parties recognise that historically, allied health professions have not always required a university degree as
an entry point to the profession. This coverage clause is not intended to exclude employees who:
a) do not hold a university degree but who have achieved registration with their regulatory authority; or
b) hold a position for which the current requirement is to have a university degree and/or registration
but who does not hold that university degree.

1.2.5 Alcohol & Other Drug Clinicians

A health professional whose role is to provide assessment and intervention for those experiencing harm related
to the use of alcohol & other drugs and those concerned about another person’s use.

1.2.6 Hauora Maori Workers, Health & Clinical Support Workers:

A range of positions that work in mental, physical and public health services. These positions may have some,
or a combination, of the following elements:
a) A strong cultural element
b) Co-ordination
c) Clinical Support
d) Assessment
e) Advisory
f) Educating
g) Counselling
h) Facilitating

1.2.7 Allied Health/ Public Health/ Technical Management Positions

Management positions will only be covered by this MECA if they meet the specific criteria outlined in Clause 5.6.

1.2.8 Any other employees substantially employed in one of the above positions who may from time to time
use an alternative title.

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1.2.9 Nothing in the above coverage clause shall act to exclude any employee who is a member of the PSA
and was covered by the 2005-07 regional MECA that preceded this Agreement nor shall it act to
include any employee whose position was explicitly excluded from coverage of the regional MECA that
preceded this Agreement unless the PSA and the DHB concerned specifically agree otherwise.

1.3 Existing Employees on IEAs

1.3.1 Where the employee joins the PSA and their position is covered by this Agreement that employee’s
terms and conditions of employment shall be those contained in this Agreement unless otherwise
agreed between the parties. The employer recognises that the employee has an entitlement to seek
advice from the PSA in this regard.

1.3.2 Any existing employee who joins the PSA shall translate to the relevant scale on the basis of an
assessment by the employer, which places the employee on a step consistent with existing union
members, taking account of length of service, skills and responsibilities. This is necessary to avoid
new members, who may currently be on different salary scales, translating to the MECA scales at
points higher than the equivalent union member. The assessment may result in a lower salary and, if
so, DHBs undertake to maintain the employee’s current salary until the assessed salary exceeds the
current salary.

1.4 New Employees

1.4.1 New employees who are members of the PSA and whose position is covered by this collective
agreement shall be bound by this Agreement.

1.4.2 New employees who are not members of the PSA shall be offered an individual employment
agreement, which is based on the terms and conditions of this MECA for the first 30 days of their
employment, pursuant to Section 62 of the Employment Relations Act 2000. At the conclusion of this
30 day period, the employee may elect to join the PSA and in doing so shall be bound by this
collective agreement or remain on an individual employment agreement if they do not join the PSA.

1.5 Partnership Agreement

Please refer to the Agreement for a Bipartite Relationship Framework Appendix H

1.6 Definitions

Ordinary hourly rate of pay for 40 hours per week workers shall be 1/2086, correct to three decimal places of a
dollar, of the yearly rate of salary payable.

Ordinary pay means the annual salaries provided for in this Agreement. For part time employees, the annual
salary shall be pro-rated.

Ordinary or normal hours mean 80 hours per fortnight.

Duty/shift means a single, continuous period of work required to be given by an employee, excluding overtime,
on-call and call-back. A duty shall be defined by a starting and finishing time. Duties shall be morning (AM),
afternoon (PM) duties or night duties. When a major part of a duty falls on a particular day the whole duty shall
be regarded as being worked on that day.

Employee means any person employed by an employer and whose position is covered by this Agreement

Employer means the relevant DHB employing the particular employee.

Fortnight means the 14 days commencing midnight Sunday/Monday. When the major part of a shift falls on a
particular day the whole shift shall be regarded as being worked on that day.

Penal rate is rate of pay for time worked (other than overtime) within ordinary hours of work during times
specified in clause 2.2.

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Service means the current continuous service with the employer and its predecessors (Hospital and Health
Services, Crown Health Enterprises, Regional Health Authorities, Health Funding Authority, Area Health Boards
and Hospital Boards), except where otherwise defined in the applicable clause. As of the 1 November 2007
service will transfer between DHBs. As of the 1 November 2007, service shall not be deemed to be broken by
an absence of less than three months. However, where the employee remains actively engaged on related work
to their profession or study whilst absent, the period of three months shall extend to twelve months. This period
of absence does not count as service for the purpose of attaining a service related entitlement.

Shift work is defined as the same work performed by two or more employees or two or more successive sets or
groups of employees working successive periods. A qualifying shift has a corresponding meaning.

T1 means the ordinary hourly rate of pay.

T 1.5 means one and one half the ordinary hourly rate of pay.

T 2 means double the ordinary hourly rate of pay.

1.7 Categories of Employment

Casual employee means an employee who has no set hours or days of work and who is normally asked to work
as and when required. Casual agreements shall not be used to deny staff security of employment. The employer
reserves the right however, to employ casual employees where necessary to meet the demands of service
delivery.

Part time employee means an employee, other than a casual employee, employed on a permanent basis but
works less than the ordinary or normal hours set out in the hours of work clause. Any wages and benefits e.g.
leave; will be pro rata according to the hours worked unless specifically stated otherwise in this Agreement.

Permanent employee means an employee who is employed for an indefinite term; that is, an employee who is
not employed on a temporary or casual basis.

Fixed term employee as defined by Section 66 of the Employment Relations Act 2000 means a full time or part
time employee who is employed for a specific limited term for a specified project or situation or, for example, to
replace an employee on parental leave or long term accident or sickness. There is no expectation of ongoing
employment. Fixed-term agreements shall not be used to deny staff security of employment.

Full time employee means an employee who works not less than the ordinary or normal working hours set
under the hours of work clause in this Agreement.

2.0 HOURS OF WORK

2.1 Hours of Work

2.1.1 Statement of Intent

The employer recognises the need for staff to balance their work life with their recreational and home life, and is
committed to active participation in the management of workloads and working time that achieves staff and
management goals, and results in realistic work expectations. DHBs and the PSA recognise that a degree of
stress is a part of the modern workplace. The employer makes a commitment to working with staff to develop
policies and practices that attempt to minimise the negative impact stress has on workers’ lives.

Nothing in this document is intended to vary the hours of work arrangement that apply at the time that this MECA
comes into force. The hours of work can only be varied by application of clause 2.1.6.

2.1.2 The Week

The week shall start and end at midnight each Sunday/Monday. When the major part of a duty falls on a
particular day, the whole duty shall be regarded as being worked on that day. This provision does not relate to
remuneration but only to rostering conventions for days off.

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2.1.3 Ordinary Hours of Work

a) Unless otherwise specified the ordinary hours of work shall be either

(i) Eighty (80) hours in each two week period (14 days), worked as not more than ten (10) duties,
provided that for rostered shift work the ordinary hours of work may average forty (40) hours
per week during a period of up to seven (7) weeks, or the applicable roster period, whichever
is the lesser; or

(ii) Eighty (80) hours in each two week period (14 days), worked as not more than ten (10) duties
between 0600 and 2000 hours, Monday to Friday.

(iii) Forty (40) hours in each week worked as not more than five (5) duties between 0600 and
2000 hours, Monday to Friday.

b) The ordinary hours of work for a single duty shall be up to a maximum of ten (10) hours.

c) A duty shall be continuous except for the meal periods and rest breaks provided for in this
Agreement.

d) Except for overtime, and except where an alternative arrangement is operating, each employee shall
have a minimum of four (4) days off during each two (2) week period (14 days). Days off shall be
additional to a nine (9) hour break on completion of the previous duty.

e) Except for overtime, no employee shall work more than five (5) consecutive duties before a day(s)
off, provided that an alternative arrangement may be implemented by agreement between the
employer and a majority (measured in full-time equivalents) of the directly affected employees.

f) A range of hours are worked across the DHBs are defined as full-time.

There is no intention, as a result of these negotiations, to change the existing ‘full time’ hours of
work in each DHB unless otherwise agreed.

2.1.4 Rosters

a) The Health & Safety In Employment Act 1992 section 6 (d) requires the employer to take all practical
steps to prevent harm occurring to employees from the way work is organised.

b) Therefore, in designing and implementing shift rosters to meet service needs, the employer shall
ensure the disruption, personal health effects and fatigue associated with shift work are minimised
for the group of workers involved. Roster templates and changes to roster templates shall be jointly
developed and reviewed by the employer, representatives of affected employees and the PSA.

c) Where an employee is required to start and/or finish work at changing times of the day and/or on
changing days of the week, then a roster shall be produced.

d) The roster period shall be four (4) weeks (28 days) or greater, except that it may be less for services
where unpredictable service demands make this impracticable.

e) Rosters shall be notified to the employees involved at least three (3) weeks (21 days) prior to
commencement of the roster period, except that the minimum period of notification for roster periods
of less than four (4) weeks shall be two (2) weeks (14 days). Less notice may be given in
exceptional circumstances.

f) Single days off shall be avoided as a routine rostering device, and there shall be no more than one
single day off for an employee during a four (4) week period. Employees shall be discouraged from
requesting single days off.

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 g) Notwithstanding the foregoing conditions staff may be permitted to change shifts one with another
by mutual arrangement and with the prior approval of the manager. Additional overtime or other
penalty provisions shall not apply in these instances, i.e. the swapping of shifts will be a cost neutral
exercise.

h) For employees working on 4&2 roster the roster cycle shall be for a six week period, of four days on
duty followed by two days off duty.

2.1.5 Hours of Work Requirements

a) The employer shall document the hours of work requirements for each position for which an
employee, other than a casual employee, has been engaged or is for the time being fulfilling. The
written hours of work requirements shall be provided to the employee.

b) Hours of work requirements shall comply with all of the provisions of clause 2.1.3 of this Agreement.

c) Hours of work requirements shall reflect actual hours of work and shall be specified in terms of:

(i) The times of the day for which an employee is required to be available for the ordinary duty
hours of work and
(ii) The days of the week for which an employee is required to be available for the ordinary
weekly hours of work, and
(iii) Any overtime or on-call requirements or opportunities.

2.1.6 Variation of Hours of Work Requirements

a) Emergencies
The employer may require variations to hours of work requirements to meet the needs of
emergencies.

b) Occasional variations
Occasional variations to the times of day and/or days of week to meet service requirements shall be
by agreement between the employer and the directly affected employee(s).

c) Long term / permanent changes to hours of work requirements

Except as provided for above, where the employer requires an employee to change their hours of
work requirements to meet service needs, then a minimum of twelve (12) weeks prior notice of the
change shall be given for the purpose of reaching written agreement between the employee and the
employer. Such agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld. A shorter period of notice than
twelve (12) weeks may be applied by agreement. Should mutual agreement not be reached the
employer reserves the right to use the management of change provisions to effect the change. The
employee’s representative shall also be advised of the notice of the change at the same time as the
employee. The parties note that this provision is not in lieu of the management of change
provisions.

d) No employee shall be discriminated against for not agreeing to change their hours of work
requirement.

2.1.7 Minimum Breaks

a) A break of at least nine (9) continuous hours must be provided wherever possible between any two
qualifying periods of work. Qualifying periods of work for the purposes of this clause are:
(i) A duty, including any overtime worked either as an extension or as a separate duty; or
(ii) Call-back where eight (8) hours or more are worked continuously.

b) Except that if a ten (10) hour duty has been worked then a break of twelve (12) consecutive hours
must be provided wherever possible

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 c) If a call-back of less than a continuous eight (8) hour period is worked between two other qualifying
periods of work, a break of nine (9) continuous hours must be provided either before or after the call-
back. If such a break has been provided before the call-back it does not have to be provided
afterwards as well.

d) Except, for those employees who are called back between 2300 and 0500 hours, the break must be
provided afterwards as specified below, unless otherwise agreed between the employer and the
employee:
(i) a 9 hour break shall be provided in those DHBs where that provision was in place as at
1 October 2008;
(ii) a 4 hour break shall be provided in those DHBs where that provision was in place as at
1 October 2008;
(iii) where no mandatory break has previously been provided in other DHBs, the roster should
facilitate a 9 hour break wherever possible;
(iv) Time spent off duty during ordinary working hours solely to obtain a nine hour break (or four
hour break where applicable), shall be paid at ordinary time rates. Any absence after the
ninth continuous hour (or fourth continuous hour where applicable) of such a break, if it
occurs in ordinary time, shall be treated as a normal absence from duty.

e) If a break of at least nine (9) continuous hours –or twelve (12) – cannot be provided between
qualifying periods of work, the period of work is to be regarded as continuous until a break of at least
nine (9) or twelve (12) continuous hours is taken and it shall be paid at the overtime rate.

f) Time spent off duty during ordinary hours of work solely to obtain a nine (9) – or twelve (12) – hour
break shall be paid at the normal hourly rate of pay. Any absence after the ninth – or twelfth –
continuous hour of such a break, if it occurs during ordinary hours of work, shall be treated as a
normal absence from duty.

2.1.8 Meal Breaks and Rest Periods

a) Except when required for urgent or emergency work and except as provided in 2.1.8 b) below, no
employee shall be required to work for more than five hours continuously without being entitled to a
meal break of not less than half an hour. There will be only one meal break of not less than half an
hour during a 10 hour shift.

b) An employee unable to be relieved from the workplace for a meal break (as defined in 2.1.8 a)) shall
be entitled to have a meal while on duty and this period shall be regarded as working time paid at
the appropriate rate (the rate payable at that time).

c) Except where provided for in 2.1.8 b) above an employee unable to take a meal after five hours
shall, from the expiry of five hours until the time when a meal can be taken, be paid T0.5 in addition
to the hourly rate that would otherwise be payable.

d) Rest breaks of 10 minutes each for morning tea, afternoon tea or supper, and the equivalent breaks
for night duty where these occur during duty, shall be recognised as time worked.

e) During the meal break or rest breaks prescribed above, free tea, coffee, milk and sugar shall be
supplied by the employer. Where it is impractical to supply tea, coffee, milk and sugar free of
charge, an allowance of $1.66 per week in lieu shall be paid. This allowance shall continue during
all periods of leave except leave without pay.

2.2 Overtime and Penal Time

2.2.1 Eligibility restricted for Advanced Clinician/ Advanced Practitioner/ Designated Positions.

This clause 2.2 shall apply to all employees except that for Advanced Clinician/ Advanced Practitioner/
Designated Positions, overtime and penal rates will only apply as outlined in 2.2.1 (a) and (b) below:

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 a) Penal - Payment of weekend and night ‘penal’ rates shall be payable where Advanced Clinician/
Advanced Practitioner/ Designated Positions are required to work shifts and rosters or have
approval to work weekends or nights on a regular basis in order to fulfil the requirements of the job
description.

b) Overtime shall be payable to Advanced Clinician/ Advanced Practitioner/ Designated Positions only
in the following circumstances:

(i) Where the appropriate manager is satisfied that the additional time worked is necessary
because of an emergency or other special circumstances; and
(ii) Where the salary does not already incorporate a payment for overtime/penal time hours.

Equivalent time off for work performed outside normal hours may be granted in lieu of overtime by
agreement between the employee and the manager concerned.

2.2.2 Overtime

a) Ordinary hourly rate of pay – The ordinary hourly rate shall be one, two thousand and eighty-sixth
part (1/2086), correct to three decimal places of a dollar, of the yearly rate of salary payable for a
full-time, forty hour week as set out in clauses 5.2 to 5.8..

b) Overtime is time worked in excess of:

(i) eight hours per day or the rostered duty whichever is greater or
(ii) 80 hours per two week period
Provided that such work has been authorised in advance. This clause shall not apply to employees
working alternative hours of work and the overtime provisions in Clause 2.2.2 g) shall apply.

c) Overtime worked on any day (other than a public holiday) from midnight Sunday/Monday to midnight
on the following Friday shall be paid at one and one half times the ordinary hourly rate of pay (T1.5)
for the first three hours and at double the ordinary hourly rate of pay (T2) thereafter.

d) Overtime worked from 2200 until the completion of a rostered night duty Sunday to Friday, or from
midnight Friday to midnight Sunday/Monday, or on a public holiday shall be calculated at double the
ordinary hourly rate of rate (T2).

e) In lieu of payment for overtime, the employer and employee may jointly agree for the employee to
take equivalent (i.e. one hour overtime worked for one hour ordinary time off) paid time off work at a
mutually convenient time.

f) No employee shall be required to work for more than 12 consecutive hours where their normal shift
is of 8 or 10 hours’ duration.

g) The following overtime payments shall apply where employees work a 10 or 12 hour shift roster
pattern:
(i) Ten hour shifts: T1.5 after 10 hours for the 11th hour, then T2 for all hours worked
thereafter;
(ii) Twelve hour shifts: T2 for all hours worked in excess of a rostered 12 hour shift;
(iii) For those fulltime employees working 12 hour shifts, overtime shall apply after 120 hours
averaged over 3 weeks at the rate specified in clause 2.2.2 c);
(iv) For all other employees working alternative hours of work, overtime shall apply after 80
hours per two week period (clause 2.2.2 c) shall apply).

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2.2.3 Penal Rates

a) Weekend rate - applies to ordinary time (other than overtime) worked after midnight Friday/Saturday
until midnight Sunday/Monday shall be paid at time one half (T0.5) in addition to the ordinary hourly
rate of pay.

b) Public Holiday rate – applies to those hours which are worked on the public holiday. This shall be
paid at time one (T1) in addition to the ordinary hourly rate of pay. (See clause 7.6 for further
clarification.)

c) Night rate – applies to ordinary hours of duty (other than overtime) that fall between 2000hrs and
until the completion of a rostered night duty from midnight Sunday/Monday to midnight
Friday/Saturday and shall be paid at quarter time (T0.25) in addition to the ordinary hourly rate of
pay.

d) Overtime and weekend/public holiday or night rates shall not be paid in respect of the same hours,
the higher rate will apply.

3.0 CALL BACKS

3.1 Call-back occurs when the employee:

3.1.1 is called back to work after completing the day’s work or duty, and having left the place of
employment; or
3.1.2 is called back before the normal time of starting work and does not continue working until such normal
starting time;

Call-back is to be paid at the appropriate overtime rate (clauses 2.2.2 (c) and (d)) for a minimum of three
hours, or for actual working and travelling time, whichever is the greater, except that call-backs
commencing and finishing within the minimum period covered by an earlier call-back shall not be paid for.
Where a call-back commences before and continues beyond the end of a minimum period for a previous
call-back, payment shall be made as if the employee had worked continuously from the beginning of the
previous call-back, to the end of the later call-back.

3.2 Transport: Where an employee who does not reside in employer accommodation is called back to work
outside the employee’s normal hours of duty in respect of work which could not be foreseen or
prearranged, the DHB shall either:

3.2.1 provide the employee with transport from the employee’s place of residence to the institution where
the employee is employed and to the place of residence from the institution; or

3.2.2 reimburse the employee the actual and reasonable travelling expenses incurred in travelling from the
employee’s place of residence to the institution or from the institution to the employee’s place of
residence, or both travelling to and from the institution.

3.3 Where an employee is “on call” the allowance set out in clause 4 below will be paid.

4.0 ALLOWANCES

4.1 On Call

4.1.1 In the interests of healthy rostering practices, the parties agree that the allocation of on-call time
should be spread as evenly as practicable amongst those required to participate in an on-call roster.

4.1.2 An employee who is instructed to be on call during normal off duty hours, shall be paid an on call
allowance of $4.04 per hour except on Public Holidays when the rate shall be $6.06

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 12 of 131

4.1.3 The on call allowance is payable for all hours the employee is rostered on call including time covering
an actual call out.

4.1.4 Unless by mutual agreement or in emergencies, no employee shall be required to remain on call for
more than 40% of the employee’s off-duty time in any three-weekly period.

4.1.5 In services where the employer’s operational requirements and staffing levels permit, employees
working seven day rosters should not be rostered on call on their rostered days off.

4.1.6 An employee who is required to be on call and report on duty within 20 minutes shall have access to
an appropriate locater or a cell phone.

4.2 Meal Allowance

A shift worker who works a qualifying shift of eight hours or the rostered shift, whichever is the greater, and who
is required to work more than one hour beyond the end of the shift (excluding any break for a meal) shall be paid
a meal allowance of $7.95, or, at the option of the employer, be provided with a meal.

4.3 Higher Duties Allowance

4.3.1 A higher duties allowance shall be paid to an employee who, at the request of the employer is
substantially performing the duties and carrying the responsibilities of a position or grade higher than
the employee’s own
4.3.2 Except as provided for under clause 4.3.3, the higher duties allowance payable shall be $3.00 per
hour provided a minimum of 8 consecutive hours of qualifying service is worked per day or shift.
4.3.3 Where an employee performs the duties of the higher position for more than five consecutive days, the
allowance payable shall be the difference between the current salary of the employee acting in the
higher position, and the minimum salary the employee would receive if appointed to that position.

4.4 Duly Authorised Officer (DAO) Allowance

An employee required by the employer to perform the role of a Duly Authorised Officer (DAO) in terms of the
Mental Health Act 1992 shall be paid an allowance as set out below for the duration that the duties are required
to be performed.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 13 of 131

DHB Value (per annum, pro rata)
Group One
Hawke’s Bay
Hutt Valley
MidCentral
$2,500
Nelson Marlborough
Taranaki
Wairarapa

Group Two
Bay of Plenty
Lakes
Northland
$2,000
Tairawhiti
Waikato
Whanganui

Group Three
Canterbury
Capital & Coast
Otago
Appendix I continues to apply.
South Canterbury
Southland
West Coast

5.0 REMUNERATION

Lump Sum Payment

A one-off, lump sum payment of 1% of base salary will be made to all permanent staff employed as at 19 August
2014. The payment will be calculated on the employee’s base salary at that date.

The payment will also be made to fixed-term employees, other than casuals, who were employed at 19 August
2014 and who remain employed at the date on which the MECA comes into force.

The DHBs will endeavour to process the payment in the earliest pay period following formal ratification and
signing of the MECA document.

The payment will be pro-rated for part-time employees on the basis of their ordinary contracted hours of work.

Qualifying staff who are on approved leave without pay on 19 August 2014 shall be eligible to receive the
payment on their return to work.

No individual shall receive more than one lump-sum payment under this arrangement.

5.1 Application of All Salary Scales

5.1.1 Full Time Salary Rates

The following salaries are expressed in full time forty hour per week rates. Where an employee’s normal hours of
work are less than forty per week the appropriate salary for those hours shall be calculated as a proportion of the
forty hour rate.

5.1.2 Designated Positions

a) Some salary scales provide for the appointment of staff to Designated Positions. These are positions
that have been formally established as Designated Positions by the employer. Designated Positions are
positions commonly involving both advanced clinical/technical practise /leadership and/or management

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 14 of 131

 responsibilities. Holders of Designated Positions usually have job titles, for example, Team Leader,
Section Head, or Professional Advisor and appointment normally occurs after advertising of the position.

b) The employer will determine the appropriate salary for appointment to a Designated Position having
regard to the duties, responsibilities and scope of the position relative to other positions in the DHB with
similar duties, responsibilities and scope. Movement on the scale will be by way of the appropriate
scheduled merit provisions (refer to clause 5.2.6).

c) Where an employee in a designated position considers that the duties and responsibilities of their
position have increased significantly since their position was last reviewed, they may request in writing
that their employer re-evaluate their position. This review shall be undertaken through the following
process:

i. The employer and employee agree on current job description or update the job description as
necessary.

ii. The employer compares the employee position with similar positions that have already been job
sized/ scoped, looking at factors such as education, experience, complexity, scope of work,
problem solving, scope for decision making, impact of decision making, breadth and function of
activities, authority exercised, supervisory and managerial responsibility.

iii. Within six weeks of receipt of the review request, the employer makes a decision regarding the
salary level and placement comparable with other positions assessed as being of a similar size/
scope and advises the employee in writing of the decision including a summary of the
assessment of comparable positions.

iv. A two week period will be available for the employee to consider the outcome. Once agreed any
changes to pay will be processed.

v. An employee who remains dissatisfied will make a submission to the DHB panel, outlining in
writing the reasons for disagreement. This shall occur within two weeks of receipt of the
information under iv. above.

The information submitted under v. above will be assessed by a panel appointed by the CEO of the DHB
plus one person appointed by the PSA. The CEO will consider the panel’s recommendation before
conveying his/her decision to the employee in writing.

5.1.3 Placement of New Employees on Salary Scales

When determining the appropriate placement of new employees on the automatic steps of any scale the
employer will take into account the employee’s years of experience in the occupation.

5.1.4 Additional Progression Step

a) The following salary scales have an additional progression step: Allied & Public Health, Alcohol &
Other Drug Clinicians, Anaesthetic/ Biomedical etc Technicians, Biomedical Electrical Technicians
(BMET), Clinical Physiologists, Dental Technicians, Medical Laboratory Scientists and Orthotists (3
year degree qualified). The additional progression is intended to reflect and value the
professional/technical skills and personal attributes of an Experienced Practitioner in contributing to
improving health outcomes. It is distinct from the CASP/Technical Merit processes that have a
more specific focus and a higher level of expectation of advanced skills (clinical leadership, clinical
practice, etc).
b) Progression from the top automatic salary step to the additional progression step is dependant on
the achievement of mutually agreed objectives, which are set prospectively when the employee
reaches the top automatic salary step. These objectives should align with the qualities of an
experienced practitioner (the Expectations of Practice provides guidance on these) and reflect the
expected professional/technical skills and personal attributes. This would normally occur in
conjunction with the employee’s annual performance review.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 15 of 131

 Process
c) The employee will write to the team leader/ manager requesting a meeting to set objectives. In the
event that the manager and the employee cannot agree on the objectives the employee may consult
with the PSA. If there is still no agreement the manager will set the objectives. This objective
setting process is to be completed in three months of the employee requesting the meeting.
d) Progression will not be denied where the employer has failed to engage in the objective setting
process and/ or the assessment of whether or not the objectives have been achieved. The
assessment shall commence 12 months after the objectives have been set with any movement
arising from this assessment being back dated to 12 months from the date the employee wrote to
his/her team leader/ manager under c) above.
e) Progression occurs not earlier than the anniversary date of the employee’s movement to the top
automatic step.
f) Progression to the additional progression step is not available to employees who are below the top
automatic salary step.

5.1.5 CASP, Technical Merit, Hauora Maori Worker and Health/Support Workers, and Assistants Merit
Progression
a) Most of the salary scales provide movement to salary steps above the automatic steps that provide
employees with a pathway for career development within their professional role. Employees on
these steps will be required to function at an advanced level. The process providing for movement
through these steps is set out in schedules to this Agreement and are known as Career and Salary
Progression (CASP), Technical Merit, Hauora Maori Worker and Health/Support Workers
Progression and Assistants Merit Progression.
b) Management of Expectations. The parties agree that there are limits to the extent to which
employees may progress using the merit processes and criteria in the relevant schedule. The
employer will determine the extent of merit progression available to each position. Progression is
dependent on the scope, responsibilities, service needs and opportunities available in the DHB or
service in which the employee works. These limitations should become apparent during the
discussion required for objective setting under the merit processes.

5.2 Allied & Public Health

5.2.1 Access to this scale is for positions that currently require a minimum relevant three year University
degree or equivalent to enter the profession but not otherwise provided for in other scales in this
document and will include:
1
Audiologists, Counsellors (with a relevant three year degree), Dieticians, Dental Therapists , Genetic
Counsellors, Health Protection Officers/Advisors, Health Promotion Officers/Advisors,
Neurodevelopmental Therapists, Paediatric Therapists, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Play
Specialists, Psychotherapists, Podiatrists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Speech
Language Therapists, (positions that currently require a minimum three year University degree or
equivalent to enter the profession but not otherwise provided for in other scales in this document).

5.2.2 The parties recognise that historically, allied health professions have not always required a university
degree as an entry point to the profession. This clause is not intended to exclude employees who:
a) do not hold a university degree but who have achieved registration with their regulatory authority;
or
b) hold a position for which the current requirement is to have a university degree and/or registration
but who does not hold that university degree.

5.2.3 Subclause 5.2.2 does not act to exclude any employee who was paid on the Allied & Public Health
Salary Scale in a regional MECA that preceded this Agreement nor does it act to include any

1
Note that common dental therapist salary scales (adjusted for the annual divisor) are in Appendix J to this
MECA. It is not the intention of the parties to adjust the annual divisors, work patterns and practices as a result
of this MECA unless agreed otherwise.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 16 of 131

 employee who was paid on a salary scale other than the Allied & Public Health Salary Scale in a
regional MECA that preceded this Agreement.

Band/ Position Step 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

15 $95,609 $96,278
14 $92,477 $93,124
13 $90,397 $91,030
12 $86,726 $87,333
Advanced Clinician/ Advanced
11 $83,056 $83,637
Practitioner/ Designated Positions
10 $79,098 $79,652
9 $74,749 $75,272
8 $71,599 $72,100
7 $69,460 $69,946
Additional Progression Step 6 $65,580 $66,039
5 $62,896 $63,336
4 $56,607 $57,003
Graduate to Experienced Clinicians 3 $53,578 $53,953
2 $50,433 $50,786
1 $46,589 $46,915

5.2.4 Progression - Graduate to Experienced Clinicians

a) Progression through the scale from step 1 to step 5 shall be by way of automatic annual increment.
b) Progression from step 5 to step 6 is as per the Additional Progression Step process outlined in
Clause 5.1.4

5.2.5 Progression – Advanced Clinician/Advanced Practitioner/Designated Positions

a) Progression from step 6 of the Graduate to Experienced Clinicians’ scale to step 7 of the Advanced
Clinician/Advanced Practitioner/ Designated Positions’ scale shall be through operation of the
Career and Salary Progression (CASP) process detailed in Appendix A.
b) Progression to the Advanced Clinician/Advanced Practitioner scale shall denote an extension in the
requirements of the position and will require comparable duties and skills to other positions on that
scale as well as with other comparable positions. This progression is personal to employee and
may not necessarily apply to any replacement.

5.2.6 Further Progression - Advanced Clinician/ Advanced Practitioner/ Designated Positions

There shall be no automatic progression for Advanced Clinician/ Advanced Practitioner/ Designated Positions.
Progression to a higher step shall be through operation of the Career and Salary Progression process detailed in
Appendix A.

5.2.7 Pharmacy Interns

1-May-13 30-Apr-15
$43,591 $43,896

5.3 Alcohol & Other Drug Clinicians

To qualify for placement on this scale, the employee must have a minimum of a relevant three year degree.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 17 of 131

The sentence above does not act to exclude any employee who was paid on the Alcohol & Other Drug Clinician
Salary Scale in a regional MECA that preceded this Agreement.

Band/ Position Step 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

11 $79,098 $79,652
Advanced Clinician/ Advanced 10 $74,749 $75,272
Practitioner/ Designated Positions 9 $71,599 $72,100
8 $69,460 $69,946
Additional Progression Step 7 $65,580 $66,039
6 $62,896 $63,336
5 $60,176 $60,597
4 $56,607 $57,003
Graduate to Experienced Clinicians
3 $53,578 $53,953
2 $50,433 $50,786
1 $46,589 $46,915

5.3.1 Progression - Graduate to Experienced Clinicians

a) Progression through the scale from step 1 to step 6 shall be by way of automatic annual increment.
b) Progression from step 6 to step 7 is as per the Additional Progression Step process outlined in
Clause 5.1.4
c) Further Progression - Graduate to Experienced Clinicians
Progression from step 7 of the Graduate to Experienced Positions scale to step 8 of the Advanced
Clinician/ Advanced Practitioner/ Designated Positions scale shall be through operation of the CASP
process detailed in Appendix A. Progression to the Advanced Clinician/Advanced Practitioner scale
shall denote an extension in the requirements of the position and will require comparable duties and
skills to other positions on that scale as well as with other comparable positions. This progression is
personal to employee and may not necessarily apply to any replacement.

5.3.2 Progression - Advanced Clinician/ Advanced Practitioner/ Designated Positions

There shall be no automatic progression for advanced clinicians/ advanced practitioners. Progression to a higher
step shall be through operation of the Career and Salary Progression process detailed in Appendix A.

5.4 Health & Clinical Support Workers & Hauora Maori Workers

5.4.1 This scale is available for Health & Clinical Support Workers and Hauora Maori Workers employed in
mental, physical and public health services. Positions paid under this scale may have some, or a
combination, of the following elements:
- A strong cultural element
- Co-ordination
- Clinical Support
- Assessment
- Advisory
- Educating
- Counselling
- Facilitating
When determining which level is applicable to the cultural qualifications and competence of individual
Hauora Maori Workers the process and criteria set out in Appendix G shall apply.

5.4.2 When determining the appropriate level for placement of Alcohol & Other Drug Workers and Health
Promotion Officers/ Advisors who do not hold a relevant three year degree, the employer will

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 18 of 131

 undertake an assessment, within six months of the employee’s appointment, which will include
consideration of the following:
- The employee’s job description
- The detail of the employee’s job including factors such as the scope, complexity, equivalence with
other positions
- The employee’s qualifications
- The relevance of the employee’s qualifications to the employee’s position
- Any other specific factors relating to the employee that could be considered equivalent to a degree
(including experience).

The relevant material will be considered by the employer who will make a fair and reasonable decision
as to the appropriate salary scale and level at which the employee should be remunerated.

5.4.3 Level 3

To qualify for placement on this Level, the employee must have a minimum of a relevant three year degree or
cultural qualification established through the processes set out in Appendix G (Hauora Maori Worker –
Assessment Process). Roles placed on level 3 may include Community Health Workers, Community Support
Workers, Maori and Pacific Island Community Support Workers and Nutritionists), Alcohol & Other Drug Workers
& Health Promotion Officers/ Advisors.

Access to level 3 may also be granted where the employer deems that the assessment (described in 5.4.2
above) undertaken for Alcohol & Other Drug Workers and Health Promotion Officers/ Advisors demonstrates that
the employee has the equivalent of a relevant three year degree, and/or is undertaking the same duties and
responsibilities to the same level of performance as other relevant degree qualified Alcohol & Other Drug
Workers and Health Promotions Officers/Advisors.

Step 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

10 $74,749 $75,272
9 $71,599 $72,100
8 $69,460 $69,946
7 $65,580 $66,039
6 $62,896 $63,336
5 $60,176 $60,597
4 $56,797 $57,195
3 $53,578 $53,953
2 $50,433 $50,786
1 $46,589 $46,915

Progression

Progression from step 1 to step 6 shall be by automatic annual increment.

Progression above step 6 shall be on merit or by appointment to a designated position. Merit progression to a
higher step shall be through operation of the Career & Salary Progression process detailed in Appendix A.

5.4.4 Level 2
Access to this scale is for those staff with relevant advanced certificate/diploma qualifications at National
Qualification Framework Level 5 or higher, including cultural qualifications established through the processes set
out in Appendix G (Hauora Maori Worker – Assessment Process). Roles may include Community Health
Workers, Community Support Workers, Maori and Pacific Island Community Support Workers, Nutritionists,
Alcohol & Other Drug Workers and Health Promotion Workers.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 19 of 131

 Step 1-May-13 30-Apr-15
7 $64,658 $65,111
6 $61,646 $62,078
5 $58,634 $59,044
4 $55,622 $56,011
3 $52,609 $52,977
2 $49,049 $49,392
1 $46,482 $46,807

Progression from step 1 to step 4 shall be by automatic annual increment. Progression above step 4 shall be on
merit or by appointment to a designated position. Merit progression shall be through operation of the Career &
Salary Progression process detailed in Appendix A.

5.4.5 Level 1
Access to this scale is for those staff with certificate/diploma qualifications at National Qualifications Framework
Level 4 or lower, and some cultural qualifications established through the processes set out in Appendix G
(Hauora Maori Worker – Assessment Process). This scale also applies to those staff who have no formal
qualifications. Roles may include Rehabilitation Support Workers, Maori Health Workers, Maori Mental Health
Workers, Community Health Workers, Community Support Workers, Alcohol & Other Drug Workers and Health
Promotion Workers.

Step 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

7 $49,049 $49,392
6 $47,745 $48,079
5 $46,482 $46,807
4 $43,591 $43,896
3 $40,286 $40,568
2 $37,183 $37,443
1 $34,087 $34,326

Progression

Progression from step 1 to step 5 shall be by automatic annual increment. Progression above step 5 shall be on
merit. In order to achieve progression to step 6, employees must complete the Merit One criteria set out in
Appendix C. In order to achieve progression to step 7, employees must complete the Merit Two criteria set out
in Appendix C.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 20 of 131

5.5 Psychologists

Band/ Position Step 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

18 $109,971 $110,741
17 $107,541 $108,294
16 $105,112 $105,848
15 $102,681 $103,400
Advanced Clinician/ Advanced
14 $99,911 $100,610
Practitioner/ Designated Positions
13 $97,265 $97,946
12 $95,609 $96,278
11 $92,442 $93,089
10 $90,397 $91,030
9 $86,726 $87,333
8 $83,056 $83,637
7 $79,098 $79,652
6 $74,749 $75,272
Graduate to Experienced Clinicians 5 $71,599 $72,100
4 $69,460 $69,946
3 $66,878 $67,346
2 $65,580 $66,039
1 $62,565 $63,003

5.5.1 Graduate to Experienced Clinicians

a) Progression
Progression through the scale from step1 to step 9 shall be by way of automatic annual increment

b) Further Progression
Progression from step 9 of the Graduate to Experienced Scale to step 10 on the Advanced Clinician/
Advanced Practitioner/ Designated Position Scale shall be through operation of the CASP process
detailed in Appendix A. Progression to the Advanced Clinician/Advanced Practitioner scale shall
denote an extension in the requirements of the position and will require comparable duties and skills
to other positions on that scale as well as with other comparable positions. This progression is
personal to employee and may not necessarily apply to any replacement.

5.5.2 Advanced Clinician/ Advanced Practitioner/ Designated Positions - Progression

There shall be no automatic progression for advanced clinician/ advanced practitioner/ designated positions.
Progression to a higher step shall be through operation of the Career and Salary Progression process detailed in
Appendix A.

5.5.3 Psychologists-Interns
Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15
2 $53,868 $54,245
1 $50,592 $50,946

Progression from step 1 to step 2 shall be automatic after one year’s service.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 21 of 131

5.6 Management

Application of salary scale:

a) Applies to managers who report to service managers or equivalent and below.
b) Applies to managers who come from an allied health, public health or technical profession; and
c) Applies to managers who manage allied health, public health or technical employees covered by this
MECA, noting that these employees may work as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes other
professional backgrounds; but
d) Does not apply to managers who solely manage employees covered by other collective agreements.
e) Does not apply to managers who also have a professional/ clinical component to their role. These
managers shall be paid on the relevant professional salary scale.

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

8 $95,609 $96,278
7 $92,442 $93,089
6 $90,397 $91,030
5 $86,726 $87,333
4 $83,056 $83,637
3 $79,098 $79,652
2 $74,749 $75,272
1 $71,599 $72,100

Progression

Apart from progression from step 1 to step 2 which shall be automatic after one year’s service no other
progression is automatic. Further progression shall be determined by the employer taking into account the
duties, responsibilities and scope of the position relative to other management positions within the DHB.

5.7 Assistants

5.7.1 Allied Health, Public Health & Dental Assistants

Placement on this scale applies to employees providing assistance to health professionals covered by the Allied
and Public Health scale (or dentists) where the work comes within the coverage clause of this agreement except
for Pharmacy Assistants.

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

8 $49,048 $49,391
7 $47,745 $48,079
6 $46,482 $46,807
5 $43,591 $43,896
4 $40,286 $40,568
3 $37,183 $37,443
2 $34,087 $34,326
1 $31,956 $32,180

Progression

Progression from Step 1 to step 5 shall be by automatic annual increment. Progression from step 5 to step 6 and
from step 6 to step 7 shall be on merit using the criteria set out in Appendix C.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 22 of 131

Access to Step 8 is available only to Solo or Charge Hospital Dental Assistants. Progression from step 7 to step
8 shall be by using the Merit 2 criteria set out in Appendix C.

5.7.2 Pharmacy Assistant

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

5 $43,591 $43,896
4 $40,286 $40,568
3 $37,183 $37,443
2 $34,087 $34,326
1 $31,956 $32,180

Progression

Progression from Step 1 to step 4 shall be by automatic annual increment. Progression from step 4 to step 5
shall be on merit using the criteria set out in Appendix C.

5.8 Technical

The Technical salary scales below (except for Sterile Supply) are derived from a single 25 step salary scale that
is attached at Appendix D. So as to show the salary steps on this single scale that apply to each technical group,
the salary step numbering derives from the single salary scale. By way of example where a salary scale shows
step 9 this is a reference to the ninth step on the single salary scale.

The scales are set out below:

5.8.1 Anaesthetic/ Biomedical/ Neurophysiology/ Renal Dialysis (aka Clinical Physiologists (Dialysis)) / ICU &
PICU Technicians
5.8.2 Audiometrists
5.8.3 Biomedical Electrical Technicians (BMET) (Qualified)
5.8.4 Clinical Physiologists (formerly known as Cardiac/ Pulmonary/ Respiratory Technologists and Sleep
Technologists/ Scientists)
5.8.5 Clinical Physiology Technicians (formerly known as Cardiac Respiratory Technicians)
5.8.6 Dental Technicians (3 year degree qualified)
5.8.7 Electrocardiograph (ECG) Technicians
5.8.8 Food Supervisors
5.8.9 Medical Laboratory Scientists
5.8.10 Medical Laboratory Technicians, Phlebotomists & Qualified Specimen Services Technicians
5.8.11 Assistant/ Trainee Medical Laboratory Technicians, Assistant/ Trainee Phlebotomists &
Assistant/ Trainee Specimen Services Technicians
5.8.12 Medical Photographers & Illustrators
5.8.13 Mortuary Technician
5.8.14 Orthotists (3 year degree qualified)
5.8.15 Orthotists/ Productionists (without degree)
5.8.16 Pharmacy Technician
5.8.17 Scientific Officers
5.8.18 Sonographers
5.8.19 Sterile Supply Technicians
5.8.20 Trainee Technician Scale (where not otherwise provided for)
5.8.21 Vision Hearing Technical Officer (Hutt Valley only)
5.8.22 Vision Hearing Testers/Technicians and Newborn Hearing Screeners

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 23 of 131

5.8.1 Anaesthetic/ Biomedical/ Neurophysiology/ Physiology/ Renal Dialysis (aka Clinical Physiologists
(Dialysis)) / ICU & PICU Technicians

a) Designated Positions
Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15
18 $82,312 $82,888
17 $79,098 $79,652
16 $75,887 $76,418
15 $72,673 $73,182
14 $69,460 $69,946

Progression

There shall be no automatic progression for designated positions. Progression to a higher step shall be through
operation of the Technical Merit Progression process detailed in Appendix B.

b) Technicians

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

15 $72,673 $73,182
14 $69,460 $69,946
Additional Progression Step - 13 $66,247 $66,711
12 $62,711 $63,150
11 $60,281 $60,703
10 $57,383 $57,785
9 $54,744 $55,127
8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 6 to step 12 shall be by way of automatic annual increment

Progression from step 12 to step 13 shall be by way of the Additional Progression Step process outlined in
Clause 5.1.4.

Progression to Step 14 and beyond shall be through operation of the Technical Merit Progression process
detailed in Appendix B.

c) Trainees
Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15
5 $43,578 $43,883
4 $40,670 $40,955
3 $37,766 $38,030
2 $34,859 $35,103
1 $31,956 $32,180

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 24 of 131

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 1 to step 2 shall occur after six months, subject to the employee making
satisfactory progress with their academic studies. This progression shall have the effect of re-fixing the
employee’s salary anniversary date.

Progression from step 2 to step 5 shall be by way of automatic annual increment. Upon qualification the trainee
shall be appointed to the 1st step of the qualified scale from the 1st day of the month in which the qualification is
awarded.

5.8.2 Audiometrists

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537
5 $43,578 $43,883
4 $40,670 $40,955

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 4 to step 8 shall be by way of automatic annual increment

5.8.3 Biomedical Electrical Technicians (BMET) (Qualified)

a) Designated Positions

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

18 $82,312 $82,888
17 $79,098 $79,652
16 $75,887 $76,418
15 $72,673 $73,182
14 $69,460 $69,946

Progression

There shall be no automatic progression for designated positions. Progression to a higher step shall be through
operation of the Technical Merit Progression process detailed in Appendix B.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 25 of 131

 b) BMETs

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

17 $79,098 $79,652
16 $75,887 $76,418
15 $72,673 $73,182
14 $69,460 $69,946
Additional Progression Step - 13 $66,247 $66,711
12 $62,711 $63,150
11 $60,281 $60,703
10 $57,383 $57,785
9 $54,744 $55,127
8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 6 to step 12 shall be by way of automatic annual increment

Progression from step 12 to step 13 shall be by way of the Additional Progression Step process outlined in
Clause 5.1.4.

Progression to Step 14 and beyond shall be through operation of the Technical Merit Progression process
detailed in Appendix B.

5.8.4 Clinical Physiologists (formerly known as Cardiac/Pulmonary/Respiratory Technologists and Sleep

Technologists/Scientists)

a) Designated Positions
Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15
21 $91,949 $92,593
20 $88,737 $89,358
19 $85,524 $86,123
18 $82,312 $82,888
17 $79,098 $79,652
16 $75,887 $76,418
15 $72,673 $73,182
14 $69,460 $69,946

Progression

There shall be no automatic progression for designated positions. Progression to a higher step shall be through
operation of the Technical Merit Progression process detailed in Appendix B.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 26 of 131

 b) Clinical Physiologists

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

15 $72,673 $73,182
14 $69,460 $69,946
Additional Progression Step - 13 $66,247 $66,711
12 $62,711 $63,150
11 $60,281 $60,703
10 $57,383 $57,785
9 $54,744 $55,127
8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 6 to step 12 shall be by way of automatic annual increment.

Progression from step 12 to step 13 shall be by way of the Additional Progression Step process outlined in
Clause 5.1.4.

Progression to Step 14 and beyond shall be through operation of the Technical Merit Progression process
detailed in Appendix B.

5.8.5 Clinical Physiology Technicians (formerly known as Cardiac Respiratory Technicians)

a) Designated Positions

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

9 $54,744 $55,127
8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537
5 $43,578 $43,883

Progression through the scale from step 5 to step 9 shall be by way of automatic annual increment.

b) Clinical Physiology Technicians

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537
5 $43,578 $43,883
4 $40,670 $40,955
3 $37,766 $38,030

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 27 of 131

Progression through the scale from step 3 to step 7 shall be by way of automatic annual increment. An
employee who has completed the requirements for CPM qualification and certification criteria shall be paid at
Step 5.

5.8.6 Dental Technicians (3 year Degree Qualified)

a) Designated Positions

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

18 $82,312 $82,888
17 $79,098 $79,652
16 $75,887 $76,418
15 $72,673 $73,182
14 $69,460 $69,946

Progression

There shall be no automatic progression for designated positions. Progression to a higher step shall be through
operation of the Technical Merit Progression process detailed in Appendix B.

b) Dental Technicians

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

15 $72,673 $73,182
14 $69,460 $69,946
Additional Progression Step - 13 $66,247 $66,711
12 $62,711 $63,150
11 $60,281 $60,703
10 $57,383 $57,785
9 $54,744 $55,127
8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 6 to step 12 shall be by way of automatic annual increment.

Progression from step 12 to step 13 shall be by way of the Additional Progression Step process outlined in
Clause 5.1.4.

Progression to Step 14 and beyond shall be through operation of the Technical Merit Progression process
detailed in Appendix B.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 28 of 131

5.8.7 Electrocardiograph (ECG) Technicians

a) Designated Positions

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537
5 $43,578 $43,883

Progression

Progression through the scale shall be by automatic annual increment.

b) ECG Technicians

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

5 $43,578 $43,883
4 $40,670 $40,955
3 $37,766 $38,030
2 $34,859 $35,103

Progression

Progression through the scale shall be by way of automatic annual increment.

5.8.8 Food Supervisors

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537
5 $43,578 $43,883
4 $40,670 $40,955
3 $37,766 $38,030

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 3 to step 6 shall be by way of automatic annual increment

Progression to Step 7 and 8 shall be through operation of the Technical Merit Progression process detailed in
Appendix B.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 29 of 131

5.8.9 Medical Laboratory Scientists

a) Designated and Staff Positions

See appendices E & F for definitions and minimum steps for designated positions.
Band/Position Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15
21 $91,949 $92,593
Designated Positions

20 $88,737 $89,358
19 $85,524 $86,123
18 $82,312 $82,888
17 $79,098 $79,652
16 $75,887 $76,418
15 $72,673 $73,182
14 $69,460 $69,946
Additional
Progression $66,247 $66,711
Staff Positions

Step - 13
12 $62,711 $63,150
11 $60,281 $60,703
10 $57,383 $57,785
9 $54,744 $55,127
8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366

Progression

For Designated Positions

There shall be no automatic progression for designated positions. Progression to a higher step shall be through
operation of the Technical Merit Progression process detailed in Appendix B.

See Appendix F for the minimum steps for designated positions.

For Medical Laboratory Scientists

Progression through the scale from step 7 to step 12 shall be by way of automatic annual increment

Progression from step 12 to step 13 shall be by way of the Additional Progression Step process outlined in
Clause 5.1.4.

Progression to Step 14 and 15 shall be through operation of the Technical Merit Progression process detailed in
Appendix B. The maximum step for a Medical Laboratory Scientist in a staff position shall be step 15.

b) Medical Laboratory Scientist – Interns

Step 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

MLS Intern $44,230 $44,230

Progression

On achieving full registration, a Medical Laboratory Scientist – Intern shall move to step 7 on the Medical

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 30 of 131

Laboratory Scientists scale and this will become their anniversary date for the purpose of progression through
the automatic steps.

5.8.10 Medical Laboratory Technicians, Phlebotomists and Qualified Specimen Services Technicians

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537
5 $43,578 $43,883
4 $40,670 $40,955

Appointment to this scale shall be on registration with the Medical Laboratory Scientists’ Board as a Medical
Laboratory Technician. The scale shall also apply to Qualified Specimen Services Technicians (QSST)

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 4 to step 6 shall be by way of automatic annual increment

Progression to Step 7 and beyond shall be through operation of the Technical Merit Progression process
detailed in Appendix B.

5.8.11 Assistant/Trainee Medical Laboratory Technicians, Assistant/Trainee Phlebotomists and

Assistant/Trainee Specimen Services Technicians

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

5 $43,578 $43,883
4 $40,670 $40,955
3 $37,766 $38,030
2 $34,859 $35,103
1 $31,956 $32,180

This scale is for assistants/trainees who are working towards registration with the Medical Laboratory Scientists’
Board or undertaking training towards the Qualified Specimen Services Technician qualification and for those
positions where registration is not required.

Upon obtaining registration as a Medical Laboratory Technician or qualification as a Qualified Specimen

Services Technician, an assistant/trainee will move the next highest step on the Medical Laboratory Technicians,
Phlebotomists and Qualified Specimen Services Technician Scale but not higher than Step 5.

Progression
Progression from step 1 to step 5 shall be by automatic annual increment.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 31 of 131

5.8.12 Medical Photographers & Illustrators

a) Designated Positions

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

13 $66,247 $66,711
12 $62,711 $63,150
11 $60,281 $60,703
10 $57,383 $57,785
9 $54,744 $55,127

Progression

There shall be no automatic progression for designated positions. Progression to a higher step shall be through
operation of the Technical Merit Progression process detailed in Appendix B.

b) Medical Photographers & Illustrators

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

9 $54,744 $55,127
8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537
5 $43,578 $43,883

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 5 to step 8 shall be by way of automatic annual increment

Progression from step 8 to step 9 shall be through operation of the Technical Merit Progression process detailed
in Appendix B.

5.8.13 Mortuary Technicians

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

8 $58,876 $59,288
7 $56,785 $57,182
6 $54,653 $55,036
5 $52,524 $52,892
4 $50,375 $50,728
3 $47,393 $47,725
2 $44,847 $45,161
1 $42,467 $42,764

Progression

Employees who meet the appropriate progression criteria below shall only progress 1 step per annum up to the
appropriate level.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 32 of 131

Step 1
On commencement.

Step 2
Progress through set goals:
 Set-up for basic autopsy
 Ability to complete basic autopsy
 Fully conversant in receiving and dispensing of hospital cases and release of coroner’s cases

Step3
Obtaining a QTA (Mortuary Hygiene & Technique)

Step 4
Ability to undertake specific autopsies – suspicious homicide cases

Step 5
Fully competent in all aspects of the mortuary technician role and be able to cover for the Technical Specialist.

Step 6
Technical Specialist in Mortuary

Step 7
Performance, skills, qualifications and experience. Taking into account job content and complexity and level of
responsibility. This may include the following:
 Supervision of other Staff
 Working in isolation
 Deputisation in a specific management role
 Training others

Step 8
Technical Head

5.8.14 Orthotists (3 year Degree Qualified)

Steps 1 May 13 30-Apr-15

15 $72,673 $73,182
14 $69,460 $69,946
Additional Progression Step - 13 $66,247 $66,711
12 $62,711 $63,150
11 $60,281 $60,703
10 $57,383 $57,785
9 $54,744 $55,127
8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 6 to step 12 shall be by way of automatic annual increment.

Progression from step 12 to step 13 shall be by way of the Additional Progression Step process outlined in
Clause 5.1.4.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 33 of 131

Progression to Step 14 and beyond shall be through operation of the Technical Merit Progression process
detailed in Appendix B.

5.8.15 Orthotists/Productionist (without Degree)

Steps 1 May 13 30-Apr-15

12 $62,711 $63,150
11 $60,281 $60,703
10 $57,383 $57,785
9 $54,744 $55,127
8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537
5 $43,578 $43,883

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 5 to step 10 shall be by way of automatic annual increment

Progression to Step 11 and beyond shall be through operation of the Technical Merit Progression process
detailed in Appendix B.

5.8.16 Pharmacy Technician

a) Designated Positions

Steps 1 May 13 30-Apr-15

9 $54,744 $55,127
8 $52,654 $53,023

Progression

There shall be no automatic progression for designated positions. Progression to a higher step shall be through
operation of the Technical Merit Progression process detailed in Appendix B.

b) Technician – Qualified

Steps 1 May 13 30-Apr-15

8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537
5 $43,578 $43,883
4 $40,670 $40,955

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 4 to step 7 shall be by way of automatic annual increment

Progression to step 8 shall be through operation of the Technical Merit Progression process detailed in Appendix
B.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 34 of 131

 c) Trainee

Steps 1 May 13 30-Apr-15

4 $40,670 $40,955
3 $37,766 $38,030
2 $34,859 $35,103

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 2 to step 4 shall be by way of automatic annual increment. Upon
qualification the trainee shall be appointed to the next highest step on the qualified scale from the 1st day of the
month in which the qualification is awarded.

5.8.17 Scientific Officers

Steps 1 May 13 30-Apr-15

25 $102,681 $103,400
24 $99,911 $100,610
23 $97,265 $97,946
22 $94,493 $95,154
21 $91,949 $92,593
20 $88,737 $89,358
19 $85,524 $86,123
18 $82,312 $82,888
17 $79,098 $79,652
16 $75,887 $76,418
15 $72,673 $73,182
14 $69,460 $69,946
13 $66,247 $66,711
12 $62,711 $63,150
11 $60,281 $60,703
10 $57,383 $57,785
9 $54,744 $55,127
8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 6 to step 13 shall be by way of automatic annual increment

Progression to Step 14 and beyond shall be through operation of the Technical Merit Progression process
detailed in Appendix B.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 35 of 131

5.8.18 Sonographers

a) Designated Positions (with DMU)

Steps 1 May 13 30-Apr-15

24 $99,911 $100,610
23 $97,265 $97,946
22 $94,493 $95,154
21 $91,949 $92,593
20 $88,737 $89,358

Progression

There shall be no automatic progression for designated positions. Progression to a higher step shall be through
the operation of the Technical Merit Progression process detailed in Appendix B.

b) Sonographers (with DMU)

Steps 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

21 $91,949 $92,593
20 $88,737 $89,358
19 $85,524 $86,123
18 $82,312 $82,888
17 $79,098 $79,652
16 $75,887 $76,418

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 16 to step 19 shall be by way of automatic increment.

Progression to step 20 and beyond shall be through the operation of the Technical Merit Progression process
detailed in Appendix B.

c) Sonographers – Trainees

Steps 1 May 13 30-Apr-15

12 $62,711 $63,150
11 $60,281 $60,703
10 $57,383 $57,785

Progression from step 10 to step 12 shall be by way of automatic increment.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 36 of 131

5.8.19 Sterile Supply Technicians

a) Designated Positions

Steps 1 May 13 30-Apr-15

6 $54,498 $54,879
5 $53,184 $53,556
4 $50,400 $50,753
3 $49,049 $49,392
2 $47,745 $48,079
1 $46,482 $46,807

Progression

There shall be no automatic progression for designated positions. Progression to a higher step shall be through
operation of the Technical Merit Progression process detailed in Appendix B.

b) Sterile Supply Technicians

Steps 1 May 13 30-Apr-15

8 $49,049 $49,392
7 $47,745 $48,079
6 $46,482 $46,807
5 $43,591 $43,896
4 $40,286 $40,568
3 $37,183 $37,443
2 $34,087 $34,326
1 $31,956 $32,180

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 1 to step 5 shall be by way of automatic annual increment.

Progression to Step 6 and beyond shall be through operation of the Technical Merit Progression process
detailed in Appendix B.

5.8.20 Trainee Technician Scale (where not otherwise provided for)

Steps 1 May 13 30-Apr-15

5 $43,578 $43,883
4 $40,670 $40,955
3 $37,766 $38,030
2 $34,859 $35,103
1 $31,956 $32,180

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 1 to step 5 shall be by way of automatic annual increment.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 37 of 131

5.8.21 Vision Hearing Technical Officer (Hutt Valley only)

a) Designated Positions

Step 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

10 $57,383 $57,785

b) Technical Officers

Step 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

10 $57,383 $57,785
9 $54,744 $55,127
8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537
5 $43,578 $43,883
4 $40,670 $40,955

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 4 to step 7 shall be by way of automatic annual increment. Progression
from step 7 to step 8 and from step 8 to step 9 shall be on satisfactory performance.

Progression, to step 10 shall be through operation of the Technical Merit Progression process detailed in
Appendix B.

5.8.22 Vision Hearing Testers/ Technicians and Newborn Hearing Screeners

Step 1-May-13 30-Apr-15

8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537
5 $43,578 $43,883
4 $40,670 $40,955
3 $37,766 $38,030
2 $34,859 $35,103
1 $31,956 $32,180

Progression

Progression through the scale from step 1 to step 6 shall be by way of automatic annual increment

Progression, to Step 7 and beyond shall be through operation of the Technical Merit Progression process
detailed in Appendix B.

5.9 Salary Increments While On Study Leave

Employees on full-time study leave with or without pay shall continue to receive annual increments.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 38 of 131

5.10 Payment of Salary

5.10.1 Employees will be paid fortnightly in arrears by direct credit. Where errors have occurred as a result of
employer action or inaction, corrective payment must be made within one working day of the error
being brought to the employer’s attention.

5.10.2 Where an employee has taken leave in advance of it becoming due, and the employee leaves before
the entitlement has accrued, the employer will deduct the amount owing in excess of entitlement from
the employee’s final pay.

5.10.3 Any monies agreed, as being owed by the employee to the employer upon termination will be
deducted from the employee’s final pay except where ongoing arrangements have been made for
repayments to continue following termination of employment.

5.10.4 The employees shall complete timesheets as required by the employer. Wherever practicable any
disputed items shall not be changed without first referring it to the affected employee.

5.10.5 Overpayment Recovery Procedures: Attention is drawn to the Wages Protection Act 1983. The
provisions of this Act, or any amendment or Act passed in substitution for this Act, shall apply.

5.10.6 The employer shall use its best endeavours to direct credit payment of wages into the employee’s
bank account one clear banking day prior to a public holiday.

6.0 ANNUAL LEAVE

6.1 Employees, other than casuals, shall be entitled to 4 weeks annual leave, taken and paid in accordance
with the Holidays Act 2003 and subject to the other provisions of this clause, except that on completion of
five years recognised service the employee shall be entitled to 5 weeks annual leave. For the purposes of
this clause, “service” shall be as defined in clause 1.6.

6.2 Casual employees shall be paid 8% of gross taxable earnings in lieu of annual leave to be added to the
salary paid for each engagement, dependant on recognition of an individuals’ service.

6.3 Shift Employees

Employees who work rotating shift patterns or those who work qualifying shifts shall be entitled, on
completion of 12 months employment on shift work, to up to an additional 5 days annual leave, based on
the number of qualifying shifts worked. The entitlement will be calculated on the annual leave anniversary
date. Qualifying shifts are defined as a shift which involves at least 2 hours work performed outside the
hours of 8.00am to 5.00pm, excluding overtime.

Number of qualifying shifts per annum Number of days additional leave per annum

121 or more 5 days

96 – 120 4 days
71 – 95 3 days
46 – 70 2 days
21 – 45 1 day

6.4 Employees who do not work shift work as defined in clause 6.3 and who are required to participate on on-
call rosters, shall be granted 2 hours leave for each weekend day or part there-of where the on-call period
is 8 or more hours, they are required to be on-call during normal off duty hours, up to a maximum of 3
days additional leave per annum. Such leave shall be paid at annual leave averages and is accumulative.
Employees who work qualifying shifts under sub-clause 6.3 are not entitled to leave under this subclause.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 39 of 131

6.5 Conditions

Employees shall be entitled to annual leave on a pro-rata basis, except that shift leave and on-call leave
shall not be pro-rated. Annual leave is to be taken within 12 months of entitlement becoming due. Where
the annual leave is not taken within twenty-four (24) months of being accrued and there is no agreement
on when the leave is to be taken, the employer may direct the employee to take annual leave with a
minimum of four (4) weeks notice.

a) Annual leave may be granted in one or more periods.

b) In accordance with the Holidays Act 2003, the employee shall be given the opportunity to take two
weeks leave at one time.
c) Annual leave is able to be accrued to a maximum of two years entitlement.
d) Annual leave shall be taken to fit in with service/work requirements and the employee’s need for rest
and recreation.
e) When an employee ceases employment, wages shall be paid for accrued annual leave, including
shift leave, and the last day of employment shall be the last day worked.
f) Part time employees shall be entitled to annual leave on a pro rata basis.
g) An employee may anticipate up to one year’s annual leave entitlement at the discretion of the
employer.

6.6 The provisions of the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 shall apply in relation to
annual leave when an employee takes a period of parental leave or returns to work from parental leave
in accordance with clause 10 of the Agreement.

7.0 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

7.1 The following days shall be observed as public holidays:

New Year's Day
2 January
Waitangi Day
Good Friday
Easter Monday
ANZAC Day
Sovereign's Birthday
Labour Day
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
Anniversary Day (as observed in the locality concerned)

7.2 The following shall apply to the observance of Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day or 2 January,
where such a day falls on either a Saturday or a Sunday:

7.2.1 Where an employee is required to work that Saturday or Sunday the holiday shall, for that employee,
be observed on that Saturday or Sunday and transfer of the observance will not occur. For the
purposes of this clause an employee is deemed to have been required to work if they were rostered
on, or on-call and actually called in to work. They are not deemed to have been required to work if they
were on-call but not called back to work.

7.2.2 Where an employee is not required to work that Saturday or Sunday, observance of the holiday shall
be transferred to the following Monday and/or Tuesday in accordance with the provisions of Sections
45 (1) (b) and (d) of the Holidays Act 2003.

7.2.3 Should a public holiday fall on a weekend, and an employee is required to work on both the public
holiday and the week day to which the observance is transferred, the employee will be paid at
weekend rates for the time worked on the weekday/transferred holiday. Only one alternative holiday
will be granted in respect of each public holiday.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 40 of 131

7.3 In order to maintain essential services, the employer may require an employee to work on a public holiday
when the public holiday falls on a day which, but for it being a public holiday, would otherwise be a working
day for the employee.

7.4 When employees work on a public holiday as provided above they will be paid at double the ordinary
hourly rate of pay (T2) for each hour worked and they shall be granted an alternative holiday. Such
alternative holiday shall be taken and paid as specified in the Holidays Act 2003.

7.5 An employee who is on call on a public holiday as provided above, but is not called in to work, shall be
granted an alternative holiday, except where the public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday and its
observance is transferred to a Monday or Tuesday which the employee also works. Such alternative
holiday shall be taken and paid as specified in the Holidays Act 2003.

7.6 Those employees who work a night shift which straddles a public holiday, shall be paid at public holiday
rates for those hours which occur on the public holiday and the applicable rates for the remainder of the
shift. One alternative holiday shall apply in respect of each public holiday or part thereof worked.

7.7 Off duty day upon which the employee does not work:

7.7.1 Fulltime employees –

For fulltime employees and where a public holiday, other than Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day when
they fall on either a Saturday or Sunday, falls on the employee’s rostered off duty day, the employee
shall be granted an alternative holiday at a later date.

In the event of Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day or 2 January falling on either a Saturday
or Sunday and a full time employee is rostered off duty on both that day and the weekday to which the
observance is transferred, the employee shall only receive one alternative holiday in respect of each
public holiday.

7.7.2 Part-time employees –

Where a part-time employee’s days of work are fixed, the employee shall only be entitled to public
holiday provisions if the day would otherwise be a working day for that employee.

Where a part-time employee’s days are not fixed, the employee shall be entitled to public holiday
provisions if they worked on the day of the week that the public holiday falls more than 40 % of the
time over the last three months. Payment will be relevant daily pay.

7.8 Public holidays falling during leave:

7.8.1 Leave on pay

When a public holiday falls during a period of annual leave, sick leave on pay or special leave on pay,
an employee is entitled to that holiday which is not debited against such leave.

7.8.2 Leave without pay

An employee shall not be entitled to payment for a public holiday falling during a period of leave
without pay (including sick or military leave without pay) unless the employee has worked during the
fortnight ending on the day on which the holiday is observed.

7.8.3 Leave on reduced pay

An employee, during a period on reduced pay, shall be paid at the relevant daily pay for public
holidays falling during the period of such leave.

8.0 BEREAVEMENT/ TANGIHANGA LEAVE

8.1 The employer shall approve special bereavement leave on pay for an employee to discharge any
obligation and/or to pay respects to a Tupapaku/deceased person with whom the employee has had a
close association. Such obligations may exist because of blood or family ties or because of particular
cultural requirements such as attendance at all or part of a Tangihanga (or its equivalent). The length of

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 time off shall be at the discretion of the employer and should not be unreasonably withheld and will be
exercised in accordance with the Holidays Act 2003.

8.2 If bereavement occurs while an employee is absent on annual leave, sick leave on pay or any other
special leave on pay, such leave may be interrupted and bereavement leave granted in terms of clause
8.1.

8.3 This provision will not apply if the employee is on leave without pay.

8.4 In granting time off therefore, and for how long, the employer must administer these provisions in a
culturally appropriate manner, especially in the case of Tangihanga.

8.5 The employer agrees that on application, it may be appropriate, to grant leave without pay in order to
accommodate various special bereavement needs not recognised in clause 8.1 above.

9.0 SICK & DOMESTIC LEAVE

In applying the provisions of this clause the parties note:

- their agreed intent to have healthy staff and a healthy workplace

- that staff attending work unwell is to be discouraged and the focus is on patient and staff safety
- that they wish to facilitate a proper recovery and a timely return to work
- that staff can have sick leave and domestic absences calculated on an hourly basis.

9.1 On appointment to a DHB, a full time employee shall be entitled to ten (10) working days leave for sick or
domestic purposes during the first twelve months of employment, and up to an additional ten (10) working
days for each subsequent twelve month period. The entitlement shall be pro-rated for part time employees
except that a part-time employee shall receive no fewer than five (5) working days paid sick leave for the
first twelve months of employment and a minimum of five (5) additional working days for each subsequent
twelve month period. The employee shall be paid at relevant daily pay as prescribed in the Holidays Act
2003, for the first five days in each twelve month period. Thereafter they shall be paid at the normal rates
of pay (T1 rate only). A medical certificate may be required to support the employee’s claim.

9.2 Transportability of Sick Leave

The following applies only to employees employed in a position that requires registration under the
HPCAA (Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act) and shall also apply to all employees employed
under salary scales 5.2 Allied, and 5.3 Alcohol and Other Drug Clinicians.

From 1 April 2012, an employee who ceases employment at one DHB and commences employment at
another DHB may transfer to their new employment a maximum of up to 20 days (at their normal/ordinary
rate of pay, T1) of their unused sick leave entitlement from their previous DHB employment, provided that
any break in service between finishing at their previous DHB and commencing employment at the new
DHB is not more than one calendar month.

Any unused sick leave entitlement that is transferred shall be in addition to the sick leave entitlement the
employee will receive on commencement of employment with the new DHB under clause 9.1, and shall
not impact on their anniversary date for future sick leave entitlements.

9.3 In the event an employee has no entitlement left, they may be granted an additional 10 days per annum. In
considering the grant of leave under this clause the employer shall recognise that discretionary sick and
domestic leave is to ensure the provision of reasonable support to staff having to be absent from work
where their entitlement is exhausted. Requests should be considered at the closest possible level of
delegation to the employee and in the quickest time possible, taking into account the following:

- The employee’s length of service

- The employee’s attendance record

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 - The consequences of not providing the leave
- Any unusual and/or extenuating circumstances

Reasons for a refusal shall, when requested by the employee, be given in writing and before refusing a
request, the decision maker is expected to seek appropriate guidance.

Leave granted under this provision may be debited as an advance on the next years’ entitlement up to a
maximum of 5 days.

9.4 At the employer’s discretion an employee may be granted further anticipated sick or domestic leave. Any
anticipated leave taken in excess of an employees entitlement at the time of cessation of employment may
be deducted from the employees final pay.

9.5 Where an employee is suffering from a minor illness which could have a detrimental effect on the patients
or other staff in the employer’s care, the employer may, at its discretion, either:

9.5.1 place the employee on suitable alternative duties; or

9.5.2 direct the employee to take leave on full pay. Such leave shall not be a charge against the employees
sick and domestic leave entitlement.

9.6 The employee can accumulate their entitlement up to a maximum of 260 days. Any unused portion of the
first five days entitlement, up to a maximum of 15 days, can be carried over from year to year and will be
paid at relevant daily pay, in accordance with the Holidays Act 2003.

9.7 The provisions of this clause are inclusive of the special leave provisions of the Holidays Act 2003.

9.8 Domestic Leave as described in this clause is leave used when the employee must attend a dependent of
the employee. This person would, in most cases, be the employee’s child, partner or other dependent
family member.

9.8.1 It does not include absences during or in connection with the birth of an employee’s child. Annual
leave or parental leave should cover such a situation.
9.8.2 At the employer’s discretion, an employee may be granted leave without pay, where the employee
requires additional time away from work to look after a seriously ill member of the employee’s family.
9.8.3 The production of a medical certificate or other evidence of illness may be required.

9.9 Sickness during paid leave: When sickness occurs during paid leave, such as annual or long service
leave, the leave may be debited against the sick leave entitlement, (except where the sickness occurs
during leave following the relinquishment of office) provided that:

9.9.1 the period of sick leave is more than three days and a medical certificate is produced.
9.9.2 In cases where the period of sickness extends beyond the approved period of annual or long service
leave, approval will also be given to debiting the portion, which occurred within the annual leave or
long service leave period, against sick leave entitlement, provided the conditions in 9.9 and 9.9.1
above apply.
9.9.3 Annual leave or long service leave may not be split to allow periods of illness of three days or less to
be taken.

9.10 During periods of leave without pay, sick leave entitlements will not continue to accrue.

9.11 Where an employee has a consistent pattern of short term Sick Leave, or where those absences are more
than 10 working days/shifts or more in a year, then the employee’s situation may be reviewed in line with
the DHB’s policy and Sick Leave practices. The focus of the review will be to assist the employee in
establishing practical arrangements to recover from sickness or injury.

9.12 Where an employee is incapacitated as a result of a work accident, and that employee is on earnings
related compensation, then the employer agrees to supplement the employee’s compensation by 20% of
base salary during the period of incapacitation. This payment shall be taken as a charge against Sick

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 Leave up to the extent of the employee’s paid sick leave entitlement. The employer may agree to
reimburse employees for treatment and other expenses or for financial disadvantage incurred as a result
of a work related accident. This agreement will be on a case by case basis.

9.13 For non work-related accidents, where the employee requests, the employer shall supplement the
employee’s compensation by 20% of base salary and this shall be debited against the employee’s sick
leave up to the extent of the employee’s paid sick leave entitlement.

10.0 PARENTAL LEAVE

10.1 Statement of principle - The parties acknowledge the following provisions are to protect the rights of
employees during pregnancy and on their return to employment following parental leave and is to be read
in conjunction with the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 (referred to as the Act in this
clause 10), provided that where this clause 10 is more favourable to the employee, the provisions of this
clause 10 shall prevail.

10.2 Entitlement and eligibility - Provided that the employee assumes or intends to assume the primary care of
the child born to or adopted by them or their partner, the entitlement to parental leave is:

a) in respect of every child born to them or their partner;

b) in respect of every child up to and including five years of age, adopted by them or their partner;
c) where two or more children are born at the same time or adopted within a one month period, for the
purposes of these provisions the employee's entitlement shall be the same as if only one child had
been born or adopted.

10.3 Length of Parental Leave

a) Parental leave of up to 12 months is to be granted to employees with at least one year's service at
the time of commencing leave.
b) Parental leave of up to six months is to be granted to employees with less than one year's service at
the time of commencing leave.

Provided that the length of service for the purpose of this clause means the aggregate period of service,
whether continuous or intermittent, in the employment of the employer.

c) The maximum period of parental leave may be taken by either the employee exclusively or it may be
shared between the employee and their partner either concurrently or consecutively. This applies
whether or not one or both partners are employed by the employer.

Except as provided for in 10.15, Parental Leave is unpaid.

10.4 In cases of adoption of children of less than five years of age, parental leave shall be granted in terms of
10.2 and 10.3 above, providing the intention to adopt is notified to the employer immediately following
advice from the Department of Child, Youth and Family services to the adoptive applicants that they are
considered suitable adoptive parents. Subsequent evidence of an approved adoption placement shall be
provided to the employer's satisfaction.

10.5 Employees intending to take parental leave are required to give at least one month's notice in writing and
the application is to be accompanied by a certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner or midwife
certifying the expected date of delivery. The provision may be waived in the case of adoption.

10.6 The commencement of leave shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Parental Leave and
Employment Protection Act 1987

10.7 An employee absent on parental leave is required to give at least one month's notice to the employer of
their intention to return to duty. When returning to work the employee must report to duty not later than the
expiry date of such leave.

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NOTE: It is important that employees are advised when they commence parental leave that, if they fail to notify
the employer of their intention to return to work or resign, they shall be considered to have abandoned their
employment.

10.8 Parental leave is not to be granted as sick leave on pay.

10.9 Job protection –

10.9.1 Subject to 10.10 below, an employee returning from parental leave is entitled to resume work in the
same position or a similar position to the one they occupied at the time of commencing parental leave.
A similar position means a position:

a) at the equivalent salary, grading;

b) at the equivalent weekly hours of duty;
c) in the same location or other location within reasonable commuting distance; and
d) involving responsibilities broadly comparable to those experienced in the previous position.

10.9.2 Where applicable, employees shall continue to be awarded increments when their incremental date
falls during absence on parental leave.
10.9.3 Parental leave shall be recognised towards service-based entitlements, i.e.: annual leave and sick
leave. However, parental leave will not contribute to Retiring Gratuities allowance calculations.

10.10 Ability to Hold Position Open

10.10.1 Where possible, the employer must, hold the employee's position open or fill it temporarily until the
employee's return from parental leave. However in the event that the employee's position is a "key
position" (as contemplated in the Paid Parental Leave and Employment Protection Amendment Act
2002), the employer may fill the position on a permanent basis.

10.10.2 Where the employer is not able to hold a position open, or to fill it temporarily until an employee
returns from parental leave, or fills it permanently on the basis of it being a key position, and, at the
time the employee returns to work, a similar position (as defined in 10.9.1 (a) above) is not available,
the employer may approve one of the following options:

a) an extension of parental leave for up to a further 12 months until the employee's previous position or
a similar position becomes available; or
b) an offer to the employee of a similar position in another location (if one is available) with normal
transfer expenses applying; if the offer is refused, the employee continues on extended parental
leave as in 10.10.2 (a) above for up to 12 months; or
c) the appointment of the employee to a different position in the same location, but if this is not
acceptable to the employee the employee shall continue on extended parental leave in terms of
10.10.2 (a) above for up to 12 months:

provided that, if a different position is accepted and within the period of extended parental leave in terms of
10.10.2 (a), the employee's previous position or a similar position becomes available, then the employee
shall be entitled to be appointed to that position; or

d) where extended parental leave in terms of 10.10.2 (a) above expires, and no similar position is
available for the employee, the employee shall be declared surplus under clause 30 of this
Agreement.

10.11 If the employee declines the offer of appointment to the same or similar position in terms of sub clause
10.9.1 above, parental leave shall cease.

10.12 Where, for reasons pertaining to the pregnancy, an employee on medical advice and with the consent
of the employer, elects to work reduced hours at any time prior to confinement, then the guaranteed
proportion of full-time employment after parental leave shall be the same as that immediately prior to
such enforced reduction in hours.

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10.13 Parental leave absence filled by temporary appointee - If a position held open for an employee on
parental leave is filled on a temporary basis, the employer must inform the temporary appointee that
their employment will terminate on the return of the employee from parental leave.

10.14 Employees on parental leave may from time to time and by agreement work occasional duties during
the period of parental leave and this shall not affect the rights and obligations of either the employee
or the employer under this clause.

10.15 Paid Parental Leave – Where an employee takes parental leave under this clause 10, meets the
eligibility criteria in 10.2 (i.e. they assume or intend to assume the primary care of the child), and is in
receipt of the statutory paid parental leave payment in accordance with the provisions of the Parental
Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 the employer shall pay the employee the difference
between the weekly statutory payment and the equivalent weekly value of the employee’s base salary
(pro rata if less than full time) for a period of fourteen (14) weeks.

The payment shall be made at the commencement of the parental leave and shall be calculated at the
base rate (pro rata if applicable) applicable to the employee for the six weeks immediately prior to
commencement of parental leave.

The payment shall be made only in respect of the period for which the employee is on parental leave
and in receipt of the statutory payment if this is less than 14 weeks.

Where 10.3 (c) applies and both partners are employed by the DHB, the paid parental leave top up will
be made to only one employee, being the employee who has primary care of the child.

10.15.1 Reappointment After Absence Due To Childcare

a) Employees who resign to care for a dependent pre-school child or children may apply to their former
employer for preferential appointment to a position which is substantially the same in character and
at the same or lower grading as the position previously held.

b) Parental leave is a distinct and separate entity from absence due to childcare.

c) The total period of childcare absence allowed is four years plus any increases in lieu of parental
leave. Longer absence renders a person ineligible for preferential appointment.

d) Persons seeking reappointment under childcare provisions must apply to the former employer at
least three months before the date on which they wish to resume duties.

e) This application for reappointment must be accompanied by:

(i) The birth certificate of the pre-school child or children; and
(ii) A statutory declaration to the effect that the absence has been due to the care of a dependent
pre-school child or children, that the four year maximum has not been exceeded, and that paid
employment has not been entered into for more than 15 hours per week. Where paid
employment has exceeded 15 hours per week the reappointment is at the CEO's discretion.

f) The employer shall make every effort to find a suitable vacancy for eligible applicants as soon as
their eligibility for preferential re-entry is established. Appointment to a position may be made at any
time after the original notification of intention to return to work, provided the appointee agrees.

g) Where:
(i) The applicant meets the criteria for eligibility; and
(ii) There exists at the time of notification or becomes available within the period up to two weeks
before the intended date of resumption of duties a position which is substantially the same in
character and at the same or lower grading as the position previously held; and
(iii) The applicant has the necessary skills to competently fill the vacancy; then the applicant under
these provisions shall be appointed in preference to any other applicant for the position.

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 h) Absence for childcare reasons will interrupt service but not break it.

i) The period of absence will not count as service for the purpose of sick leave, annual leave, retiring
leave or gratuities, long service leave or any other leave entitlement.

11.0 JURY SERVICE/WITNESS LEAVE

11.1 Employees called on for jury service are required to serve. Where the need is urgent, the Employer
may apply for postponement because of particular work needs, but this may be done only in
exceptional circumstances.

11.2 An employee called on for jury service may elect to take annual leave, leave on pay, or leave without
pay. Where annual leave or leave without pay is granted or where the service is performed during an
employee's off duty hours, the employee may retain the juror's fees (and expenses paid).

11.3 Where leave on pay is granted, a certificate is to be given to the employee by the Employer to the
effect that the employee has been granted leave on pay and requesting the Court to complete details
of juror’s fees and expenses paid. The employee is to pay the fees received to the employer but may
retain expenses.

11.4 Where leave on pay is granted, it is only in respect of time spent on jury service, including reasonable
travelling time. Any time during normal working hours when the employee is not required by the Court,
the employee is to report back to work where this is reasonable and practicable.

11.5 Where an employee is required to be a witness in a matter arising out of his/her employment, he/she
shall be granted paid leave at the salary rate consistent with their normal rostered duties. The
employee is to pay any fee received to the Employer but may retain expenses.

12.0 LEAVE TO ATTEND MEETINGS

12.1 The Employer shall grant paid leave (at ordinary rates) to employees required to attend formal
meetings of registration body (except where the matter arises out of employment with another
employer) and the PSA Board.

12.2 Paid leave shall also be granted where an employee is required to attend meetings of Boards or
Statutory Committees provided that the appointment to the Board or Committee is by ministerial
appointment.

12.3 Any remuneration received by the Employee for the period that paid leave was granted shall be paid
to the Employer.

13.0 LONG SERVICE LEAVE

13.1 An employee shall be entitled to long service leave of one week upon completion of a five year period
of recognised service as defined in Clause 1.6. Such entitlement may be accrued. However any
service period for which a period of long service leave has already been taken or paid out shall not
count towards this entitlement.

13.2 Long Service Leave will be paid for each week of leave on the same basis as annual leave (clause 6)
in accordance with the Holidays Act 2003. This will be based on the employees FTE status at the time
of taking the leave. Wherever practicable long service leave is to be taken in periods of not less than a
week.

13.3 For the purposes of 13.1 recognised service shall be from 1 October 2008 unless the employee has
an ongoing or grand-parented provision.

For employees with an ongoing or grand-parented provision, the following shall apply. The employee
shall accrue the entitlement in accordance with clause 13.1 above, with their service being deemed to

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 47 of 131

 commence, for the purpose of this calculation, on the date service was previously deemed to
commence under the scheme. Any long service leave actually taken, shall be deducted from that
entitlement and the residue shall become the remaining entitlement. That shall be added to any further
accrual, with the leave being taken in accordance with clause 13.1 above.

13.4 Leave without pay in excess of three months taken on any one occasion will not be included in the 5
year qualifying period, with the exception of Parental Leave.

13.5 The employer shall pay out any long service leave to which the employee has become entitled but has
not taken upon cessation of employment.

13.6 In the event of the death of an employee who was eligible for long service leave but has not taken the
leave, any monies due will be paid to the deceased estate.

14.0 LEAVE WITHOUT PAY

Fulltime or part-time employees are able to take leave without pay, providing that such leave is mutually agreed
between the employer and the employee, and is in accordance with the employer’s policy on leave without pay.

15.0 HEALTH & SAFETY

15.1 The employer and employees shall comply with the provisions of the Health and Safety in Employment
Act 1992 and subsequent amendments. The parties to this agreement agree that employees should
be adequately protected from any safety and health hazard arising in the workplace. All reasonable
precautions for the health and safety of employees shall be taken, including the provision of protective
clothing/ equipment (as per clause 17 of this MECA).

15.2 It shall be the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the workplace meets required standards
and that adequate and sufficient safety equipment is provided.

15.3 It shall be the responsibility of every employee covered by this agreement to work safely and to report
any hazards, accidents or injuries as soon as practicable to the appropriate person. It is a condition of
employment that safety equipment and clothing required by the employer is to be worn or used and
that safe working practices must be observed at all times.

15.4 Attention is also drawn to the employer’s policies and procedures on health and safety.

15.5 The employer recognises that to fulfil their function health and safety delegates require adequate
training, time and facilities.

15.6 The parties to the Agreement recognise that effective Health and Safety Committees are the
appropriate means for providing consultative mechanisms on Health and Safety issues in the work
place.

16.0 ACCIDENTS – TRANSPORT OF INJURED EMPLOYEES

16.1 Transport of injured employees – Where the accident is work-related and the injury sustained by the
employee necessitates immediate removal to a hospital, or to a medical practitioner for medical
attention and then to their residence or a hospital, or to their residence (medical attention away from
the residence not being required), the DHB is to provide or arrange for the necessary transport, pay all
reasonable expenses for meals and lodging incurred by or on behalf of the employee during the period
she/he is transported, and claim reimbursement from ACC.

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17.0 UNIFORMS, PROTECTIVE CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

17.1 Where the employer requires an employee to wear a uniform, it shall be provided free of charge, but
shall remain the property of the employer.

17.2 Suitable protective clothing, including foot/ eye/ hearing protection, shall be provided at the employer's
expense where the duty involves a risk of excessive soiling or damage to uniforms or personal clothing
or a risk of injury to the employee. Note that the foot protection above includes the employer’s
instruction that the employee wear specific shoes for infection control purposes. Where the employer
and employee agree, the employee may purchase appropriate protective clothing/footwear and the
employer will reimburse actual and reasonable costs.

17.3 Damage to personal clothing – An employee shall be reasonably compensated for damage to
personal clothing worn on duty, or reimbursed dry cleaning charges for excessive soiling to personal
clothing worn on duty, provided the damage or soiling did not occur as a result of the employee’s
negligence, or failure to wear the protective clothing provided. Each case shall be determined on its
merits by the employer.

18.0 REFUND OF ANNUAL PRACTISING CERTIFICATE AND CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY FEES

18.1 Where an employee is required by law to hold an annual practising certificate, the cost of the
certificate shall be met by the employer provided that:

a) It must be a statutory requirement that a current certificate be held for the performance of duties.
b) The employee must be engaged in duties for which the holding of a certificate is a requirement.
c) Any payment will be offset to the extent that the employee has received a reimbursement from
another employer.
d) The Employer will only pay one APC unless there are operational requirements for an employee to
maintain multiple APCs.

18.2 Where the employer requires employees to hold a competency certificate issued by a professional
association, the employer will reimburse the associated fees incurred.

19.0 INITIAL REGISTRATION COSTS

It is anticipated that, during the term of this Agreement, a number of professions will be legally required to
register with an Authority, as defined by the Health Practitioners’ Competence Assurance Act (for example,
anaesthetic technicians, psychotherapists).

The employer will reimburse actual costs up to a maximum of $500 towards the initial registration costs where:

a)The employee is employed by the DHB at the time that the profession is required to register; and

b)Where registration under legislation is a requirement for the job.

Where the employer requires the employee to become registered as a requirement of the employee’s continuing
employment, but registration with a regulatory body is not mandatory (for example, social workers), the employer
will reimburse actual costs up to a maximum of $500 towards the initial registration costs where the employee is
employed by the DHB at the time that profession is required to register. Should registration of that profession
with a regulatory body become mandatory, the employer will not be required to reimburse additional monies.

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20.0 PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION FEES

20.1 Employees will be reimbursed (on presentation of official receipts) the membership fee of no more
than one professional association per annum (as listed below) up to the maximum level set out below
if:
a) the membership is directly relevant to the employee’s duties; and
b) the professional association does not act as the acting union for its members. Where an
association does become the acting union, it will be removed from the list.

20.2 The parties will review the composition of this list and the amounts payable at each negotiation. The
list may be amended as agreed by the parties.

20.3 Provided that, if the employee also works for another organisation or in private practice, the employer
will only be required to pay the amount on a pro-rata basis.

Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers $259

Australasian Sleep Technologists’ Association $100
Australasian Society of Genetic Counsellors $55
Australasian Society of Cytogeneticists $25
Australia New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science $143
British & Irish Orthoptic Society $277
New Zealand Dental & Oral Health Therapists Association $250
Drug & Alcohol Practitioners’ Association Aotearoa New Zealand $86.50
Hospital Play Specialists ’ Association of Aotearoa/ New Zealand $70
Human Genetic Society of Australasia $149
New Zealand Anaesthetic Technicians’ Society $100
New Zealand Association of Child & Adolescent Psychotherapists $250
New Zealand Association of Counsellors $340
Occupational Therapy New Zealand $414
New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists $320
New Zealand Audiological Society $500
New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists $350
New Zealand Dietetic Association $427
New Zealand Healthcare Pharmacists’ Association $130
New Zealand Institute of Dental Technologists $177.50
New Zealand Institute of Environmental Health $140
New Zealand Institute of Health Estate & Engineering Management $100
New Zealand Institute of Medical Laboratory Scientists $174.50
New Zealand Psychological Society $403
New Zealand Society of Hand Therapists $105
New Zealand Society of Neurophysiology Technicians $16
New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists $500
New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists’ Association $350
New Zealand Sterile Services’ Association $50
Orthoptic Association of Australia $158
Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand $433
Podiatry New Zealand $500
Public Health Association of New Zealand $175
Society of Cardiopulmonary Technology Inc. $50
VHT Society $19
Visiting Neurodevelopment Therapy Association $30

20.4 Some collective agreements or DHB policies, in place prior to the commencement of this MECA, have
professional association fee provisions that are more favourable than those outlined above. Where
more favourable conditions exist, these shall continue to apply.

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21.0 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION & TRAINING LEAVE
The objective of this clause is to ensure that the total spends on training and development is commensurate with
other groups similar to allied, public health and technical groups employed by the DHB, that existing provisions
are protected and that PSA members are not disadvantaged compared to other employees whose entitlements
continue during times of fiscal restraint.

The DAH group has agreed to work with the PSA to determine the professional development items that we can
report on and to determine the reporting frequency of this information.

Each DHB will develop, in consultation with PSA, a training and development plan covering PSA members which
provides for training and development that is designed to meet the requirements of the DHB and advance
employee’s individual skill and competence relevant to the service needs and complies with the professional
development, education & training leave clauses in this agreement ensuring that information will be provided in
each DHB regarding sources of and access to funds/entitlements.

The PSA will establish elected delegate(s) at local DHB level as learning representatives to support and
encourage individual uptake of appropriate learning & development opportunities and monitor the
implementation of the training plan. The provisions of clause 29 in relation to the recognition and support of
delegates will apply to these positions.

21.1 Professional development is a way of valuing staff and is essential to the maintenance and
development of a quality and efficient service. Staff maintaining and developing their roles is critical to
the delivery of effective client care.

21.2 The parties acknowledge that a range of professional development entitlements exist across the DHBs
and include consolidated funds, individual entitlements and non-specified provisions. The grants,
scholarships, reimbursement and leave practices in existence prior to 1 October 2008 shall continue in
place in DHBs where they apply.

21.3 The allocation of professional development funds/ study leave will be agreed prospectively wherever
practicable and will be based on the principles of transparency, fairness and consistency.

21.4 Participation in an annually agreed professional development plan is mutually beneficial. The plan
should:

a) Link to the employee’s current position; and/or

b) Align with the employee’s career goals;
c) Align with the strategic direction and/or service plans of the DHB;
d) Where applicable, assist the employee to meet the regulatory requirements to maintain
professional competence;

21.5 The organisation’s training and professional development processes shall

a) Be clear to employees; and
b) Provide information and advice to employees regarding sources of and access to professional
development funds/entitlements; and
c) Require that the employee’s professional development plan and activities are recorded; and
d) Require that employees will share the knowledge and expertise gained from professional
development as appropriate.

21.6 The parties acknowledge that monitoring of the application of these provisions is of mutual interest and
arrangements shall be in place locally to ensure that these principles are consistently applied and that
the needs of each party are met.

22.0 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

22.1.1 All employees covered by the Agreement shall comply with the employer’s policies and procedures in
force from time to time, to the extent that such policies and procedures are not inconsistent with the
terms and conditions of this Agreement.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 51 of 131

22.1.2 The union will be consulted regarding any additions/amendments to those policies and procedures,
where such additions/amendments have a material effect on employees’ conditions of employment.
Failure to consult shall not void any additions/ amendments.

23.0 INSURANCE PROTECTION

Insurance protection for employees travelling on work related business is provided in accordance with the DHB’s
insurance policy. The provisions of the insurance policy are available through the Human Resources
department.

24.0 TRAVELLING EXPENSES AND INCIDENTALS

24.1 When travelling on employer business, the employee will be reimbursed for costs on an actual and
reasonable basis on presentation of receipts, including staying privately.

24.2 Employees who are instructed to use their motor vehicles on employer business shall be reimbursed
in accordance with the IRD mileage rates as promulgated from time to time. Any change to this rate
shall be effective from the first pay period following the date of promulgation by the IRD..

24.3 General: In circumstances not addressed by this clause, any expenses incurred on behalf of the
employer shall be reimbursed in accordance with individual DHB policies.

24.4 Relocation Expenses

Employees may be reimbursed relocation expenses in accordance with the employer’s relocation
policy.

25.0 INDEMNITY INSURANCE

25.1 The employer agrees to indemnify employees for legal liability for costs and expenses, including legal
representation where required, in respect of claims, actions or proceedings brought against the
employer and/or employees arising in respect of any:
 Negligent act, or
 Error, or
 Omission
Whilst acting in the course of employment.

25.2 Employees will not be covered where such claim, action or proceeding:
 arises from any wilful or deliberate act, or
 is restricted solely to any disciplinary proceedings being taken by the governing registration body
and/or professional association, or
 relates to activities undertaken by the employee that are outside the scope of the employment
agreement with the employer, or
 relates to activities undertaken by the employee that are outside the scope of practice or the
employees position and/or profession.

25.3 Provided that any such reasonable costs or expenses are first discussed with the employer before
they are incurred. If the employee or the employer identifies a conflict of interest, the DHB will provide
and pay for independent legal representation for both parties.

26.0 EMPLOYEE ACCESS TO PERSONAL INFORMATION

Employees are entitled to have access to their personal file in accordance with the Organisation’s procedures.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 52 of 131

27.0 PAY & EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

The parties to this Agreement have a commitment to pay and employment equity. The pay and employment
equity review in the public health service has now been completed and the parties agree to work together to
address any issues that have been raised in the response plan.

28.0 SUPERANNUATION

Unless an employee is already receiving an employer contribution to a superannuation scheme, when an

employee becomes (or where an employee is already) a member of a KiwiSaver scheme (as defined in the
KiwiSaver Act 2006), the employer agrees to make an employer contribution to the employee’s KiwiSaver
scheme in accordance with the requirements of the KiwiSaver Act 2006.

29.0 WORKING BETTER TOGETHER

29.1 Deduction of PSA Subscriptions

The employer shall deduct employee PSA fees from the wages/ salaries of employees when
authorised in writing by members and shall remit such subscriptions to the PSA at agreed intervals. A
list of members shall be supplied by the PSA to each DHB on request.

29.2 Union Meetings

29.2.1 The employer shall allow every employee covered by this collective agreement to attend, on ordinary
pay, two meetings (each of a maximum of two hours’ duration) of their union in each year (being the
period beginning on the 1st day of January and ending on the following 31st day of December). This is
inclusive of any statutory entitlement.

29.2.2 The union shall give the employer at least 14 days’ notice of the date and time of any meeting to which
sub-clause 29.2.1 of this clause applies.

29.2.3 The union shall make such arrangements with the employer as may be necessary to ensure that the
employer’ business is maintained during any meeting, including, where appropriate, an arrangement
for sufficient employees to remain available during the meeting to enable the employer’s operation to
continue.

29.2.4 Work shall resume as soon as practicable after the meeting, but the employer shall not be obliged to
pay any employee for a period greater than two hours in respect of any meeting.

29.2.5 Only employees who actually attend a union meeting shall be entitled to pay in respect of that meeting
and to that end the union shall supply the employer with a list of employees who attended and shall
advise the employer of the time the meeting finished.

29.3 Delegates/Union Workplace Representatives

29.3.1 Delegate means an employee who is nominated by the employees, who is covered by this CA and
who is elected to act on the PSA’s behalf. The managers shall be advised of the delegates’ names.

29.3.2 The employer accepts that elected delegates are the recognised channel of communication between
the union (PSA) and the employer in the workplace.

29.3.3 To enable the delegates to effectively carry out their role, including the promotion and facilitation of the
objectives outlined in the statement of intent, sufficient time off should be available during working
hours, subject to the employer’s service requirements.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 53 of 131

29.3.4 Prior approval for such activity shall be obtained from the manager in the area and such approval shall
not be unreasonably withheld. PSA in return acknowledges that adequate notice shall be provided to
the employer where possible.

29.4 Leave to Attend Employment Relations’ Education Leave

29.4.1 Employers shall grant paid Employment Relations Education Leave to members of the PSA covered
by the Agreement in accordance with the provisions of Part 7 of the Employment Relations Act 2000.
The purpose of this leave is for improving relations among unions, employees and the employer and
for promoting the object of the Act.

29.4.2 EREL: the number of days education leave granted is based on the formula of 35 days for the first 281
employees (employees covered by this document who have authorised the PSA to act on their behalf)
and a further 5 days for every 100 full time equivalent (defined as an employee who works 30 hours or
more per week) eligible employees or part of the number which exceeds 280.

29.4.3 The PSA shall send a copy of the programme for the course and the names of employees attending,
at least 28 consecutive days prior to the course commencing.

29.4.4 The granting of such leave shall not be unreasonably withheld taking into account continuing service
needs.

29.5 Right of Entry

The authorised officers of the union shall, with the consent of the employer (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld) be entitled to enter at all reasonable times upon the premises for the purposes
of union business or interviewing any union member or enforcing this Agreement, including where
authorised access to wages and time records, but not so as to interfere unreasonably with the
employer’s business.

30.0 BARGAINING FEE

This clause takes effect from 27 October 2014.

It is agreed that a bargaining fee shall be applied to those employees whose work is covered by this
Agreement but who are not members of PSA and who are not members of another union, and who do
not otherwise opt out of this clause, in accordance with the Employment Relations Amendment Act
2004 (S.69P and following).

30.1 For the purposes of this clause:

30.1.1 The “bargaining fee” shall be set at 100% of the current PSA membership subscription rate

Gross annual salary of over $35,280 $15.70 per fortnight

Gross annual salary of between $17,640 and $35,280 $7.80 per fortnight
Gross annual salary of under $17,640 $3.90 per fortnight

and paid each pay period and shall not increase during the term of this clause;

30.1.2 The “specified period” is the period of 14 days prior to the date on which this clause comes into effect.

30.1.3 An “affected employee” is one

a) Whose work is covered by the coverage clause of this Agreement and
b) Whose terms and conditions of employment comprise or include the terms and conditions of
employment specified in this Agreement and
c) Who is not a members of the union and
d) Who is not a member of another union and
e) Who is not an employee who has opted out.

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30.1.4 An “employee who has opted out” is one who would otherwise be an affected employee but who has
notified the employer by the end of the specified period that the employee does not wish to pay the
bargaining fee, and whose terms and conditions of employment remain the same until such time as
varied by agreement with the employer.

30.2 The employer shall at the end of the specified period deduct the bargaining fee from the wages of
each affected employee and remit it to the union in the same manner in which union subscriptions are
deducted and remitted to the union.

30.3 Nothing in this clause applies to new employees, that is, those who are employed after this Agreement
has come into force.

30.4 This clause shall expire on 30 April 2015, which is the expiry date of this Agreement.

31.0 CONSULTATION, CO-OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE

Note For change that potentially impacts more than one DHB please be aware of the alternative
approach set out in Appendix H.

31.1 Statement of Intent

It is recognised that ongoing changes are necessary to ensure the continuing quality of health services.
These changes can be unsettling for staff.

The employer will consult when introducing change in order to seek solutions that consider the
interests of the various groups involved. Information will be shared freely within the organisation and
will be communicated in time for affected employees (and the PSA) to be involved in the consultative
process.

All participants in the process have an equally valuable contribution to make to the process of
managing change. A partnership in this process is highly desired.

31.2 Management of Change

31.2.1 The parties to this collective agreement accept that change in the health service is necessary in order
to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of health services. They recognise a mutual interest in
ensuring that health services are provided efficiently and effectively, and that each has a contribution
to make in this regard.

31.2.2 Regular consultation between the employer, its employees and the union is essential on matters of
mutual concern and interest. Effective communication between the parties will allow for:

(a) improved decision making

(b) greater cooperation between employer and employees; and
(c) A more harmonious, effective, efficient, safe and productive workplace.

31.2.3 Therefore, the parties commit themselves to the establishment of effective and ongoing
communications on all employee relations matters.

31.2.4 The employer accepts that employee delegates are a recognised channel of communication between
the union and the employer in the workplace.

31.2.5 Prior to the commencement of any significant change to staffing, structure or work practices, the
employers will identify and give reasonable notice to employees who may be affected and to the PSA
to allow them to participate in the consultative process so as to allow substantive input.

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31.2.6 Reasonable paid time off shall be allowed for employee delegates to attend meetings with
management and consult with employees to discuss issues concerning management of change and
staff surplus.

31.2.7 Prior approval of such meetings shall be obtained from the employer and such approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld.

31.3 Participation

Partnership for Quality relies on the participation of PSA members in decisions that affect their working
lives To be meaningful participation requires active involvement of the union in decision-making, (not
just consultation on decisions already made) .and workers having real influence over their working
environment.

Partnership for Quality is underpinned by the principles contained in Appendix H.

The working relationship between the parties is based on principles that deliver constructive, timely
and meaningful engagement between the parties around issues of common interest. In doing this the
parties recognise each party has their individual objectives.

31.3.1 Consultation involves the statement of a proposal not yet finally decided upon, listening to what others
have to say, considering their responses and then deciding what will be done. Consultation clearly
requires more than mere prior notification.

31.3.2 The requirement for consultation should not be treated perfunctorily or as a mere formality. The
person(s) to be consulted must be given sufficient opportunity to express their view or to point to
difficulties or problems. If changes are proposed and such changes need to be preceded by
consultation, the changes must not be made until after the necessary consultation has taken place.

31.3.3 Both parties should keep open minds during consultation and be ready to change. Sufficiently precise
information must be given to enable the person(s) being consulted to state a view, together with a
reasonable opportunity to do so – either orally or in writing.

31.3.4 Consultation requires neither agreement nor consensus, but the parties accept that consensus is a
desirable outcome.

31.3.5 However, the final decision shall be the responsibility of the employer.

31.3.6 From time to time directives will be received from government and other external bodies, or through
legislative change. On such occasions, the consultation will be related to the implementation process
of these directives.

31.3.7 The process of consultation for the management of change shall be as follows:

a) The initiative being consulted about should be presented by the employer as a “proposal” or
“proposed intention or plan” which has not yet been finalised.
b) Sufficient information must be provided by the employer to enable the party/parties consulted to
develop an informed response.
c) Sufficient time must be allowed for the consulted party/parties to assess the information and make
such response, subject to the overall time constraints within which a decision needs to be made.
d) Genuine consideration must be given by the employer to the matters raised in the response.
e) The final decision shall be the responsibility of the employer.

The above process shall be completed prior to the implementation of clause 31.4.

31.4 Staff Surplus

31.4.1 When as a result of the substantial restructuring of the whole, or any parts, of the employer's
operations; either due to the re-organisation, review of work method, change in plant (or like cause),

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 56 of 131

 the employer requires a reduction in the number of employees, or, employees can no longer be
employed in their current position, at their current grade or work location (i.e. the terms of appointment
to their present position), then the options in sub-clause 31.4.4 below shall be invoked and decided on
a case by case basis in accordance with this clause.

31.4.2 Notification of a staffing surplus shall be advised to the affected employees and their Union at least
one month prior to the date of giving notice of severance to any affected employee. This date may be
varied by agreement between the parties. During this period, the employer and employee, who can
elect to involve their Union Representative, will meet to agree on the options appropriate to the
circumstances. Where employees are to be relocated, at least three months' notice shall be given to
employees, provided that in any situation, a lesser period of notice may be mutually agreed between
the employee and the employer where the circumstances warrant it (and agreement shall not be
unreasonably withheld).

31.4.3 The following information shall be made available to the Union representatives:
a) the location/s of proposed surplus
b) the total number of proposed surplus employees
c) the date by which the surplus needs to be discharged
d) the positions, grading, names and ages of the affected employees who are union members
e) availability of alternative positions in the DHB.

On request the Union representative will be supplied with relevant additional information where
available.

31.4.4 Options

The following are the options to be applied in staff surplus situations:

a) Reconfirmed in position
b) Attrition
c) Redeployment
d) Retraining
e) Severance

Option (a) will preclude employees from access to the other options. The aim will be to minimise the
use of severance. When severance is included, the provisions in subclause 31.4.9 will be applied as a
package.

31.4.5 Reconfirmed in position

Where a position is to be transferred into a new structure in the same location and grade, where there
is one clear candidate for the position, the employee is to be confirmed in it. Where there is more than
one clear candidate the position will be advertised with appointment made as per normal appointment
procedures.

31.4.6 Attrition

Attrition means that as people leave their jobs because they retire, resign, transfer, die or are
promoted then they may not be replaced. In addition or alternatively, there may be a partial or
complete freeze on recruiting new employees or on promotions.

31.4.7 Redeployment

a) Employees may be redeployed to an alternative position for which they are appropriately trained (or
training may be provided). Any transfer provisions will be negotiated on an actual and reasonable
basis.

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 Where the new job is at a lower salary, an equalisation allowance will be paid to preserve the salary
of the employee at the rate paid in the old job at the time of redeployment. The salary can be
preserved in the following ways:

b) lump sum to make up for the loss of basic pay for the next two years (this is not abated by any
subsequent salary increases); or

c) an ongoing allowance for two years equivalent to the difference between the present salary and the
new salary (this is abated by any subsequent salary increases).
(i) Where the new job is within the same local area and extra travelling costs are involved, actual
additional travelling expenses by public transport shall be reimbursed for up to 12 months.
(ii) The redeployment may involve employees undertaking some on-the-job training.

31.4.8 Retraining

Where a skill shortage is identified, the employer may offer a surplus employee retraining to meet that
skill shortage with financial assistance up to the maintenance of full salary plus appropriate training
expenses. It may not be practical to offer retraining to some employees identified as surplus. The
employer needs to make decisions on the basis of cost, the availability of appropriate training
schemes and the suitability of individuals for retraining.

If an employee is redeployed to a position which is similar to his/her previous one, any retraining may
be minimal, taking the form of on-the-job training such as induction or in-service education. Where an
employee is deployed to a new occupation or a dissimilar position the employer should consider such
forms of retraining as in-service education, block courses or night courses at a technical institute,
nursing bridges programmes, etc.

31.4.9 Severance

Payment will be made in accordance with the following:

a) “Service” for the purposes of this subclause means total aggregated service with the employing DHB, its
predecessors or any other DHB, but excludes any service with any DHB or their predecessor which has
been taken into account for the purposes of calculating any entitlement to a redundancy/severance/early
retirement or similar payment from any other DHBs or their predecessors. Employees who commenced
employment with the current employing DHB prior to 1 October 2008 will retain pre-existing severance
provisions , which are more favourable than those in this clause.

b) 8.33 per cent of base salary (T1 rate only) for the preceding 12 months, in lieu of notice. This payment
shall only be made where the requisite notice cannot be given. Notice that is of a lesser period than
required by this document shall require the employer to pay an amount proportionate to the ungiven
period of notice. This payment is regardless of length of service; and

c) 12 per cent of base salary (T1 rate only) for the preceding 12 months, or part thereof for employees with
less than 12 months' service; and

d) 4 per cent of base salary (T1 rate only) for the preceding 12 months multiplied by the number of years of
service minus one, up to a maximum of 19; and

e) Where the period of total aggregated service is less than 20 years, 0.333 per cent of basic salary (T1
rate only) for the preceding 12 months multiplied by the number of completed months in addition to
completed years of service.

f) A retiring gratuity or service payment if applicable (the retiring gratuity provision in the regional MECA
that preceded this Agreement shall apply including, where applicable, the provisions that relate to
employees with less than 10 years’, eight years’ and five years’ service). The parties note that not all
DHBs had retirement gratuity provisions in the regional MECAs that preceded this Agreement).

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 g) Outstanding annual leave and long service leave may be separately cashed up.

h) Where there is an offer of redeployment to reduced hours, an employee may elect to take a pro-rata
compensatory payment based on the above severance calculation.

i) Nothing in this agreement shall require the employer to pay compensation for redundancy where as a
result of restructuring, and following consultation, the employee’s position is disestablished and the
employee declines an offer of employment that is on terms that are:

 the same as, or no less favourable, than the employee’s conditions of employment; and
 in the same capacity as that in which the employee was employed by the employer, or
 in any capacity in which the employee is willing to accept

31.4.10 Job Search

Employees will be assisted to find alternative employment by being able to have a reasonable amount of time off
work to attend job interviews without loss of pay. This is subject to the team leader/manager being notified of
the time and location of the interview before the employee is released.

31.4.11 Counselling

Counselling for the employee and their family will be made available as necessary.

31.4.12 Change of Ownership

Where an employee's employment is being terminated by the employer by reason of the sale or transfer of the
whole or part of the employer's business, nothing in this agreement shall require the employer to pay
compensation for redundancy to the employee if:

(a) The person acquiring the business or the part being sold or transferred -
(i) has offered the employee employment in the business or the part being sold or transferred;
and
(ii) has agreed to treat service with the employer as if it were service with that person and as if it
were continuous; and

(b) The conditions of employment offered to the employee by the person acquiring the business or the
part of the business being sold or transferred are the same as, or are no less favourable than, the
employee's conditions of employment, including:
(i) any service related conditions; and
(ii) any conditions relating to redundancy; and
(iii) any conditions relating to superannuation -

under the employment being terminated; and

(c) The offer of employment by the person acquiring the business or the part of the business being sold
or transferred is an offer to employ the employee in that business or part of the business either:
(i) in the same capacity as that in which the employee was employed by the Employer, or
(ii) in any capacity that the employee is willing to accept.

(d) Where the person acquiring the business does not offer the employee employment on the basis of
a, b and c above, the employee will have full access to the staff surplus provisions.

31.4.13 Employee Protection Provisions

The parties acknowledge that Section 69M of the Employment Relations Act requires all collective
agreements to contain provisions in relation to the protection of employees where their employer’s
business is restructured. It is agreed that these provisions exist within the current collective

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 agreement (e.g. Clause 31.2 Management of Change and Clause 31.4.12 Change of Ownership) or
by virtue of the statutory provisions set out in Sections 19, 20 and 21 of Schedule 1B of the
Employment Relations Act.

32.0 RETIRING GRATUITIES

The retiring gratuity provisions that applied in the regional MECAs that preceded this Agreement shall continue
to apply.

33.0 ENDING EMPLOYMENT

33.1 Notice Period

33.1.1 The employee/employer may terminate the employment agreement with four weeks’ written notice,
unless otherwise negotiated with the employer. Agreement for a shorter notice period will not be
unreasonably withheld. When the agreed notice is not given, the unexpired notice may be paid or
forfeited by the party failing to give the agreed notice.

33.1.2 This shall not prevent the employer from summarily dismissing any employee without notice for
serious misconduct or other good cause in accordance with the employing DHB’s disciplinary
procedures and/or rules of conduct.

33.2 Abandonment of Employment

An employee absent from work for three consecutive working days without notification to the employer
or without appropriate authorisation from the employer will be considered by the employer as having
terminated their employment without notice, unless the employee is able to show they were unable to
fulfil their obligations under this section through no fault of their own. The employer will make all
reasonable efforts to contact the employee during the three days period of unnotified absence.

34.0 HARASSMENT PREVENTION

34.1 Employees should refer in the first instance to the provisions and procedures specified in the
employer's Harassment Policy. The employee’s attention is also drawn to clause 34 - Employment
Relationship Problems. Harassment can take many forms, including sexual harassment, bullying,
racial harassment, violence, and other forms of intimidating behaviour.

34.2 Guidelines for Supervisors and Guidelines for Complainants are available from the Human Resources
Department.

35.0 EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS:

These include such things as personal grievances, disputes, claims of unpaid wages, allowances or holiday pay.

Let The Employer Know

Employees who have a problem in their employment should let the employer know so that the problem can be
resolved in a timely manner. In most cases employees will be able to approach their manager to talk the issue
through and reach an agreement. HR can help with this process. However, it is recognised that sometimes
employees may not feel comfortable in approaching their manager or an agreement may not be able to be
reached. If this is the case, employees may wish to contact a PSA delegate or organiser to get advice or
assistance.

Representation
At any stage PSA members are entitled to have appropriate PSA representation working on their behalf.

The PSA Organising Centre is on-line between 8:30am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 60 of 131

Freephone 0508 FOR PSA
0508 367 772
Email enquiries@psa.org.nz
Website www.psa.org.nz

The employer will work with the employee and the PSA to try and resolve the problem. The employer can also
choose to have a representative working on its behalf.

Mediation Services
If the problem continues employees have the right to access the Mediation Service. The mediators are employed
by the Employment Relations Service as one of a range of free services to help people to resolve employment
relationship problems quickly and effectively. The mediators will help the parties decide on the process that is
most likely to resolve problems as quickly and fairly as possible.

Employees can ask their union organiser/delegate to provide assistance in accessing this service. Alternatively,
the Mediation Service can be contacted on 0800 800 863.

Employment Relations Authority

If the parties are still unable to resolve the workplace problem, employees can apply to the Employment
Relations Authority (ERA) for assistance. The ERA is an investigative body that operates in an informal way,
although it is more formal than the Mediation Service. The ERA looks into the facts and makes a decision based
on the merits of the case, not on legal technicalities.

Again employees can ask a union organiser to provide assistance in accessing this service.

Personal Grievances

Employees may feel that they have grounds for raising a personal grievance with the employer (for unjustified
dismissal, unjustifiable disadvantage, discrimination, duress, sexual or racial harassment). If this is the case,
employees need to raise their grievance within 90 days of the action occurring or the grievance coming to their
notice. If the grievance is not raised to the employer’s attention within this timeframe the employee’s claim may
be out of time.

If the employee’s grievance is raised out of time, the employer can choose to accept the later grievance or to
reject it. If the employer chooses to reject it, the employee can ask the ERA to grant leave to raise the grievance
out of time.

The employee’s grievance needs to be raised with the employer so that the employer knows what it is about and
can try to work to resolve it. The employee can verbally advise the employer or put the grievance in writing. The
employee’s PSA delegate or organiser can help with this process. Once the employer knows of the employee’s
grievance, the employer is able to respond to the expressed concerns.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 61 of 131

 Employee advises employer of
relationship problem within 90 days of
the problem arising. The PSA can
Employment advise & assist with this process.
Relationship
Problem Resolution
Process
Employer acknowledges being notified
of the problem.

Problem
resolved
no Employer & employee meet to attempt To appeal 90 day time limit.
further to resolve the problem.
action
required
Problem not resolved.

Matter referred to Mediation Service

(Ministry of Business, Innovation & Problem not resolved.
Employment). This is a free service.
The parties may choose to ask the
Mediator to make a binding decision.
Matter referred to Employment
Relations Authority. This is a
more formal process.

Problem not resolved. ERA makes a decision.

Appeals must be made to the Problem

Employment Court within 28 days. resolved
no
further
action
Problem not resolved. required

Appeals can be made to the Court of

Appeal on points of law within 28 days.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 62 of 131

36.0 VARIATION TO COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

This Agreement may be varied in writing by the signed agreement between the employers and the PSA, subject
to their respective ratification processes. Any variation will apply only to those employees directly affected.
Employees are “directly affected” only if their terms of employment will be altered as a result of the proposed
variation. At the time of entering into this agreement, the employers’ ratification process requires the signature of
all employer parties.

37.0 SAVINGS

Except as specifically varied by this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall operate so as to reduce the
wages and conditions of employment applying to any employee at the date of this Agreement coming into force.

The parties acknowledge that all matters discussed during the negotiation of this Agreement have been dealt
with, and where intentionally deleted, the savings clause does not apply.

Further, provisions from previous agreements that are to continue to apply have been recorded by way of letter
provided to the union by the employer concerned.

38.0 NON- WAIVER UNDERSTANDING

Failure by either party to enforce any right or obligation with respect to any matter arising in connection with this
Agreement shall not constitute a waiver as to that matter, or any other matter, either then or in the future.

39.0 TERM OF DOCUMENT

This agreement shall be deemed to have come into force on 27 October 2014 and shall expire on 30 April 2015.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 63 of 131

Appendix A - Career and Salary Progression (CASP) Framework
Applies to:
Allied Health & Public Health Salary Scale
Alcohol & Other Drug Clinicians
Hauora Maori Workers (Levels 2 & 3)
Health & Clinical Support Workers (Levels 2 & 3)
Psychologists

Introduction
The Career and Salary Progression (CASP) framework establishes a fair, transparent and consistent process for
career and salary progression for practitioners on the non-automatic salary steps on the following salary scales
who wish to apply for salary progression: Allied Health, Alcohol & Other Drug Clinicians, Hauora Maori Workers
(Grades 2 & 3), Health & Clinical Support Workers (Grades 2 & 3) and Psychologists.

This Schedule provides all practitioners and their managers with the framework and process agreed between
District Health Boards (DHBs) and the Public Service Association (PSA). The framework has been developed as
a single document that will be used by all professions and is a prospective process involving the mutual setting
of goals between a practitioner and their manager.

The framework provides practitioners with a pathway for career progression and salary review appropriate to
their individual, profession and service requirements. Practitioners on the non-automatic salary steps who
choose not to participate in the CASP process must continue to demonstrate ongoing competency at their
current salary step.

Many of the activities described in this document could be applicable to practitioners on the automatic salary
steps. However, for practitioners participating in CASP, the objectives that they develop will further extend their
practice. Their work will contribute to the ongoing development of both themselves and the service that they
work in. It is also expected that they will be leading other practitioners to integrate the DHB’s Vision, Values and
organisational Goals into practice. Practitioners accessing this framework may be working in either specialist or
generalist areas of practice and their activity may occur in acute, ambulatory, community, rural, public health or
other settings involving clients with physical and/or mental health issues, and other key stakeholders.

The CASP framework has seven practice domains: Professional & Clinical Practice, Teaching & Learning,
Evaluation & Research, Leadership & Management, Quality & Risk Management/Service Development,
Advanced Māori Responsiveness and Cultural Responsiveness.

Māori Responsiveness/ Te Anga atu ki ngā Hiahia o te iwi Māori

Kua oti te anganga atu ki ngā hiahia o te iwi Māori te tuitui ki roto i te anga o CASP. Kua inoi atu ki ngā kaimahi
kia whakaarotia ētahi pūkenga matua i ia wāhanga o ā rātou kāpuinga mahi, e whakaatu mai ana i ngā urupare
hāngai ki ngā hiahia hauora o te iwi Māori. Ka kite tonu ngā Kaimahi Hauora Ngaio i roto i ngā kaupapa e hāngai
ana ki ia wāhanga tētahi tauira me pēhea e huri mai ai ki te tautoko i te hunga Māori, me pēhea hoki e
whakapakaritia ai ngā hua hauora mō ngāi Māori i roto i ngā mahi.

Kua oti te kaupapa te Toi o ngā Mahi Anga atu ki ngā Hiahia o te iwi Māori mā te hunga Māori, hei whakawhānui
i te akoranga, i te whakamanatanga, me te whakatinanatanga o ngā mōhiotanga ahurea, ngā pūmanawa me
ngā pūkenga e hāngai pū ana, ina mahi tahi me te iwi Māori. Kei roto i tēnei wāhanga kāpuinga mahi tētahi wāhi
mā ngā kaimahi Māori e mahi ana i ngā wāhanga hauora ahakoa ki hea, engari ka noho ēnei hei tautoko i ngā
rāngai e tino hāngai ana ki te Māori. Ko ngā ariā me ngā mahi e pā ana ki te anga atu ki ngā hiahia o te iwi
Māori, i hangaia, i tuia mai hoki ki roto, hei wāhanga o ngā mahi tahitanga ki Te Rau Matatini.

Responding to the needs of Māori has been incorporated throughout the CASP framework. Practitioners are
encouraged to consider core competencies within each of the domains of practice that aim to express
appropriate responses to Māori health needs. The Practitioner will note within the themes corresponding to each
domain an example of how they might demonstrate behaviours conducive to Māori and supportive of positive
health outcomes.

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The practice domain of Advanced Māori Responsiveness has been developed to extend the acquisition,
acknowledgement and implementation of specialised cultural knowledge, skills and competencies when Māori
are specifically working with Māori. This practice domain provides scope for Māori practitioners who may be
employed in any health care setting, however will be supportive to Māori focused contexts.

The concepts and practices regarding Māori responsiveness have been developed and integrated in partnership
with Te Rau Matatini.

Statement of Accountability
The CASP Framework process requires mutual responsibility and accountability of all staff involved. This should
include the individual practitioner, their manager(s) and the professional representative for that discipline. The
process is prospective and includes setting objectives, preparing the agreed evidence within the practitioner’s
portfolio, and presenting achievements at the annual performance review meeting. However, the setting of
objectives may take into consideration work that has been initiated within a reasonable timeframe of the
objectives being set as long as objectives remain current to service need/service development and of benefit to
professional development. The practitioner being appraised is responsible for meeting their own tasks and
highlighting issues with their manager that may impact on their ability to complete activities within agreed
timelines. If this does not occur the salary progression process could be discontinued at that time, although the
annual performance review process will be completed.

Principles
The principles of fairness, transparency and consistency in the application of the Career and Salary Progression
(CASP) Framework will be achieved by:
1. Establishing agreed expectations and associated evidence required between the individual, their manager
and professional representative
a) The CASP framework is a prospective process (note the Statement of Accountability) and will take a
minimum of one year to complete
b) It will align with regulatory and professional standards as appropriate
c) It requires achievement of a satisfactory performance review as agreed by both parties prior to the
commencement of CASP
d) It requires that a practitioner is not under a performance management process
e) It establishes challenging expectations within the practitioner’s current role, which could be via a
clinical/practice and/or a managerial pathway
f) Where a professional representative is not available for practitioners within a local DHB, one will be
appropriately sourced from the region in the first instance
g) Both the individual and their manager share accountability for initiating and maintaining the CASP
process

Process
1. The practitioner selects the themes within each domain and develops SMART objectives (in consultation
with a suitable professional representative from that discipline).
2. The compulsory domains required are outlined in the table below. Non-compulsory domain objectives are
completed from any practice domain within the document relevant to the position, service requirements and
development needs of the practitioner. The number of objectives will be agreed between the manager and
the employee.

Occupational Group Compulsory Domains

Allied Health, AOD Clinicians, Health &  Clinical & Professional Practice
Clinical Support Workers (Level 3)  One objective demonstrating Maori
responsiveness (can come out of any of the
practice domains & may be part of the Clinical
& Professional Practice objective)
Hauora Maori Workers (Level 3) &  Advanced Maori Responsiveness
practitioners in Maori designated positions/  Clinical & Professional Practice
services.
Hauora Maori Workers (Level 2)  Advanced Maori Responsiveness
 Clinical & Professional Practice
Health & Clinical Support Workers (Level 2)  Clinical & Professional Practice

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3. The employee may consult the PSA if there is a dispute between them and their manager over the size of
the objectives.
4. The manager and the employee will discuss the appropriate support required for the employee to complete
the CASP process at the time their objectives are set. Any reasonable resources, including time, must be
identified and agreed when objectives are initially set, with consideration given to the maintenance of normal
service requirements. The objectives are then signed off by the manager
5. The practitioner completes the work during the year, with the evidence kept in their professional portfolio
6. The objectives and evidence of the completed activity is reviewed at the end of the year by the line manager,
with discipline-specific professional input
7. Consultation between the practitioner and their manager(s) should be ongoing throughout the year to allow
for any amendments should circumstances change or additional opportunities present themselves
8. If all agreed activities have been completed, then the salary progression occurs
9. Where there are disagreements during this process, local DHB dispute resolution processes will apply

Professional & Clinical Practice

This practice domain is fundamental to the CASP Framework. All practitioners are employed in clinical and/or
professional practice roles where this activity forms the majority of their outputs.

Practitioners will be:

 Demonstrating significant and advanced clinical/professional practice skills and competencies aligned to
their discipline-specific standards, expectations, codes of ethics and service requirements;
 Demonstrating an ability and willingness to pass their knowledge and expertise on to other practitioners at
local, national and international levels as appropriate;
 Demonstrating clinical/professional practise leadership within their profession, wider than their immediate
service environment; and
 Collaborating, initiating and/or developing partnerships that impact on clinical/professional practice at local,
regional or national levels.
 Demonstrating clinical/professional practice that uphold tikanga based principles.

Themes Examples of Activities

Demonstrates - Acts as a resource person

professional/clinical (practice) - Demonstrates innovation in practice
leadership/knowledge - Critical consumer of literature and demonstrates integration
into practice
- Acknowledges the significance and use of te reo Māori and
can communicate using basic greetings with appropriate
pronunciation
- Acknowledges and actively engages in the impact of whaka
whanaunga on a person’s life story

Acts as a clinical/professional - Provides peer review

resource person - Provides clinical guidance/mentoring
- Develops formal teaching/papers
- Develops resource materials for populations
- Influences community and population health issues
- Involvement in service specific contract negotiation
- Uses advanced professional knowledge and expertise to
act as a resource
- Provides formal review of professional practice of a
colleague external to the organisation
- Welcomes manuhiri by providing a welcoming environment
and facilitates interactive communication

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Develops collaborative - Develops and maintains strategic relationships
partnerships that impact on internal/external to the organisation
clinical/professional practice - Advances strategic relationships internal/external to the
organisation
- Advances consumer involvement in the provision of health
or health services
- Advances effective team working
- Demonstrates the acknowledgement of the significance
and use of te reo Māori and communicates using basic
greetings with appropriate pronunciation
- Aligns frameworks, practices and concepts to Māori
paradigms of health

Advances strategic relationships - Demonstrates the development of new relationships or

internal/external to the expands current relationships between provider arm
organisation services and the primary/NGO sector and/or other
agencies
- Demonstrates consumer involvement in service
development/review and/or the provision of health or health
services
- Advances effective team working
- Demonstrates the acknowledgement of the significance
and use of te reo māori and communicates using basic
greetings with appropriate pronunciation
- Demonstrates the acknowledgement of frameworks align
practices and concepts to Māori paradigms of health

Demonstrates advancing clinical - Identifies and responds to clinical /professional risk

/professional competency - Demonstrates clinical/professional effectiveness
- Manages increasingly complex ethical/professional/clinical
situations, acknowledging cultural linkages and views
(tuakiri)
- Demonstrates advancing assessment/intervention skills,
acknowledging concepts and perceptions of Māori
spirituality
- Demonstrates an understanding of traditional views of
health of other cultures and aligns this with practice

Contributes to relevant - Participates in Advisory Committees, Competency Panels,

Professional Body Registration Authorities or other groups relevant to the
profession/discipline
- Contributes to the development of national standards of
practice
- Presents a paper at a national/international professional
meeting/conference/workshop
- Presents as an invited keynote speaker at a
national/international professional
meeting/conference/workshop
- Participates in a professional working group / review group
(external to the DHB) at a local /regional /national or
international level
- Participates as a reviewer in a profession-wide peer review
process

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Teaching & Learning
All practitioners participate in these activities throughout their careers. For practitioners on the non-automatic
salary steps, there is an expectation that they will be providing appropriate leadership in this area and, where
opportunities exist, may be:
 Actively involved in mentoring and supervision of students and/or other practitioners;
 Actively engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders; and
 Leading and initiating teaching & learning activities at local, national and international levels as appropriate;
and may be
 Actively participating in post-graduate work or study
 Actively supporting Māori methods of learning

Theme Examples of Activities

Actively seeks opportunities to - Undertakes post-graduate work relevant to the profession

develop self professionally and/or the service
- Writes an article/paper for publication relevant to the
profession/service
- Undertakes research relevant to the profession and/or the
service
- Implements new directions and/or areas of service
provision
- Is a critical consumer of the literature and can
demonstrate changes in service provision following
implementation of practice change
- Specialises or provides practice to a niche area, benefiting
the service provided
- Aligns frameworks, practices and concepts to Māori
paradigms of health

Actively seeks opportunities to develop - Provides supervision and/or peer review (where this is not
staff within or external to the a core requirement of the role) to other staff which may
service/discipline include specific problem solving sessions
- Implements quality projects aimed at directly improving
services provided
- Organises and provides continuing education of staff
which may include development and implementation of in-
service programmes, relevant educational materials and
inter-professional educational activities
- Organises and delivers presentations external to the
organisation to a variety of stakeholders and the
development of educational materials if required
- Is involved with teaching professional/clinical practice at a
relevant tertiary organisation for undergraduate or
postgraduate students of the same or another discipline
- Organises and participates in a relevant professional
course/conference/workshop
- Demonstrated involvement with iwi, other Māori providers
and Māori trainers

Evaluation & Research

This practice domain emphasises the development of evaluation and research skills so that they can be applied
to the clinical & professional practice environments in particular. It is essential to support the development and
implementation of these skills so that practitioners can incorporate practice-based evidence that underpins their
work, demonstrating quality and improved health outcomes while contributing to local service delivery.

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Theme Examples of Activities

Maintains and updates knowledge in - Critically evaluates current research literature and shares
practice this information with others
- Searches for and critiques research material in areas of
practice
- Initiates service improvements through validated research
findings in clinical practice/service delivery
- Develops treatment protocols or evidenced based
guidelines
- Takes responsibility for the generation, implementation
and review of relevant protocols/procedures

Participates in outcome - Participates in evaluation and outcome measurement and

measurement and incorporates recommendations into practice
reflects this in practice - Initiates ideas/ programmes/ interventions and/or
strategies that may lead to improvements in practice,
operational service delivery or wider community health
outcomes
- Implements research within the constraints of the
organisation – may include quality assurance, evaluation
projects and consumer outcome measurement systems

Research participation and development - Actively participates in research activity in professional

development /management /leadership issues
- Leads (or actively participates) in research projects which
may include service reviews, documentation audits,
practice audits and change of practice
- Submits a research activity/paper for publication
- Leader of a project that involves a multidisciplinary team
at local or national level
- Acts as a peer reviewer for academic journal
- Reviews research protocols at local or national level
- Actively participates in the development of standards of
practice based on theory, research and evaluation
- Conducts research as a principle investigator/co-
investigator in research activity within/external to
organisation

Undertakes relevant post - Completes all study requirements

graduate/tertiary study - Applies and disseminates knowledge to colleagues and
peers to enhance practice and improve health outcomes
- Applies key research principles for Māori involvement
- Sources mandate from appropriate forums for Māori
research projects

Leadership & Management

This practice domain focuses on the development and application of leadership and management skills,
particularly (but not exclusively) for those practitioners in designated roles with responsibility for clinical/practice
leadership and/or beginning management responsibility. The practitioner will support or lead tikanga based
principles.

Theme Examples of Activities

Demonstrates Leadership - Demonstrates and promotes integration of the DHB’s

Vision, Values and Goals

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Theme Examples of Activities

- Provides leadership and/or management for a group of

health practitioners within a team (where this is not a core
requirement of the role)
- Leads appropriate change management initiatives
- Provides representation of the team perspective to senior
managers
- Develops and extends networks with peers and
professional colleagues internal and external to the DHB,
including training institutions
- Resolves ethical and professional issues relating to self
and others clinical/professional practice
- Leads and supports an aspect of Māori /other cultural
competence development within a service area
- Challenges culturally inappropriate practices and supports
staff to make changes

Understands and integrates - Demonstrates an understanding of national policies,

national or international strategies and/or legislation and their impacts on Māori
policies, guidelines, strategies health care delivery
and/or legislation into - Integrates the requirements / recommendations into
clinical/professional practice specific clinical/professional situations
- Provides guidance to other practitioners regarding the
impact of requirements / recommendations on
clinical/professional practice
- Contributes to consultation on the implementation and
practice of legislation and policies etc

Advocates for the professional - Represents the views of their professional group
group within wider political - Represents their profession while participating in working
arena and / or work parties, professional groups, in areas of review and
environment professional policies/procedures
- Actively supports and advocates within their profession to
meet the core health goals identified by the Ministry of
Health and/or the strategy within the District Annual Plan

Demonstrates operational - Contributes to the efficient organisation and performance

management skills of the team
- Deputises for Service Manager/ Professional
Leader/Advisor or representative when required
- Leads team building and development activities
- Leads conflict resolution processes
- Identifies and resolves risk management issues
- Leading and prioritising work at times of staff shortages

Undertakes project - Demonstrates project management skills e.g. scoping,

management activities business case development, stakeholder and risk
management, communication plans, resource
management, reporting requirements, project
implementation and evaluation
- Demonstrates understanding of the financial
implications/budget restraints/resources available and
works within these
- Demonstrates consultation with stakeholders
- Promotes and markets the project
- Manages change related to the project

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Theme Examples of Activities

Demonstrates advancing team-member - Values and encourages the diverse contribution of team
skills members
- Facilitates a problem solving approach
- Demonstrates effective negotiation skills
- Demonstrates a constructive approach to conflict
resolution
- Identifies and constructively manages disruptive
behaviour within the team
- Advocates for and supports the team members
- Raises the profile of the team / profession
- Demonstrates of role modelling the principles of
whanaungatanga

Quality & Risk Management / Service Development

Practitioners participate in these activities throughout their careers. For practitioners on the non-automatic salary
steps, there is an expectation that they will be providing appropriate leadership in this area and expanding their
view beyond the immediate work environment to include critical evaluation, analysis and reflection of the impact
and quality of their service delivery on other teams, services, disciplines and/or organisations. Practitioners will
be:

 Actively participating in quality activities (across the organisation);

 Actively engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders inclusive of Māori; and
 Leading and initiating Quality & Risk Management / Service Development activities as it impacts on their
team, discipline and/or service.

Theme Examples of Activities

Contributes to quality projects or activities - Leads (or actively participates) in quality initiatives and
(individual or team) quality assurance activities including service reviews,
clinical audits and change of practice
- Takes responsibility for service changes and
developments in alignment with DHB objectives
- Identifies gaps in the service and takes steps to remedy
them
- Takes an active role in resolving ethical professional or
service issues
- Initiates effective processes with another service to
enhance collaborative working
- Initiates ideas/ programmes/ interventions and/or
strategies that may lead to improvements in clinical
practice, operational service delivery or wider community
health outcomes
- Relates goals and actions to strategic aims of the
organisation and profession

Takes a leadership or proactive role with - Enhances the team’s achievement of the organisational
the team/ service that supports the Service goals/strategic direction
Manager/Line Manager in achieving - Takes a primary role in the strategic direction of the
strategic direction service
- Provides coaching, mentoring, supervision and
development of other staff
- Initiates ideas/ programmes/ interventions and/or
strategies that may lead to improvements in clinical

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Theme Examples of Activities

practice, operational service delivery or wider community

health outcomes
- Contributes to the development and delivery of service
plans
- Influences the direction of the service e.g. projects,
contracts etc.
- Challenges culturally inappropriate practices and supports
staff to make changes

Develops, updates and/or - Uses the available evidence as the basis of development/
implements review
clinical policies, procedures, - Implements improvements which may relate to aspects of
standards or guidelines clinical, cultural or service provision/ delivery
- Prioritises policies and practices that achieve fair and
effective allocation of resource and improved health
outcomes

Advanced Māori Responsiveness /

Te Toi o Te Anga Atu ki ngā Hiahia o te Iwi Māori
Kua oti tēnei wāhanga kāpuinga mahi te whakarite i roto i ngā mahi tahitanga ki Te Rau Matatini, ā, hei
whakawhānui tēnei i ngā pūkenga a ngā kaimahi Māori, i runga i te tikanga whakatairanga i ngā ōritenga o te
anga atu ki te Māori, ki te hunga ehara i te Māori, me te mōhio anō, arā anō ngā rerekētanga o ngā momo iwi
nei. He mea tēnei me mātua whakaoti, mā ngā kaimahi hauora ngaio i ngā ratonga/tūranga e tohua ana he
ratonga e hāngai ana ki te Māori, inā koa, ngā ratonga Kaupapa Māori, ā, ka taea te whai e ngā kaimahi Māori o
ngā ratonga auraki e mahi tahi ana me te Māori. Ko te whakapakaritanga o ngā whāinga o roto i ēnei kaupapa i
raro iho nei tētahi hua o te whakawhanaunga e ahu mai ai ngā mahi tiaki, tohutohu, ārahi, tohutohu hoki i te
hunga e tika ana i roto i ō rātou rōpū, i te hapori nui tonu hoki.

This practice domain has been developed in partnership with Te Rau Matatini and advances the competencies
for Māori practitioners in a way that highlights the commonalities for non-Māori and Māori responsiveness, as
well as acknowledging points of difference. It is compulsory for practitioners in Māori designated
positions/services e.g. Kaupapa Māori services, and optional for other Māori practitioners in main-stream
services who work with Māori. The development of objectives based on the themes identified below relies on
maintaining key relationships to ensure oversight, direction, leadership and guidance from the appropriate
people within their organisations and community.

Theme Examples of Activities

Wairua - Demonstrates processes and an understanding of the

Recognises an individuals spirituality and the depth of the spiritual realm that a person may encounter,
significance in their well-being (inclusive of people and environment) e.g.
o Guides tangata whaiora to identify tapu, noa and rahui
and the impact on (for example) their hinengaro,
whenua or whakapapa
o Utilises Māori frameworks to gauge the realm tangata
whaiora is sitting in e.g. te whare tapa wha, te wheke,
pae tonga, takarangi framework etc

Te Reo - Demonstrates leadership and fluency of communication in

Recognises the diversity of cultures and a range of settings, exchanges and dialects e.g.
languages. Respects the value of te reo Māori o Develops resource materials for the team/service
and its usage in the health setting o Introduces Māori language to other team members
o Acts as a resource person within the organisation
o Seeks leadership and guidance from pakeke, koroua
and kuia

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Theme Examples of Activities

Whakawhanaunga - Demonstrates leadership in the context of inter-

Recognises an individual’s choice of family and generational principles around Ko Āu, Whānau and
friends and their inter-connected relationships Whanaunga e.g. the development of a case study that is
available as a learning activity for other practitioners that
includes:
o Whākapapa
o Familial and other relationships of tangata whaiora
o The importance of relationships of tangata whaiora
o A clear understanding of the way the family operates
and explores how their patterns of behaviour can
impact on subsequent generations
o Recommends appropriate intervention taking the above
concepts into consideration

Tuakiri - Demonstrates and facilitates positive changes in

Recognises the importance of a person’s maintaining hauora
unique identity o Promotes tangata whaiora to make appropriate choices
for healthy lifestyles
o Demonstrates Māori frameworks to facilitate hauora
e.g. pōwhiri poutama, rangi matrix, te whare tapa wha,
te wheke

Manaaki - Leads and responds to a variety of settings that engage

Recognises the extent of importance in with tangata whaiora and their whanau i.e. marae, hui,
showing respect or kindness to people whanau etc as tangata whenua or manuhiri
o Develops resource for the team/service
o Role models and leads the concepts of manaaki to
tangata whaiora/whānau and other team members
o Respects others in the practice of manaaki, inclusive of
koha and reciprocity

Ngakau Māori - Develops and delivers education based upon Māori

Recognises and understands the strategic frameworks to inform professional/clinical practice
direction of Māori concepts or ideas - Provides cultural supervision for other Māori practitioners
- Actively leads strategic planning and direction of Māori
services that improve Māori outcomes
- Monitors and evaluates effectiveness of planned
intervention

Cultural Responsiveness
This practice domain advances the competencies for practitioners regarding cultural competence for pacific
cultures or for people from other cultures that you interact with in your clinical/professional practice. Cultural
Responsiveness requires an awareness of cultural diversity and the ability to function effectively and respectfully
when working with people from different cultural backgrounds. It also requires awareness of the practitioner’s
own identity and values, as well as an understanding of how these relate to practice. Cultural mores are not
restricted to ethnicity but also include (but are not limited to) those related to gender, spiritual belies, sexual
orientation, abilities, lifestyle, beliefs, age, social status or received economic worth (NZ Psychologists Board,
April 2006). The development of objectives based on the themes identified below relies on maintaining key
relationships to ensure oversight, direction, leadership and guidance from the appropriate people within local
organisations and the community.

Theme Examples of Activities

Demonstrates alignment of clinical - Develops and maintains relationships with the Pacific
/professional practice and appropriateness Health services

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Theme Examples of Activities

with the DHB’s Pacific Policy - Demonstrates a working relationship with Pacific Health
providers (including NGOs)
- Develops understanding and analysis of current issues in
specific client groups
- Links DHB Strategic Plan with clinical practice in key
target areas identified by Pacific Health

Develops an in-depth understanding of - Researches an identified Pacific culture, its wider

Pacific approaches to health environmental context, leadership structure and its
interplay with clinical practice
- Researches DHB vision and values and their link with
Pacific cultural values and principles
- Researches Pacific People’s traditional views on health
- Researches governance/partnership systems in the DHB
and kinks this to own role and responsibilities
- Researches disparities in the DHB population and links to
issues within own service
Demonstrates alignment of clinical - Develops and maintains relationships with groups
/professional practice and appropriateness representing an identified culture
with policies related to other cultural - Demonstrates a working relationship with relevant
population groups represented in your DHB community resources
- Demonstrates an understanding and analysis of current
issues in specific client groups
- Links DHB Strategic plan with clinical practice in key
target areas

Develops an in-depth understanding - Researches into an identified culture, its wider

of an identified cultural group within environmental context, leadership structure and its
your DHB interplay with clinical practice
- Researches DHB vision and values and that culture’s
population groups principles of health, linking this town
role and responsibilities
- Researches disparities in the DHB population and links
this to own service

Leads and supports an aspect of cultural - Demonstrates leadership and role- modelling in both
responsiveness within own service area clinical and professional practice and service delivery
- Challenges culturally inappropriate practices and supports
staff to make changes
- Is actively involved in developing cultural policies within
own service
- Develops needs assessment of cultural requirements for
staff
- Cultural knowledge and appropriateness is applied to
clinical and professional practice
- Demonstrates an understanding of own issues regarding
cultural intervention
- Demonstrates a working relationship with relevant
community groups
- Develops understanding and analysis of current issues in
specific client groups
- Leads the DHB Strategic Plan with clinical practice in key
target areas

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CASP – Setting Objectives

Note: eligibility includes:

Practitioner checks for eligibility with their manager  on a non-automatic salary step
 Current acceptable performance review.

Note: it is important to have a full

Practitioner attends a CASP training session understanding, however access should not
be denied if training is not available locally.

Practitioner meets with professional leader/ advisor Note: depending on skill of practitioner, they
or other professional representative and their line may not need professional input at this
manager to prepare their plan (draft objectives & stage.
required evidence).

Practitioner completes their salary progression

document (objectives, evidence & timeframes) Note: you may want to consider local
within 3 months of the performance review & moderation at this stage, i.e. discuss with a
commencement of their draft document (you are professional leader/ advisor from another
able to provisionally plan prior to your review to discipline.
decrease time delay.

Plan is signed off by one-up manager following Note: the one-up principle applies here.
agreement by line manager and professional leader Your manager’s manager MUST sign the plan
(or representative). off before you start the work.

Objectives will be reviewed regularly within the

agreed timeframe and may be amended by mutual
agreement between the practitioner & line manager, Note: as per local DHB performance review
processes.
one-up manager and professional leader/ advisor,
representative.

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 CASP – Submitting Your Evidence

Relevant information from the professional portfolio is collated by the practitioner to correspond to the
agreed evidence during the setting of CASP objectives. The portfolio & covering documentation will be
given to the line manager.

The line manager provides written acknowledgement of receipt of portfolio within 72 hours. The line
manager & professional leader/ advisor or other agreed representative reviews the portfolio
information within a mutually agreed timeframe (no later than four weeks).

Do the line manager, one-up manager and professional leader/ advisor or representative agree that the
work has been completed appropriately? This may include a discussion with the applicant.

Yes No

Line manager lets Practitioner completes

practitioner know & additional documentation
completes all relevant within agreed timeframe.
documentation for a salary
increase.

Line manager informs the

staff members what work is
required to complete their
agreed evidence.

Line manager informs the

staff member that the work
is insufficient and a salary
increase is not warranted.

Practitioner requests a
review of this decision by
the one-up manager.

One-up manager does not

support an increase. Meets with one-up manager.

One-up manager agrees that

salary progression can
proceed.
No appeal lodged, salary Practitioner is advised of
decision stands. right to appeal an appeal
(as per local DHB process)
within 15 working days.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 78 of 131

Appendix B – Merit Progression
Applies to: Technical Positions

The merit progression process will be based on the principles of Transparency, Consistency and Fairness. The
following standard criteria and practices will apply to all merit progression programs:

1. Agreeing and achieving the desired outcome(s) of a merit progression program will be the joint responsibility
of the manager and employee.
2. Merit objectives must be set and agreed prospectively by the manager and the employee in a timely manner.
However, the setting of objectives may take into consideration work that has been initiated within a
reasonable timeframe of the objectives being set as long as objectives remain current to service
need/service development and of benefit to professional development. The employee may consult the PSA
if there is a dispute between them and their manager over the size of the objectives.
3. Merit objectives must not conflict with professional legislation or the requirements of relevant regulatory
bodies.
4. Progression on merit can only occur if an individual has transitioned the automatic salary increment steps or
has been appropriately appointed to a position/salary step within the merit progression scale. A minimum
interval of one year will also apply

a) before the first merit step increment subsequently occurs and

b) between any merit step increments thereafter.

Merit objectives should therefore be agreed and/or outcomes assessed during the employee’s annual
performance plan/appraisal process.

5. Merit objectives can be renegotiated and/or extended timelines agreed if unforeseen circumstances arise.
6. The employee will be expected to take a self directed approach to meeting their merit objectives.
7. Employees will be required to provide agreed, relevant and supportive evidence that demonstrates the merit
objectives have been met in full.
8. Merit progression must
a) add value to the organisation
b) take into account the relativity (both salary and responsibility/accountability) with designated positions
within the service structure
c) either involve duties and/or responsibilities that are additional to those stated within a person’s position
description or
d) require the employee to achieve performance targets that clearly require additional effort on the
employee’s part.

9. The manager of the employee will ensure appropriate support is provided to employees undertaking the
merit progression process. Any reasonable resource requirements, including time, must be identified and
agreed when merit objectives are initially set. As part of this process consideration must be given to the
maintenance of normal service requirements.
10. A review process will be available to employees undertaking the merit progression program.
11. Participation in the merit progression program must be jointly considered by the manager and employee
each year but subsequent employee participation in the merit progression process is optional. However
employees who choose not to participate are expected to continue to demonstrate ongoing competency at
their current salary step.
12. A moderation process will used at a local, regional and national level to ensure the transparency,
consistency and fairness of the merit progression programme, within and across occupational groups and
DHBs.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 79 of 131

Merit Progression Framework

Number of Merit Objectives Required

The choice of domains required to set merit objectives is outlined below. The employee type has been identified
in four groups with merit objective expectations defined for each group – those in “Designated Positions with
staff responsibilities” (Professional Leaders, Team Leaders, Section Heads etc) , those in “Senior Positions
without staff management responsibilities”, those whose roles are predominantly “technical” and those whose
roles are predominantly “clinical”.

A total of four objectives are expected to be agreed for any fulltime employee. (0.8 -1.0 FTE accepted as
fulltime). However less than four objectives may be appropriate if the complexity and/or time commitment of one
or more objectives is significant. For employees working part-time, the number or complexity of objectives should
be adjusted to reflect the working hours of the employee.

It is acceptable that a complex objective may cover several domains. For example, leadership of a project to
develop a new part of a service may include leadership, advanced training of other employees, a literature
reviews, consultation with other professional groups and organisational / service development goal.

There remains flexibility around these choices and the final decision must be agreed with the team leader /
manager.

Employee Type Compulsory Domain Elective Domain

Designated Position with staff x2 Leadership, Minimum x1 from any domain

management responsibilities x1 Service Development
Senior Position without staff x1 Service Development x1 from any domain
management responsibilities x1 Advancing Technical /
Clinical Knowledge and/or
Practice
x1 Professional Development
Technical role x1 Advancing Technical x2 from any domain
Knowledge and/or Practice
x1 Professional Development
Clinical role x1 Advancing Clinical x2 from any domain
Knowledge and/or Practice
x1 Professional Development

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 80 of 131

EVIDENCE
Qualities of Evidence Examples of Types of Evidence

Evidence should be able to clearly demonstrate There may be many types of evidence used and
that the objective(s) have been achieved. the following list indicates some examples:

In assessing an individual’s performance against Diary or log of activity, technical summaries,

set objectives the following questions should be statistics or reports
considered: Feedback – peer, clinical supervisor, customer,
Is the evidence valid? participant, patient, family / whanau
Is the evidence a fair, transparent and realistic Self evaluation/Critical reflection
measure of the skills or performance outcomes Minutes of meetings, conference reports
being assessed? Certificates of Attainment or other training records
Is the evidence direct? Emails, letters, publications
Evidence needs to be as direct as practicable. Teaching documents / session plans /
Evidence should be collected from activities that handouts/evaluations
are clearly linked to the expected performance Policies, protocols, guidelines, copies of technical
outcome. documents developed in-house
Is the evidence authentic? Project documentation and customer/service
Does the evidence solely record the work of the signoff on completion
candidate and if not can their personal contribution Key Performance Indicators relevant to individual
be clearly and readily established? Physical examples of successful technical
Is the evidence current? modifications/designs
Evidence needs be as current as practicable. It Material evidence of the successful introduction of
should be within the agreed time frame rather than new technology
relate to or include historical achievements Quantified and verified record of cost savings
Is the evidence sufficient? realised
It is rare for one piece of evidence to be enough. Literary search or bibliography
There should be sufficient evidence to establish
that a person has met all the performance
measures.
Is the performance repeatable?
Where appropriate the evidence should show that
the candidate can successfully achieve the same or
similar objective(s) on subsequent occasions.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 81 of 131

Domains and Activities

Note that the list of activities is indicative only and the specific merit objectives will be negotiated
and agreed between the employee and team leader / manager.

DOMAIN This is a guideline only and activities are not limited to the following
options

ADVANCING - Shares specialist knowledge or applies technical practice skills locally,

TECHNCIAL inter-district or nationally
KNOWLEDGE - Resource person for specialty area to other professional groups /
AND/OR hospitals / management
PRACTICE - Introduction and implementation of new technology and/or processes
- This may include research related objectives

ADVANCING - Shares specialist knowledge or applies clinical practice skills locally,

CLINICAL inter-district or nationally
KNOWLEDGE - Resource person for specialty area to other professional groups /
AND/OR hospitals / management
PRACTICE - Introduction and implementation of new clinical practices
- This may include research related objectives

LEADERSHIP NB: If an individual is in a “designated position” the leadership merit

objective(s) must involve tasks and/or challenges in excess of that
Developing and normally associated with the position.
applying leadership
and management - Demonstrates leadership and/or management of staff either as
skills within the individuals or within a team where this is not a core requirement of the
service. role. This may include deputising for the service manager for a
reasonable period of time.
This domain is - Responsibility for a defined part of the service or for a specialist group
particularly relevant on a permanent basis. (Give consideration to size / complexity of
for staff in service and FTE)
designated roles or - Takes a relevant leadership role in service projects including those
beginning to relating to change management
undertake - Makes significant contribution to relevant professional body and/or
management develops and extends internal/external networks with peers and
support professional colleagues including those within training institutions.
responsibilities - Acts as advocate for team/profession/specialist group within the work
environment e.g. to senior management
- Understands and integrates national or international strategies,
policies, guidelines and/or legislation into professional practice

PROFESSIONAL NB: Some options not available to those who are in designated educator
DEVELOPMENT roles e.g. a) Person required to train staff as part of job description b) Peer
group mentor c) Tutor for outside agencies within specialty (e.g.
Improving one’s professional groups)
learning and
professionalism - Completes further relevant professional education or qualifications e.g.
while enhancing the tertiary/postgraduate including modular course(s)
quality of health - Peer group mentoring
outcomes and - Internal staff training
service delivery of - Major / active role in research paper
the organisation - Publication of article in professional journal
and/or wider health - Involved in relevant course facilitation and education inside or outside
community

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 82 of 131

DOMAIN This is a guideline only and activities are not limited to the following
options

the wider health community/organisation

- Advisor to other occupational groups
- Conference / course organiser, presenter (poster/paper/workshop) or
invited/keynote speaker
- Review/critique of published article, paper, journal, book for
peers/service
- Presentation of research to relevant staff/group/body
- Acting in ‘super-user” role for clinical equipment/IT
Maintains advanced and diverse level of expertise / knowledge to support
service flexibility
SERVICE - Taking a significant role in determining service strategic plan and
DEVELOPMENT subsequent successful implementation
- Taking a primary role in setting up a new service
Leading, initiating or - Identifying gaps in current operations and developing and
supporting service implementing appropriate action plan
development or - Developing, updating or implementing relevant policies, procedures
quality/risk and standards of practice or guidelines in line with accreditation
management requirements
initiatives - Responsibility for the determination and regular review of relevant
budgets and/or expenditure (if not part of one’s normal duties)
- Management of service assets/clinical equipment (if not part of one’s
normal duties)
- Providing coaching, mentoring, supervision and development of other
staff
- Full participation as staff representative on a service-wide committee
e.g. H&S or Quality of Service
- Taking an active role in ethical and professional issues relevant to
service

MAORI - Demonstration of implementation of the principles of the Treaty of

RESPONSIVENESS Waitangi within an organisation, service or occupational group
- Develops and delivers education based upon Maori framework to
Tuakiri – recognises enhance professional / clinical practice
the importance of a - Actively leads programme to improve Maori cultural awareness within
person’s unique the service
identity - Actively leads strategic planning and direction of services that improve
Maori health outcomes
Ngakau Maori – - Monitors and evaluates effectiveness of programme
recognises and
understands the
strategic direction of
Maori concepts or
ideas

CULTURAL - Actively leads programme to improve multi-cultural awareness within

COMPETENCY the service
- Actively leads strategic planning and direction of services that improve
Recognising the multi-cultural health outcomes
multi- cultural nature - Monitors and evaluates effectiveness of programme
of the health
population

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 83 of 131

 Employee reaches Technical Merit Process Flow
merit designated step Chart
on salary scale

Remain on current Remain on current

salary step. Annual Proceed salary step. Annual
personal assessment Ye with merit N
personal assessment
& goals apply s progressio o & goals apply

Set agreed merit Endorsement by

criteria with manager budget holder
for following year
using principles &
framework

Work towards
reaching agreed Parties meet for
Unforseen
objectives with modifications and/or
disruption
minimum of one extensions
review

Parties meet to
discuss achievement
of objectives –
production of
evidence/ portfolio
Manager sends
information to
Objectives Ye payroll/ HR to move
achieved s to next step.
No

Discuss issues & set

objectives, agree
Employe Employer process & timeline
e for achieving merit
Agrees objectives.
Outcome

Disagrees Follow review

Outcome process.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 84 of 131

Appendix C - Merit Criteria.

Applies to:
Dental Assistants
Health Assistants
Public Health Assistants
Level One Hauora Maori Workers
Level One Health & Support Worker Positions

Principles

The principles of fairness, transparency and consistency in the application of the merit process
will be achieved by:
a) Establishing agreed expectations and associated evidence required between the individual,
their manager and professional representative. The employee may consult the PSA if there
is a dispute between them and their manager over the size of the objectives.
b) The Merit process will be a prospective process and will take a minimum of one year to
complete. However, the setting of objectives may take into consideration work that has been
initiated within a reasonable timeframe of the objectives being set as long as objectives
remain current to service need/service development and of benefit to professional
development.
c) It requires that an assistant is not under a performance management process
d) It establishes challenging expectations within the assistant’s current role,
e) Both the individual and their manager share accountability for initiating and maintaining the
merit process

Criteria Expectations Performance Indicator

Number
Merit One: employees must meet:
criteria1 and:
criteria 2; and
either criteria 3A or 3B; and
one bullet point from criteria 4;and
either criteria 5A, 5B, 5C or 5D

Merit Two: employees must meet all criteria, that is:

criteria1 and:
criteria 2; and
criteria 3A or 3B; and
two bullet points in criteria 4;and
two of the following criteria: 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D

1. PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL
Is meeting the requirements of the Job  Has received a satisfactory
Description by applying the necessary performance appraisal including
skills in an appropriate way to achieve job completing an agreed performance
goals (on the basis of a Job Description plan.
that has been agreed between employee  Works according to DHB policies
and manager), and is meeting obligations
as an employee of the DHB.
2 CULTURAL SENSITIVITY
Demonstrates an awareness, sensitivity  Provide examples of how you
and respect of others acknowledging and demonstrate and maintain respect
responding to each persons individual and sensitivity to patients/
and cultural needs family/whanau or health care team

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 85 of 131

3 ADVANCED COMPETENCIES/
PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENT
3A Is achieving agreed standards of  Evidence of performance in two or
excellence, and is applying advanced or more of the following
new skills in the workplace, demonstrated - agreed extra tasks
by improvements in: - improvements in productivity and
 Practice knowledge and accuracy
observation - excellent customer service
 Skills (applied training) (evidence: peer or line
 Organisational Knowledge supervisor)
 Customer service(describe - use of organisational knowledge
customer base) to improve quality of service
provided
Is able to train other staff. - application of new skill
3B - able to train /mentor allied health
OR assistants as delegated to do so
by Team Leader
Has demonstrated commitment to
professional development relevant to  Summary of education activities or
current work area. Has undertaken papers taken over the last 12 months.
advanced education relevant to the area.  Written explanation showing
Has applied this learning to the workplace appropriate application of learning in
the workplace
4 LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
Shows demonstrable and consistent  Description of activities over the last
leadership behaviour through activities 12 months.
such as the following (this is not  Reference (written) from Team
exhaustive): Leader, Allied Health Professional,
 Acts as resource to new staff Professional Supervisor, Nursing
accepting responsibility for staff, Allied health practitioner,
orientation customer and/or peer confirming
 Influences others through description of activities described.
mentorship
 Is used as a resource person
 Advances quality
initiatives(identifies problem in
work process or service delivery,
develops plan for improvements
and assists in implementation)
 Motivates others
 Takes a positive role in team
function, can be depended upon
to seek resolution of conflict in
the group by building on the
constructive ideas and comments
of others.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 86 of 131

5 ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PERFORMANCE INDICATOR
5A Demonstrates commitment to DHB goals  Written description of activities over
by organizing and promoting in the work last 12 months/evidence of document
area any two activities such as: (list is not  Reference (written) from Team
exhaustive) Leader, Professional Supervisor,
 Health and Safety Allied Health Professional, nursing
 Resource Management staff, customer and/or peer attesting
 Project Participation to activities described.
 Cost Effective Practice
 In-service education
 Environmental
Initiatives/Responsibilities
 Infection Control
 Technical/IT skills
 Team Building Activities
5B Takes a proactive role within the team or  Evidence of responsibility for service-
service which enhances organisational wide activities which enhance
achievement / direction organisational achievement / direction
 Evidence of meeting objectives which
reflect service enhancement /direction
 Reference from Professional
Supervisor or Team Leader
5C Demonstrates a commitment to co-  Written description of activities over
operation between teams or services last 12 months.
where appropriate. Initiates effective  Reference (written) from Team
planning with another team or service in a Leader, Allied Health Professional,
way that enhances collaborative working. Professional Supervisor, nursing staff,
This might demonstrate good skills in customer and/or peer attesting to
respect of enabling improved activities described.
relationships between teams or services
5D Performance of other services to DHB or  Written description
clients not listed in 4 above such as  Evidence that proposal has been
innovative proposals for systems developed and submitted.
improvements

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 87 of 131

Appendix D – Technical Pay Spine

Step 1 May 13 30-Apr-15

25 $102,681 $103,400
24 $99,911 $100,610
23 $97,265 $97,946
22 $94,493 $95,154
21 $91,949 $92,593
20 $88,737 $89,358
19 $85,524 $86,123
18 $82,312 $82,888
17 $79,098 $79,652
16 $75,887 $76,418
15 $72,673 $73,182
14 $69,460 $69,946
13 $66,247 $66,711
12 $62,711 $63,150
11 $60,281 $60,703
10 $57,383 $57,785
9 $54,744 $55,127
8 $52,654 $53,023
7 $49,023 $49,366
6 $47,207 $47,537
5 $43,578 $43,883
4 $40,670 $40,955
3 $37,766 $38,030
2 $34,859 $35,103
1 $31,956 $32,180

Trainee Scale
Step 1 May 13 30-Apr-15
5 $43,578 $43,883
4 $40,670 $40,955
3 $37,766 $38,030
2 $34,859 $35,103
1 $31,956 $32,180

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 88 of 131

Appendix E - Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians
Definitions of positions used to describe Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians within
different DHBs.

Section Head: Means a person appointed in charge of a section within a department of the
laboratory and any employee substantially employed as one of the aforementioned who may
from time to time use different titles.

Charge Medical Laboratory Scientist: Means a person appointed in charge of a department

or section of the laboratory and any employee substantially employed as one of the
aforementioned who may from time to time use different titles.

Technical Specialist: Means a person who is appointed to lead a designated technical area
of the laboratory e.g. automation, and any employee substantially employed as one of the
aforementioned who may from time to time use different titles

Medical Laboratory Scientist: Means a person employed in a medical laboratory work who
is registered with, and hold a current practising licence issues by the Medical Laboratory
Science Board, and any employee substantially employed as one of the aforementioned who
may from time to time use different titles.

Co-ordinator: Means a person who is appointed to coordinate and lead a functional activity
within the laboratory, such a Quality Coordinator, and any employee substantially employed
as one of the aforementioned who may from time to time use different titles.

Laboratory Scientist: Means an employee who holds a science degree or equivalent who is
employed to perform medical laboratory science but is not a registered Medical Laboratory
Technologist / Scientist, and any employee substantially employed as one of the
aforementioned who may from time to time use different titles.

Intern: Means an employee who has completed their degree and is still meeting their work
experience requirements to gain registration as a MLS from the MLSB or equivalent and any
employee substantially employed as one of the aforementioned who may from time to time
use different titles.

Medical Laboratory Technician: Means a person with QTA / QPT or other relevant
qualification who is registered to practise by the Medical Laboratory Science Board . For
purposes of clarification a relevant qualification may include a New Zealand BSc based on
biological sciences, NZCS or other recognised medical laboratory qualification or degree .

Medical Laboratory Assistant: Means a person employed in a medical laboratory to do

manual or technical work ancillary to those of a medical scientist, but who is not a medical
laboratory scientist, medical laboratory technician or a trainee / intern.

Phlebotomist: Means a person who collects blood and other specimens as requested by an
authorised referrer, and any employee substantially employed as one of the aforementioned
who may from time to time use different titles.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 89 of 131

Appendix F - Medical Laboratory Scientists & Technicians
Application of Minimum Steps

The following minimum steps apply to the designations below or their equivalent* at the
following laboratories:

Group 1

 Head / Charge of Departments Step 15

 Technical Specialists Step 14

Northland DHB (Whangarei), Hutt Valley DHB (Section Head), Tairawhiti DHB, Lakes DHB
(Rotorua), Hawke’s Bay DHB (Hastings), Taranaki DHB (New Plymouth), West Coast DHB
and NZBS.

Group 2

 Head / Charge of Departments Step 18

 Section head / Leader / PTA Step 15
 Technical Specialists / Experts Step 14

Waikato DHB (Waikato), Capital & Coast DHB and Canterbury DHB (Canterbury Health
Laboratories)

Canterbury have no heads of department at this time.

Group 3

 Charge / Manager of Laboratory Step 15

Northland DHB (Kaitaia, Bay of Islands, Dargaville), Waikato DHB (Thames, Taumarunui, Te
Kuiti, Tokoroa), Lakes DHB (Taupo), Hawkes Bay DHB (Wairoa) Taranaki DHB (Hawera),
Canterbury DHB (Ashburton), Whakatane.

 * Head / Charge of Department could also be called Charge Scientist, Technical

Head or Team Leader.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 90 of 131

Appendix G
Hauora Maori Worker
Assessment of Clinical and Cultural Competency
for the Purpose of Placement on the
Hauora Maori Worker Salary Scale.

The DHBs and the PSA acknowledge the significant contribution that Te Rau Matatini has
made to the development of this Appendix, the process for assessment and the assessment
criteria.

1. Introduction

This framework is designed to provide a consistent approach to the assessment of employees

in positions that come within the definition of Hauora Maori Workers in terms of their cultural
knowledge and expertise. When combined with an assessment of the employee’s clinical
competence, it allows the relevant DHB manager to determine the appropriate level on which
to place the employee.

2. Hauora Maori Workers

These are defined as positions that work almost exclusively with Maori patients/clients and
where the employee has been engaged because of their knowledge and expertise in Maori
cultural matters.

Job titles within the DHBs are listed below. This should not be viewed as an exclusive list.

Apiha Kaitohu Cultural Advisor/ Worker Kai Awhina

Kai Manaaki Kaiatawhai Kaiawhina Maori
Kaimahi Toiora Maori Kaitakawaenga Kaiwhiriwhiri
Kaumatua Kuia Maori Advisor
Maori Community Health Te Tauawhiri Kaimahi Hauora
Kaitiaki Te Pou Kokiri Whai Manaaki
Whanau Support Worker Whaea Matua Kaioranga Hauora Māori
Pukenga Atawhai Kaituitui Maori Community Support Worker

3. Placement On & Movement Through Salary Scale Levels

There is a two prong process for determining the placement of Hauora Maori Workers on the
salary scale. The first part of the process is to determine which of the three salary levels most
appropriately reflects the employee’s cultural and clinical competence. This process occurs
either on appointment to the position or as outlined in 4) below. The second process occurs
when the employee reaches the top automatic step of the salary level to which they have
been appointed. At this point, the employee may choose to apply for the merit steps within
the salary level. Hauora Maori Workers who have been appointed to Level Two or Level
Three of the salary scale apply for merit using the Career & Salary Progression (CASP)
process, which is detailed in Appendix A. Hauora Maori Workers who have been appointed
to Level One of the salary scale apply for merit using the merit process, which is detailed in
Appendix C.

4. Assessment Process

The assessment process comprises three stages and follows a formal request from the
employee to have their competence assessed. Normally such a request will not be made
more than once in any twelve month period. The process involves:

a) Self Assessment: This involves the employee assessing themselves against the
cultural competency framework as well as providing an assessment of their clinical
competence (in line with the requirements of the employee’s position description). It is
up to the employee to assemble the evidence that they consider supports their

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 91 of 131

 various assessments. It is this self assessment and supporting evidence that forms
the basis for the assessments described in b) and c) below.

b) Peer and Senior Professional Assessment: The self assessment will be presented to
one peer and one senior professional mutually agreed by the employee and the
employee’s service manager or the manager’s proxy. Where agreement cannot be
reached the service manager/proxy shall decide who will carry out this aspect of the
assessment. In addition to the self assessment, the two assessors, working jointly,
may seek further evidence and/or input from others nominated by the employee,
including the whanau of clients/patients. Where there is a therapeutic relationship
between the employee and someone nominated for the assessors to speak with,
particular care must be taken not to impinge on that therapeutic relationship. The
merit of any additional evidence will be evaluated based on the assessors’ knowledge
and understanding of the employee’s role.

c) Kaumatua and Service Manager (or proxy): The report from the process described in
b) above, together with the employee’s self assessment and all evidence gathered,
shall be assessed jointly by a Kaumatua with no potential or actual conflict of interest
in relation to the employee and the employee’s service manager or proxy. Following
the critique of the evidence if there are any doubts as to the outcome of the
assessment process, the Kaumatua and Service Manager/Proxy may interview the
employee and/or the peer and senior professional assessors. Following this
evaluation process, the Kaumatua and Service Manager/Proxy shall make a decision
on the appropriate level of competence. If the Kaumatua and Service Manager/
Proxy cannot reach agreement with respect to the evaluation, the decision rests with
the Service Manager/ Proxy. Where the assessment justifies advancement to a
higher scale then this is a matter for the Service Manager/ Proxy to recommend or
approve according to the organisation’s delegated authority policy.

d) Where the final assessment is inconsistent with the employee’s own assessment, or
the recommendation is that they are correctly placed relative to their overall
competence and expertise, the employee shall be given appropriate feedback
including details of those areas where improvement is required to proceed to a higher
level.

e) Discretionary Additions/Alterations to the Process:

The employer may agree to additions/alterations to the process such as the following:

(i) A peer (Tuakana/ Teina) process that allows the team and or roopu
tautoko to have input into the validation of the practice of the worker.
(ii) A hui process that includes discussions around the employee’s years of
experience and the level at which the employee should be assessed.
(iii) Submission of portfolio.

Note: The employee may withdraw their request for assessment at any stage

5. Cultural Competency/ Expertise Framework

Cultural competency highlights the commonalities of Maori responsiveness. This should

include competencies that are Maori, Clinical and Community.

This section contains the details of the cultural competency framework against which
employees are to be assessed.

The purpose of the assessment is to place the employee on the most appropriate of the three
levels. Those employees with a basic understanding should be placed on level one, those
who are fully competent on level two and those who are advanced/ expert should be on level
three. When making decisions the employer should have regard to the placement of other
Hauora Maori Workers.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 92 of 131

Pukenga Maori Motuhake

Tuakiri – Identity
Secure cultural identity, ready access to tangata whenua cultural, social and physical resources.
Au Whanau Whanaunga
Displays self awareness. Ko wai au? No hea au? Enables patients/whanau to rediscover their Facilitates an environment that acknowledges
identity & rediscover their mana. tangata whenua cultural and spiritual values and
beliefs integral to the healing process.
Has access to/ knowledge of own Whakapapa/ Builds appropriate relationships. Utilises relationships/ networks to seek out
pepeha. appropriate resources.
Has access to, or knowledge of, own mana Supports patients to establish or enhance bonds Promotes, initiates and facilitates the access to
whenua (turangawaewae), Marae, Maunga, Awa, with own whanau, hapu or iwi. resources that emphasise patient/whanau
Moana, Waka. wellbeing.
Identifies a tikanga or whakatauki from their Provides awhi, tautoko, aroha for patients/whanau. Understands the impact of colonisation and the
turangawaewae and reflects on the core values. Treaty of Waitangi non-compliance on Tangata
Whenua.
Understands the impact of own culture, values and Displays knowledge of local tikanga/ kawa of Marae – the employee is able to identify the
life experiences on relationships with patients/ Tangata Whenua in order to demonstrate respect importance of Whare Tupuna, Maraeatea, Nga
whanau. for their mana whenua. Pou, Tikanga, Kawa, Kaupapa, Mauri with regards
to self and whanau and others.
Ukaipo is able to identify food that promotes the Participates in and understands the varying forms Ko au ko koe ko taua – able to identify the
growth of the body, the mind, the whanau and the in which Tangata Whenua partake and contribute. significant relationships within and without the
spirit. whanau and what is required to maintain these
relationships.
Whanaungatanga
He aha te mea nui o te Ao, maku e ki atu, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata
Knows and determines own whanau links, e.g. Connects and engages with Tangata whenua Identifies or accesses assistance to identify the
whakapapa, pepeha, own position with a purpose. whanau. impact of whakapapa upon a current situation.
Demonstrates in practice an understanding of the Acknowledges whanau, pepeha, whakapapa, Identifies the key role-players with
diverse nature of whanau and relationships in pakiwaitara, korero purakau, stories. patients/whanau i.e. hoa rangatira (partner/
contemporary Tangata Whenua interactions and spouse), tuakana, teina, kuia, kaumatua, tohunga
how this influences your practice. etc.
Demonstrates a critical awareness of how to Ensures whanau are nurtured, well informed, Understands Tangata Whenua principles of
establish a relationship with patients/whanau. involved and supported. whanau relationships such as Tuakana-Teina and
how those relationships influence the dynamics of
supporting patients/whanau.

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Establishes rapport with patients/whanau to Establishes an awareness of the different role- Ensures that appropriate forms of information and
support a situation. players and responsibilities within whanau. knowledge are communicated to whanau including
a clear breakdown of technical terms.
Understands the importance of whanau Incorporates whanau participation in all Encourages whanau to make decisions and find
participation at all levels of service planning, (professional) interventions. solutions.
delivery and evaluation.
Pupuri ki te Arikitanga
Hold fast to the chiefly things
Setting the standard. Maintaining the standard. Living the standard.
Demonstrates a code of conduct in practice Incorporates the dynamics of tikanga as a code of Understands and implements the principles of tika,
incorporating: best practice standards in professional conduct in pono and aroha within practice.
Kaua e whakahihi daily practice.
Kaua e kangakanga
Kaua e tukino
Kaua e takahi
Tika, pono, aroha, rangimarie
Demonstrates an understanding and is able to Recognises in practice that patients/whanau will Applies principles of the dynamics of tapu, noa
incorporate into practice the concepts of tapu and have certain forms of control and authority, and rahui into scope of practice.
noa. sanctions and rewards.
Identifies personal goals towards maintaining code Understands and is able to experience positive Promotes an understanding of, and knowledge of
of conduct and strengthening aspirations to “walk benefits for patients/whanau through a how to incorporate into practice tikanga as a code
the talk” of a committed Hauora Maori Worker to strengthened and living commitment. of behaviour and conduce for other Hauora Maori
the kaupapa. Workers.
Demonstrates within Maori community and/or Patients/Whanau able to identify clearly that the Supports community to understand tikanga Maori
whanau, hapu and iwi tikanga Maori code of Hauora Maori Worker works within a tikanga Maori code of practice and its value to Hauora Maori
conduct. code of practice. Worker best practice standards.
Te Reo me ona Tikanga
Kia mau ki o tikanga me to reo tangata whenua, konei ra to turanga teitei e.
Retain your customs and your tangata whenua language, for this is what gives you status.
Toi te kupu. Toi te mana. Toi te whenua.
Engages in korero tangata whenua (introductory Engages in korero tangata whenua (lower Engages in korero tangata whenua (medium
level) and has access to karakia, mihi and waiata. intermediate level) and has access to powhiri intermediate level) and has access to those who
processes, whaikorero, karangatanga, waiata, are fluent in te reo, i.e. kuia, kaumatua whanau.
tapu, noa.

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Demonstrates an emerging knowledge base of Displays respect for others’ tikanga/ kawa. Supports and guides proactively patient/whanau
tikanga and tuturu tangata whenua concepts and with tikanga tangata whenua.
practices (aim to enhance and/ or restore cultural
identity).
Articulates pepeha: ingoa, Waka, Maunga, Awa, Integrates the importance and impact of tangata Affirms tangata whenua processes through
Moana, Marae Hapu/Iwi in te reo tangata whenua. whenua processes in practice. transfer of practices in varying areas, e.g. karakia,
waiata.
Demonstrates in practice an understanding of Investigates culturally appropriate practice Incorporates and practices the concept of koha
behaviours consistent with tikanga/ kawa in amongst colleagues, patients/whanau. and reciprocity.
relationships with tangata whenua, i.e. tika, pono,
aroha.
Identifies local Iwi and their boundaries. Consults with Iwi to ensure appropriate processes Incorporates and practices the concept of Te Wa:
(tikanga/ kawa) are adhered to. Time is governed by processes.
Hauora Maori
Te Ha a Koro ma a Kui ma
Applies key aspects of tangata whenua health Undertakes cultural assessments based on Plans, implements and evaluates integrated plans
perspectives in practice such as the importance of tangata whenua concepts and values. that address all dimensions of Hauora tangata
wairua, hinengaro, whanau and tinana when whenua and maintain wellbeing including cultural
working with tangata whenua. management plans.
Demonstrates in practice an understanding of the Displays a balanced appreciation of physical, Facilitates access to traditional and contemporary
role of patients/whanau in their own recovery. social, cultural, spiritual and mental aspects of healing options for patients/whanau e.g. Tohunga,
health and health care. matekite, rongoa, mirimiri and karakia.
Demonstrates in practice an understanding of the Acknowledges patients/ whanau perspectives of Promotes further learning and knowledge of health
determinants of tangata whenua health, e.g. health determinants. determinants on patients/ whanau wellbeing
housing, education and employment. amongst team and colleagues.
Investigates the key needs of tangata whenua Respects patients/ whanau in determining their Proactively supports tangata whenua positive
population groups, e.g. tangata whenua mental choice of rongoa. health gains.
health needs.
Understands the term “taonga” and how it Affirms understanding of taonga by acknowledging Analyses and identifies areas where taonga has
influences the way in which you support what patients/whanau believe is precious/ an impact in varying dimensions, e.g. taha wairua,
patients/whanau. important. taha whanau, taha tinana and taha hinengaro.
Applies knowledge of the differing health and Utilises Maori models of practice for the benefit of Demonstrtes the positive effects of the use of
socio-economic status of tangata whenua and all on case load and/ or in shared interventions Maori models within one’s scope of practice.
non-tangata whenua. with other health professionals.

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Nga Mahi Awhina

He kokonga whare e kitea, he kokonga ngakau e kore kitea
One can see the corners of a house; one cannot see the corners of a heart.
Demonstrates in practice the importance of Ensures patients/ whanau are listened to. Is supported as a Hauora Maori Worker working
whakarongo and engages in effective within a rohe with mana whenua endorsement.
communications.
Establishes relationships/ rapport with patients/ Implements kanohi ki te kanohi. Acknowledges reciprocity in a relationship.
whanau.
Applies in practice the importance of tautoko Adheres to the kawa/ tikanga of the rohe, wahi, Implements and ensures appropriate Maori
manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and wairuatanga persons’ home or environment. processes including: whakawhitiwhiti korero/
to ensure whanau are comfortable. whakaaro, powhiri, whakangnahau, hakari
whakawatea and hui.
Identifies and acknowledges tikanga and mahi Supports mahi a raranga, korikori a iwi waiata, Able to identify the significance of relationships,
whakairo as effective and appropriate means of katakata, pakiwaitara as alternative ways to i.e. whanau a whakapapa and whanau a kaupapa
supporting relationship building and modes of communicate/ relate with Maori and support in all cultural, community and clinical interactions
communication to support patients/ whanau. patients/ whanau. and allows whanau involvement in all aspects of
care.
Recognises cultural supports are necessary for Organises regular cultural supervisory hui with a Demonstrates commitment to cultural supervision
safe and best practice. senior colleague and/ or kaumatua. and promotes its validity as of equal importance as
community and clinical supervisory support.
Through cultural best practice recognises the Whakamanatia te patients/whanau. Supports patients/ whanau to self advocate for
rights of patients/ whanau. personal rights in receiving health services.
Wairuatanga
Taha wairua is the most important dimension of health.
Incorporates tangata whenua creation belief. Acknowledges wairua as a force that can join and Recognises that wairua will shape the outcome of
bind everyone and everything. a hui and assist to form appropriate actions, i.e.
karakia/ mihi.
Demonstrates in practice an understanding of taha Acknowledges Mauri (life force) in all things. Recognises the role of those who uphold the
wairua as an integral part of Hauora through the tikanga, kawa and rangatiratanga within whanau,
use of whakatauaki, whakamoemiti, karakia and hapu, iwi.
korero.
Displays self awareness and encompasses own Recognises and acknowledges one’s request, Acknowledges moemoea (aspirations) of patients/
spiritual awareness. need for spiritual guidance (whakamoemiti, Inoi, whanau through assisting them to plan and set
whakaritenga, whakawatea, karakia, wairua). goals to achieve aspirations.

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Demonstrates in practice a respect and sensitivity Acknowledges forms of tangata whenua cleansing, Assists patients/ whanau to work towards
towards patients/ whanau and others with their e.g. tangi, karakia and whakawatea. achievement of spiritual goals.
own values and beliefs.
Understands the distinction between tangata Adheres to the tikanga of whakapono observed Recognises, respects and supports those who
whenua spiritual concepts and religious and practised in a rohe, workplace or home. have been identified by whanau to undertake
philosophies. certain rituals.
Understands the diversity of whanau and their Supports patients and whanau in a way that Acknowledges mamae, pouritanga within some
lifestyles and the need to support their respects and incorporates their spiritual concepts whanau and processed “in a safe” manner when
understanding or wairua. and needs. supporting patient need.

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Mahi Hapori/ Tangata Whenua

Tautoko
Supporting essential life skills and whanau ora
Au Whanau Whanaunga
Understands theories and models of health care Integrates theories and models of health care Uses knowledge of advanced health promotion
education directed towards health promotion to education directed towards health promotion into strategies to enhance delivery to patients/ whanau
enhance tangata whaiora in learning & accessing practice. by self, others hapu and community agencies.
essential life skill programmes.
Articulates components of health promotion Incorporates health promotion models into Evaluates health promotion models in work
models. practice. practice.
Recognises and values the reality that whanau ora Develops and implements supports for patients/ Promotes the development of whanau, hapu and
– health and wellness – are culturally defined. whanau and the community in health promotion iwi health promotion resources to enhance the
that aids in preventing risk of illness. knowledge of patients/ whanau and the wider
community.
Assists patients/ whanau and the community to Participates in the development of resources to Assists others to utilise effective strategies to
attain access to accurate and relevant cultural enhance the knowledge and experience of evaluate their practice in supporting patients and
health activities, e.g. kappa haka, waka ama, mau patients/ whanau, e.g. social skills, internet use, whanau achievements in cultural and social goals
rakau, whakangahau. using public transport. and modify programmes to meet identified needs.
Encourages patients/ whanau and the community Actively supports patients/ whanau to lead in Assists others within the service to support
to promote health and decrease the risk of illness cultural based health promotion activities. patients/ whanau leadership in cultural based
to whanau ora. health promotion activities.
Whanaungatanga
Networking, accessing resources & being a team player.
Recognises and acknowledges the need for Demonstrates effective and appropriate Empowers patients/ whanau in maintaining
effective whanau, hapu, iwi and community relationships that support patients/ whanau in essential and elective whanau, hapu, iwi and
agency relationships. accessing essential whanau, hapu, iwi and community resources.
community resources.
Able to critically examine own practice and modify Demonstrates commitment to inclusive practice Encourages and supports colleagues in their
as required. and ongoing education. Sets goals and plans for professional development.
future learning.
Attends compulsory training and seminars related Develops specialised areas of interest and Incorporates area of specialty into professional
to specific area of practice. undertakes relevant further education as practice as a Hauora Maori Worker.
appropriate.
Understands the need for supervision/ mentoring Establishes a supervisor/ mentor. Develops mentoring relationships with Hauora
and peer support of practice. Maori Worker students and new employees.

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Understands the importance of continuing Demonstrates a commitment to continuing Promotes and contributes to the continuing
development of Hauora Maori Worker practice, development of Hauora Maori Worker practice, development of Hauora Maori Worker practice,
theory and quality improvement in health services. theory and quality improvement in health services. theory and quality improvement in health services.
Taunaki
Advocating, innovative practice and sound judgement. Best practice standards in community support work.
Recognises and acknowledges that innovative Participates in the development and delivery of Advocates and assists
practice is solution focused and includes skill and relevant education and resources to patients/
knowledge to support the learning of patients/ whanau.
whanau.
Identifies patients/ whanau levels of knowledge Increases patient/ whanau knowledge about their Acts as a resource on strategies to effectively
and their illness and its importance for them. health and develop appropriate strategies to support patients/ whanau to be solution focussed
support them in complex situations. in complex situations.
Understands and acknowledges that sound Able to critically examine own thinking and Demonstrate commitment to competent practice
judgment enhances best practice, safe practice reasoning and put goals and action plan in place through effective identification of risk factors to
and organisational safety that contribute to patient/ to modify as required. own practice and to employing organisation.
whanau best health outcomes.
Uses judgment and makes decisions in Uses knowledge, good judgement and accurate Demonstrates sound judgement in decision
consultation with senior health professionals/ decision making to mediate enhanced outcomes making, both independently and as a team
mentor. for patients/ whanau. member.
Understands best practice standards/ quality Role models implementation of best practice/ Integrates and advocates for best practice/ quality
improvement principles as they relate to the quality improvement activities. improvement into practice at team level.
Hauora Maori Worker role.
Identifies areas for improvement of practice and Critically analyses and promotes research relating Supports others to analyse and implement quality
quality systems. to quality practice. outcome measures.
Recognises and understands principles of patient/ Facilitates patient/ whanau participation in best Proactively advocates to others in team and
whanau participation in best practice/ quality practice/ quality improvement activities. organisation to support patient/ whanau in best
improvement activities. practice/ quality improvement activities.
Takawaenga
Papapounamu te Moana – reducing risk and enhancing protection and mediating a proactive approach in risk management. Resilience.
Recognises a range of appropriate Maori Identifies specialised skills required in the Practices requiring specialised cultural technical
treatment modalities/ approaches within risk professional area of cultural risk management and skills and knowledge are implemented confidently
management. assessment practices and uses these safely in and competently.
consultation with senior health workers/ mentors.

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Mahi Hapori/ Tangata Whenua

Recognises the significance of symptoms and Mediates with health workers holistic risk Provides a monitoring function. Assesses and
behaviours for patients/ whanau health status, assessments safely and sensitively in valuates to adapt the health worker plan in
including threats to safety. collaboration with patients/ whanau. response to changing patient/ whanau needs in
collaboration with patients/ whanau.
Identifies health worker responsibilities in Contributes to team decisions around managing Demonstrates initiative and resilience in managing
managing crises, complex or unexpected crises, complex or unexpected situations safely. crises, complex or unexpected situations safely
situations. and competently.
Recognises the professional standards of Clearly documents interaction with patients/ Assists colleagues to chart, report and record
documentation required of health workers and in whanau. health worker care accurately when required.
developing skills and seeking feedback from
colleagues/ mentors.
Recognises the importance of patient/ whanau Supports patients/ whanau participation in team/ Assists team to implement patient/ whanau
participation and input into risk management and organisation policy/ protocol development. participation in team/ organisation risk
assessment. management/ assessment policy/ protocol
development.

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Haumanu

Whakaoranga
Recovery principles and educating and counselling tools.
Au Whanau Whanaunga
Recognises the major categories of recovery Incorporates the recovery competencies in Contributes to the promotion of recovery-based
principles (listed below). planning and evaluating community support work. initiatives within community support work.
Displays knowledge of the common themes in the Values the contribution of patients/ whanau to Works in partnership with patients/ whanau at all
process of recovery. health care. levels and supports them to lead own recovery
process.
Understands the major barriers to recovery. Actively works to reduce discrimination and stigma Works effectively within the workplace with
in the whanau through supporting whanau to value colleagues and management to reduce
patient contributions to own wellness. discrimination and stigma and to promote a health
and unbiased work environment.
Displays knowledge of issues that may affect Acknowledges and maintains professional Establishes partnership and clear parameters as a
therapeutic relationship with patients. responsibilities within relationships with patients/ working basis for therapeutic relationships.
whanau.
Identifies dynamics of transference and counter Understands dynamics of transference and Illustrates the ability to recognise, avert and if
transference in health worker/ patient/ whanau counter transference in health worker/ patient/ appropriate stop the development of co-dependent
relationships. whanau relationships. behaviour within professional responsibilities with
patients/ whanau.
Acknowledges patient/ whanau initiatives Practices safely taking paitent/ whanau Consults with appropriate service user groups
particularly service user organisations. perspectives and local service user group views when new initiatives are presented that will affect
into consideration. patient/ whanau treatment and care.
Demonstrates respect for patients/ whanau and Recognises when whanau and patient interests Reflects on own practice to analyse strengths and
acknowledges their perspectives and concerns. differ and what to do about it. weaknesses.
He Hanganga Maori mo te Hauora
Retaining the Hauora Maori Worker’s perspective.
Understands own role and the roles of others in Demonstrates ability to retain the Hauora Maori Participates in relevant continuing education
the team. Worker’s perspective and awareness of and activities and promotes greater understanding
recognises own learning needs. amongst colleagues about the Hauora Maori
Worker’s perspective and role.
Identifies the importance of Maori models of Incorporates Maori models of practice in health Demonstrates appropriate application of Maori
practice pertaining to health practice. support work. models of health within own scope of practice.
Promotes and develops initiatives to enhance the
delivery of culturally safe care.
Recognises and acknowledges the influence of Establishes in partnership with patients/ whanau Facilitates access to traditional healing resources

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Haumanu

traditional practices on patient/ whanau wellbeing their access to Maori traditional practices in and treatments for patients/ whanau according to
and recovery. relations to their cultural need and choice. their aspirations and choice.
Is aware of gaps in personal cultural knowledge Demonstrates responsibility for cultural learning Contributes to team service initiatives to enhance
and consults with cultural supports/ supervisors to and development through regular hui with cultural the delivery of culturally safe care.
establish self-directed learning programme. supervisor and kaumatua.
Respects patients/ whanau understandings of Works in partnership with patients/ whanau Promotes understanding of the way in which
health in relation to their cultural belief system. towards the provision of safe cultural care. cultural bias can impact on holistic functioning and
mental health status of patients/ whanau.
Te Whare Tapa Wha
Personal advocacy for safe work practices.
Community & professional supervision
Identifies importance of understanding about te Develops and establishes personal self-care goals Demonstrates effective implementation of self-care
oranga of one’s own Whare Tapa Wha. and plan to support appropriate and safe work goals and plan.
practices.
Recognises and acknowledges the Whare Tapa Demonstrates application of holistic approach in Demonstrates empowerment and enablement of
Wha of the patient/ whanau and the effects health support work through safe work practices patient occurs through the delivery of safe work
(whether positive or negative) that each taha has that encompass all three domains of cultural, practices.
on the other taha. community and clinical support work.
Acknowledges patient/ whanau initiatives. Practices safely taking patient/ whanau Includes patients/ whanau in Hauora Maori Worker
perspectives into consideration. decisions including planning and evaluating care.
Identifies own beliefs, values and prejudices and With supervisors identifies personal learning Develops further skills to work with people from a
their influence on patients/ whanau from same or objectives in relation to addressing prejudices of diverse range of cultures.
from a different culture. patient/ whanau from same or different culture.
Recognises inbuilt prejudices and barriers that are Acknowledges cultural diversity and believes of Respects the cultural values, diversity and beliefs
present within health care system. other groups within the community (ethnicity, of all groups within the community.
marital status, disability, age, gender, sexual
orientation, employment).
Recognises the importance of professional Utilises supervision, mentoring and coaching Implements holistic professional development
development. sessions/ resources to develop a holistic plan.
professional development plan.

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Haumanu

Oranga Hinengaro
Health knowledge, systems & processes.
Medication knowledge & correct use.
Knowledge, understanding of health legislation & associated risks.
Identifies gaps in personal health knowledge, Implements self-directed learning programme and Demonstrates the positive effects of learning
systems and processes and develops a self- actively seeks to increase personal knowledge. programme by contributing to service initiatives
directed learning programme. that enhances appropriate service delivery.
Respects patient/ whanau understandings of Works in partnership with patients/ whanau towards Promote team/ organisation to implement
health in relation to their cultural belief system. growing their knowledge of health processes and strategies that support ongoing health learning and
systems. knowledge about systems and processes for
patients/ whanau.
Identifies necessary medication knowledge, its Supports patient/ whanau in their understanding of Facilitates/ leads educational sessions for service
correct use, side effects and possible benefits. medication and promotes opportunity amongst the to increase understanding of the way in which
health team and health service to understand the cultural bias can impact on holistic functioning and
effects medication has on the patient/ whanau. health status of patients/ whanau in regards to the
use of medication.
Develops and implements a self-directed learning Demonstrates the understanding of relevant Advocates on behalf of patients/ whanau the
programme on health legislation and other legislation within one’s scope of practice that appropriate and where necessary the reduced
legislation relevant to the Hauora Maori Worker benefits patient/ whanau understanding. need for implementation of the specific legislation,
professional responsibilities. e.g. the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment &
Treatment) Act 1999.
Seeks advice on appropriate health strategies to Uses health worker strategies to prevent the Role models and supports others to use health
de-escalate a potentially dangerous situation. escalation of potentially dangerous situations. worker strategies to prevent the development and
escalation of potentially dangerous situations.
Participates in debriefing procedures with Initiates debriefing procedures with patients/ Facilitates debriefing, analyses the event and
patients/ whanau and team. whanau and team. makes recommendations.
Recognises limitations of own abilities and refer Able to recognise ethical and safety dilemmas as Brings ethical and safety issues to the clinical
to other team members or specialist resource they arise and alerts/ refers to the appropriate review meeting and actively works with the team to
where appropriate. persons as necessary. resolve these.

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Haumanu

Mahi Whakahaerenga Marae

Resource management, effective verbal & written communication skills
Au Whanau Whanaunga
Demonstrates knowledge of available resources. Demonstrates knowledge of, and ability to utilise, Demonstrates extensive knowledge of
available resources for specific situations. available resources and acts as an
advisor on specific resource utilisation.
Is able to prioritise workload to meet needs of Manages assigned workload and utilises resources Manages a workload autonomously
assigned patients/ whanau. effectively, with assistance. and demonstrates effective resource
management.
Displays an understanding of appropriate Applies guidelines for effective resource utilisation. Contributes to resource management
relevant procedures to access resources if decisions in own area.
required.
Recognises report writing skills, accurate Identifies any training required within written Demonstrates effective, timely and
recording and keeping of notes supports effective responsibilities of Hauora Maori Worker role and accurate written communication skills
assessment, treatment and care plans for with supervisor/ management support puts a within one’s scope of practice.
patients/ whanau. training plan in place.
Acknowledges the importance of effective verbal Demonstrates effective and timely verbal Facilitates understanding in
communication that gives clear, respectful communication skills with patients/ whanau and organisation of the importance of non-
messages to colleagues and patients/ whanau. colleagues. verbal forms of communication as an
essential cultural trait of Maori and
tangata whenua.
Has an awareness of organisational Meets legal and organisational documentation Actively participates in organisational
documentation and auditing requirements. standards. documentation audits.

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Appendix H - AGREEMENT FOR BIPARTITE RELATIONSHIP FRAMEWORK

Purpose
The purpose of this Agreement is to provide a national framework in conjunction with the strategic
direction and leadership of the HSRA to:
1) Support national and local bipartite structures

2) Achieve healthy workplaces

3) Constructively engage in change management processes

4) Provide for dispute and problem resolution

The BRF seeks to:

- take shared responsibility for providing high quality healthcare on a sustainable basis;

- ensure the parties’ dealings with each other are in accord with the principles of good faith
and are characterised by constructive engagement based on honesty, openness, respect
and trust;

- promote productive and effective relationships;

- assist in the delivery of a modern, sustainable, high quality and healthy workforce

- align the principles, processes, procedures and goals adopted under this framework with
those agreed by the Health Sector Relationship Agreement;

- improve decision making and inter party cooperation;

- co-ordinate the trialling, and where appropriate, introduction of innovative initiatives which
will improve healthcare delivery; and

- ensure that all collective agreements reached between the parties are applied fairly,
effectively and consistently in all District Health Boards.

The principles of the relationship framework:

The parties acknowledge that they must work cooperatively to achieve their overarching goal of
maintaining and advancing a DHB workforce which provides high quality healthcare on a
sustainable basis to the New Zealand population.
The parties agree that they will:
- To the extent they are capable, provide appropriate health care to the communities they
serve in an efficient and effective manner.

- To the extent they are capable, ensure the availability and retention of an appropriate
trained and educated workforce both now, and in the future.

- Promote the provision of a safe, healthy and supportive work environment where the
recommendations of the “Safe Staffing and Healthy Workplaces Committee of Inquiry”
are evident.

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 - Recognise the environmental and fiscal pressures which impinge upon the parties and
work practices and accept the need to constantly review and improve on productivity,
cost effectiveness and the sustainable delivery of high quality health services.

- Commit to making decisions that will be reached through genuine consultation processes

- Be good employers and employees.

- To the extent they are capable, ensure workforce planning, rosters and resources meet
patient and healthcare service requirements, whilst providing appropriate training
opportunities and a reasonable work/life balance.

- Recognise the interdependence and value of all the contributions of the health workforce,
their collegiality and the need for a team approach to the delivery of health care.

- Accept that all parties have responsibilities, obligations and accountability for their
actions.

- Accept that the need to deploy resources appropriately may lead to a review of traditional
job functions, the reallocation or substitution of tasks.

- Work towards enhanced job satisfaction for all employees.

1) Supporting national and local bipartite structures

Bipartite Action Group (BAG)
These structures substitute any existing comparable bi-partite structures.

National Bipartite Action Group (National BAG)

This relationship framework, and the undertaking of activities required by it, shall be overseen by
a committee of representatives of the parties, known as the Bipartite Action Group (BAG). The
parties will decide their respective membership with members representing NZNO, SFWU, PSA
members and DHBs. All parties will have representatives at the National BAG meetings with
sufficient status to enter into agreement on matters raised. BAGs will be chaired on a rotational
basis by DHBs and the union parties. Both the DHBs and union parties will have the same
number of votes with union parties deciding how their voting rights will be determined.
The committee will meet through voice and or video conferencing as required and hold face to
face meetings at periods to be agreed but no less frequently than quarterly. DHBs are required to
support the functioning of the BAG through ensuring parties are able to be released from other
duties for this purpose.

The BAG will as necessary advise and participate in the work programme and or other initiatives
of the Health Sector Relationship Agreement. It will determine the process on resolving individual
and collective union and DHB issues. These will include implementation, application and
interpretation issues that have a national relevance. It will also be the responsibility of the
National BAG to support the ongoing activity of Local BAGs and to deal with any issues that are
submitted from these groups through regular reports. The National BAG will agree on processes
for its own operation and will circulate them as guidelines for Local BAGs.
All parties to the relationship have an interest in promoting the work of the BAG and will in the first
instance seek to agree on the content and form of any communications relating to the work of the
BAG. . BAG may develop proposals / projects for the improvement of workforce practices and
planning involving the DHB health workforce or receive such initiatives from others.
Secretarial services shall be provided by DHBNZ.

Local BAGs

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 106 of 131

Where they do not already exist, a BAG will be established in each DHB. The local BAG will
provide a forum for workers and their union to engage in discussions and decision making on
matters of common relevance. This will not prevent unions discussing individual issues with the
DHB directly. But where the issue/s have relevance to more than one union all relevant parties
should have the opportunity to be present and be part of the decision making process.
Issues discussed at local level should be focussed on improving productivity and efficiency of the
DHB and instigating local change that will benefit the parties in the effective running of the DHB
and wellbeing of employees.

2) Healthy workplaces
This BRF supports the principles and joint work contained in the Healthy Workplaces Agreement.

3) Change Management:
This clause provides a change management approach, and national oversight arrangements for
management of change.
This approach is to be used where the change is multi-dimensional and will challenge the ability
of existing change management clauses in this agreement to respond efficiently and effectively;
and where the proposed change will impact at one or more of the following levels:
a) Nationally,

b) Regionally,

c) Across a number of DHBs, impacting on one or more unions,

d) Where changes are likely to result to the structure of employment relationships in the
sector.

Either party may also make a request to the HSRA steering group to use this process. All parties
to the HSRA steering group must then agree/disagree whether this approach is appropriate.
If it is agreed to use this process, the issue will effectively be placed with the HSRA Change
Management Framework (CMF) sub-committee.

The CMF sub-committee will include union and DHB representatives appropriate to the change
initiative.

The CMF sub-committee is tasked with making a considered decision on the processes to be
used in the implementation of the policy or initiative and will provide a forum to decide the
appropriate process for the change management.

The CMF sub-committee will ensure the change to be implemented in a coordinated fashion at
the appropriate level across the sector, and involve appropriate stakeholders as each situation
requires.

Where this clause has been used, it will be considered to meet the requirements for consultation
as detailed in this agreement. {refer to specific MECA and CEA sub clauses}

4) Disputes and problem resolution

The parties accept that differences are a natural occurrence and that a constructive approach to
seeking solutions will be taken at all times. The object of this clause is to encourage the National
BAG to work cooperatively to resolve any differences and share in the responsibility for quality
outcomes.

When a consensus decision on interpretation of an agreement has been reached at the national,
BAG the decision will be formally captured and signed by the parties and will be binding on all
parties from that time.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 107 of 131

Any matter that cannot be resolved will be referred by the BAG to a mutually agreed third party
who will help facilitate an agreement between the parties. Failing identification of a mutually
acceptable third party, the matter shall be referred to the Mediation Service of the Department of
Labour (or its successors) to appoint someone.

In the event that the parties can not reach an agreed solution and unless the parties agree
otherwise, after no less that two facilitation meetings, the third party will, after considering
relevant evidence and submissions, provide a written but non-binding recommendation to the
parties.

Nothing in this agreement shall have the effect of restricting either party’s right to access statutory
resolution processes and forums such the Employment Relations Authority or the Employment
Court or seek other lawful remedies.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 108 of 131

Appendix I – Occupation & DHB Specific Allowances
1. Radio Pratique Allowance
a. Health Protection Officers shall be paid an allowance as set out below for each radio
pratique duty performed outside normal working hours, for which no other payment
(such as call out) is received.
i. Hawke’s Bay: $21.17
ii. MidCentral: $21.38
iii. Taranaki $27.32
iv. Tairawhiti $21.59
v. Bay of Plenty $22.45

2. Duly Authorised Officer (DAO) Allowances

a. Capital & Coast

There are three levels of payment when an employee is properly appointed as a
DAO:
i. $1, 450 per annum, to each employee appointed as a DAO; and
ii. $1,000 per annum paid to DAOs working in teams/ wards other than the
Community Assessment & Treatment (CAT) team; or
iii. $3,727 per annum, paid to DAOs working in the CAT team.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 109 of 131

 b. Canterbury
i. Schedule A2 – Mental Health Division & The Former Princess Margaret
Hospital Division
DAOs required to take part in the DAOs roster shall be paid an allowance of
$500 per annum (paid in fortnightly instalments). DAOs required to be
available to be on call during normal off duty hours, on at least 30 occasions
but on not more than 50 occasions per annum shall be paid an availability
allowance of $3000 per annum (paid in fortnightly instalments). Clause 4 of
the Core MECA will have no application to DAOs.

ii. Schedule A3 – Clinical Psychologists

DAOs required to take part in the DAOs roster shall be paid an allowance of
$500 per annum (paid in fortnightly instalments). DAOs required to be
available to be on call during normal off duty hours, on at least 30 occasions
but not more than 50 occasions per annum shall be paid an availability
allowance of $3000 per annum (paid in fortnightly instalments).

c. Otago

i. Duly Authorised Officer means an employee appointed to undertake Duly

Authorised Officer duties. Duly Authorised Officer has the same meaning
as in the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act
1992.
ii. Employees on a rural Duly Authorised Officer roster who work on call shall
be paid an on call allowance as set out in Clause 4 of the Core MECA.
iii. Employees undertaking Duly Authorised Officer duties shall be paid an
annual allowance of $3,400 (pro rata for part time and casual employees).
iv. The quantum of the Duly Authorised Officer allowances shall be negotiated
separately from the PTR Agreement negotiations.

3. Clothing Allowances

a. Tairawhiti
i. Civilian Clothing Allowance: An allowance of $306 per year (pro rata for
part time staff) shall be paid to staff who, because of therapeutic
requirements or in the interests of patient care and rehabilitation), are
instructed or required by the employer to wear civilian clothing instead of
the usual uniform. This allowance shall not be payable to tutorial staff, staff
wholly or mainly employed in an administrative role, or staff who with the
employer’s permission elect to wear civilian clothing on duty.
ii. Physiotherapist & Occupational Therapist Clothing Allowance:
Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists who are required to
purchase a uniform shall be paid an annual clothing allowance of $200.00.
Such allowance to be payable upon completion of each 12 months of
service.

b. Bay of Plenty
Clinical Physiology Uniforms & Protective Clothing: Employees are not required to
wear a particular uniform per se but have decided to wear similar clothing replacing a
uniform. In acknowledgement of this, each employee shall receive a $150 per
annum non taxable allowance.

c. Northland
Where in the interests of patient care or rehabilitation the employer requires an
employee to wear civilian clothing instead of issue uniform or work clothing, the

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 110 of 131

 employee may claim by way of a timesheet entry code (code CCA) a daily allowance
of $3.05 for each day civilian clothing is worn at the employer’s request.

d. Hawke’s Bay
An allowance of $3.04 per day shall be paid for each working day on which a
community occupational therapist is directed by the employer to wear civilian clothes
instead of the normal occupational therapist uniform. This allowance shall not be
payable to employees wholly or mainly employed in an administrative role or
employees who with the employer’s permission elect to wear civilian clothing on duty.

e. MidCentral
i. Day Support Staff: An allowance at the rate of $172 per annum shall be
payable to Day Support Staff who were previously employed as
Recreational Officers in lieu of an issue of special clothing by the
organisation.
ii. Civilian Clothing for Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists & Visiting
Neurodevelopmental Therapists – An allowance of $3.07 per day (or
proportionate part thereof for occupational therapists/ physiotherapists
employed part time) shall be paid for each working day on which ,because
of therapeutic requirements or in the interests of patient care/ rehabilitation,
an occupational therapist/ physiotherapist is directed by the CEO to wear
civilian clothes instead of the normal occupational therapist/
physiotherapist uniform. Provided that this allowance shall not be payable
to staff wholly or mainly employed in an administrative role or staff who,
with the CEO’s permission elect to wear civilian clothing on duty.

f. Wairarapa
An allowance of $3.20 per day (or proportionate part thereof for part time employees)
shall be paid to Occupational Therapists for each working day on which, because of
therapeutic requirements or in the interest of patient care/ rehabilitation, the
occupational therapist is directed by their manager to wear civilian clothes instead of
the normal occupational therapist uniform.

g. Whanganui
i. Where an employee is specifically instructed by the employer to wear
clothes other than the uniform provided, during the course of their duties,
an allowance of $3.51 allied health employees $3.41 mental health service
employees per day (or proportionate part thereof for part time employees)
will be paid.
ii. Letter of understanding (applicable to mental health service employees):
The parties recognise that the clothing allowance above and Clause 14 of
the Whanganui Schedule (Uniforms & Protective Clothing) of the regional
MECA that applied 2005-07 have been incorrectly applied. Those
employees receiving this allowance as at 25 September 2000 shall
continue to receive it.

h. Capital & Coast – Social Workers & Psychotherapists

Employees who, at the date that the regional MECA that applied 2005-07 came into
force are currently receiving an allowance for clothing and/or footwear shall retain
that allowance at its present rate.

i. Canterbury
i. Schedule A1 – Excluding Mental Health Division & The Former Princess
Margaret Hospital Division: Where an Employee qualifies for a uniform
allowance as prescribed in the next sentence, she/he shall be paid $3.44

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 111 of 131

 per day. A uniform allowance as per the previous sentence shall be paid
for each working day on which, because of therapeutic requirements or in
the interests of patient care/rehabilitation, an employee is required by the
employer to wear mufti clothes instead of the normal uniform; provided that
this allowance shall not be payable to employees wholly or mainly
employed in an administrative role, or employees who, with the employer's
agreement, elect to wear mufti on duty.

j. South Canterbury
Employees who would usually be provided with a uniform but are required by the
Employer to wear civilian clothes for therapeutic reasons or in the interests of patient
care or rehabilitation. Where these employees are not provided with protective
clothing and are exposed to risk of excessive soiling or damage to their clothes they
shall be paid an allowance of $3.10 per day for each working day they are directed to
wear civilian clothes.

k. Southland
i. Clothing Allowance: An allowance of: $0.53 per day shall be paid for each
working day where an employee is directed by the employer to wear
civilian clothing instead of a uniform. Provided this allowance shall not be
payable to employees wholly or mainly employed in an administrative role
or employees who, with the employer’s permission, elect to wear civilian
clothing on duty.
ii. Occupational Therapists/Assistants and Physiotherapists /Assistants: NB:
The provisions of iii. below shall NOT apply to employees of Southland
District Health Board employed after 1 July 2001.
iii. Civilian Clothing Allowance: An allowance of $3.21 per day (or proportionate
part thereof for occupational therapists employed part-time) shall be paid for
each working day on which, because of therapeutic requirements or in the
interests of patient care/rehabilitation, an occupational therapist is directed by
the employer to wear civilian clothes instead of the normal occupational
therapist uniform. Provided that this allowance shall not be payable to staff
wholly or mainly employed in an administrative role or staff who, with the
employer's permission elect to wear civilian clothing on duty.

4. Hawke’s Bay DHB Springhill Residential Centre – Hostel Supervisors Sleepover Allowance

This applies to the Hostel Supervisors working at Springhill Residential Centre

1. Salary Scale
The Hostel Supervisors will be placed on the Community Health Workers salary scale
Level 1.

2. Hours of Work
 1645 to 2300
 2300 to 0600 (sleepover)
 0600 to 0815

2.1 Ordinary hours of work

Ordinary hours of work are between the hours of 0600 and 2000 hours, Monday to Friday.

2.2 Penal rates

a) Weekend rate – applies to ordinary time (other than overtime) worked after midnight
Friday/Saturday until midnight Sunday/Monday shall be paid at time one half (T0.5)
in addition to the ordinary hourly rate of pay.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 112 of 131

 b) Public Holiday rate – applies to those hours which are worked on the public holiday.
This shall be paid at time one (T1) in addition to the ordinary hourly rate of pay.
(See clause 7.6 for further clarification.)
c) Night rate – applies to ordinary hours of duty (other than overtime) that fall between
2000hrs and 0600hrs from midnight Sunday/Monday to midnight Friday/Saturday
and shall be paid at quarter time (T0.25) In addition to the ordinary hourly rate of
pay.
d) Overtime and weekend/Public holiday or night rates shall not be paid in respect of
the same hours, the higher rate will apply.

3. Sleepover allowance – 2300 to 0600 (7 hours)

The sleepover will paid as an allowance equivalent to the minimum wage per hour times
the rate of 7.00. Sleepovers are excluded from Clause 2 Hours of work provisions in the
MECA and 2.2 outlined above. The sleepover does not attract overtime and penal rates,
nor does the sleepover count as time worked for the purposes of overtime.

4. Furnishings
Where sleepovers are required, a separate furnished bedroom shall be provided by
HBDHB for this purpose including lockable cupboard/drawer for the personal effects and a
bed in good repair.

5. Maximum sleepover shifts

No employee shall be required to sleepover on regular basis on more than 5 nights per
week or be required to sleepover on the night preceding days off without consent.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 113 of 131

Appendix J – Dental Therapy Provisions
Salary Scales – Adjusted For Common Annual Divisors

Dental Therapists – with effect from date of settlement

Northland
Allied Scale
Band/Position Step 1950 Divisor 1903 Divisor DHB only 1885 Divisor 1846 Divisor
5.2.3
1890 Divisor

15 $95,609 $89,376 $87,221 $86,626 $86,396 $84,609

14 $92,477 $86,448 $84,364 $83,788 $83,566 $81,837
13 $90,397 $84,503 $82,467 $81,903 $81,687 $79,997
12 $86,726 $81,072 $79,118 $78,577 $78,369 $76,748
Advanced Clinician/ Advanced
11 $83,056 $77,641 $75,770 $75,252 $75,053 $73,500
Practitioner/ Designated Positions
10 $79,098 $73,941 $72,159 $71,666 $71,476 $69,998
9 $74,749 $69,876 $68,191 $67,726 $67,546 $66,149
8 $71,599 $66,931 $65,318 $64,872 $64,700 $63,361
7 $69,460 $64,931 $63,366 $62,934 $62,767 $61,468
Additional Progression Step 6 $65,580 $61,304 $59,827 $59,418 $59,261 $58,035
5 $62,896 $58,795 $57,378 $56,986 $56,836 $55,660
4 $56,607 $52,916 $51,641 $51,288 $51,153 $50,094
Graduate to Experienced
3 $53,578 $50,085 $48,878 $48,544 $48,415 $47,414
Clinicians
2 $50,433 $47,145 $46,009 $45,694 $45,573 $44,631
1 $46,589 $43,552 $42,502 $42,212 $42,100 $41,229

The 1890 divisor applies to Dental Therapists/Hygienists at Northland DHB appointed to hours of work as follows:
7 hours 15 minutes / 36.25 hours per week to be worked between 6am and 6pm from Monday to Friday inclusive.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 114 of 131

Dental Therapists – with effect from 30 April 2015
Northland
Allied Scale 1950 1903 DHB only 1885 1846
Band/Position Step
5.2.3 Divisor Divisor 1890 Divisor Divisor
Divisor
15 $96,278 $90,001 $87,832 $87,232 $87,001 $85,201
14 $93,124 $87,053 $84,954 $84,374 $84,151 $82,410
13 $91,030 $85,095 $83,044 $82,477 $82,259 $80,557
Advanced Clinician/ Advanced 12 $87,333 $81,639 $79,671 $79,127 $78,918 $77,285
Practitioner/ Designated 11 $83,637 $78,184 $76,300 $75,778 $75,578 $74,014
Positions 10 $79,652 $74,459 $72,664 $72,168 $71,977 $70,488
9 $75,272 $70,365 $68,669 $68,199 $68,019 $66,612
8 $72,100 $67,399 $65,775 $65,326 $65,153 $63,805
7 $69,946 $65,386 $63,810 $63,374 $63,206 $61,899
Additional Progression Step 6 $66,039 $61,733 $60,246 $59,834 $59,676 $58,441
5 $63,336 $59,207 $57,780 $57,385 $57,233 $56,049
4 $57,003 $53,287 $52,002 $51,647 $51,510 $50,445
Graduate to Experienced
3 $53,953 $50,435 $49,220 $48,884 $48,754 $47,746
Clinicians
2 $50,786 $47,475 $46,331 $46,014 $45,892 $44,943
1 $46,915 $43,856 $42,799 $42,507 $42,394 $41,517

The 1890 divisor applies to Dental Therapists/Hygienists at Northland DHB appointed to hours of work as follows:
7 hours 15 minutes / 36.25 hours per week to be worked between 6am and 6pm from Monday to Friday inclusive.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 115 of 131

Dental Assistants – 1846 Divisor
from date of from 30 April
Steps
settlement 2015
7 $42,252 $42,547
6 $41,134 $41,422
5 $38,576 $38,846
4 $35,651 $35,901
3 $32,905 $33,135
2 $30,166 $30,377
1 $28,280 $28,478

Preamble
The parties acknowledge the need to develop the models of DHB community oral health services
to meet the Government’s policy objectives for which these services are funded. This includes
alignment of delivery and accessibility of DHB community oral health services with other health
services. The parties commit to constructively engaging to manage service changes in
accordance with their mutual obligations and the principles expressed in the document, during the
term of this agreement.

Hours of Work
The Hours of Work provisions in this MECA make it clear that all existing hours of work
arrangements continue unless they are changed using the processes set out in the Hours of
Work provisions.

The parties have endeavoured to update the provisions of Appendix J to capture variations
agreed through the change process set out in the original 2007/08 settlement; an inadvertent
omission from this Appendix does not negate any such local variation that has been agreed.

Dental Therapy specific provisions are outlined below, by DHB:

Hawke’s Bay:
The following provisions are grand parented for Dental Therapists permanently employed at
Hawke’s Bay District Health Board as at 5 March 2012;

a) Annual Leave
a) Dental Therapists employed in dental clinics shall be entitled to 35 working days annual
leave (pro rata for part time staff) to be taken throughout the year as agreed by the
manager.
b) Dental clinics shall be closed at a time to be determined by the manager during the
Christmas vacation. Dental Therapists can normally expect to have uninterrupted leave
over the Christmas/New Year break.
c) Hawke’ s Bay District Health Board may provide in-service training to meet CPD
requirements under the New Zealand Dental Council.
d) Where Hawke’s Bay District Health Board does not organise such training or other
activities Dental Therapists will be entitled to special leave on pay to meet CPD
requirements.
e) For safety reasons when school staff are not in attendance and Dental Therapists are
required to be in the dental clinic, two employees will be present.
All new Dental Therapists employed at Hawke’s Bay District Health Board thereafter will have
annual leave provisions and hours of work as per clause 2.0 and 6.0.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 116 of 131

b) Dental Therapists Supervising Allowance.
Charge dental therapists supervising new graduates in designated clinics shall be paid $1,623
per annum.

MidCentral:

1. Dental Therapists Supervising Allowance.

Charge dental therapists supervising new graduates in designated clinics shall be paid $1,639
per annum.

2. Charge Dental Therapists In Designated Clinics

Charge Dental Therapists supervising new graduates in designated clinics shall be paid $1,639
per annum.

3. Annual Leave.
Dental Therapists shall not be required to attend clinics on days when primary school teachers
are not in attendance. However, they may be required to attend refresher and in-house courses
on days when they are not required to attend clinics.

Taranaki:

1. Annual Leave.
a) Dental Therapists employed by Taranaki District Health Board prior to 01 July 2010 will
be grand-parented their existing entitlement to thirty five (35) days annual leave (pro rata
for part timer staff).
b) Dental Therapists employed by Taranaki District Health Board after to 01 July 2010 shall
be entitled to thirty (30) days annual leave (pro rata for part-time staff). On completion of
five (5) years recognised service (service as defined in clause 1.6), the employee shall be
entitled to thirty five (35) days annual leave (pro rata for part-time staff).
c) Annual leave is to be taken at mutually agreed times throughout the calendar year.

2. Staff Safety.

a) For safety reasons and where mutually agreed, where either school staff (for mobile or
facilities) or other health centre staff are not present (other than lunch-times or short
duration absences) two employees will be present in a facility or mobile for it to open and
operate..

3. Dental Therapist and Dental Assistant Travel Reimbursement

a) The following sub-clauses shall apply upon the employee being formally allocated and
commencing work at a regional hub or satellite.

b) Where an employee is required to work at another location other than their allocated
normal place or work, the employer shall initially endeavour to provide a TDHB fleet
vehicle where practical.

c) Where an employee is required to use their own vehicle, a travel allowance shall be paid.
The employer will reimburse mileage (at 70 cents per kilometre) where the employee has
to travel further (to a temporary location except between Te Henui and Rangiatea
community dental centres) than they would otherwise have to for their primary allocated
place of work.

d) For travel circumstances outside of these, including travel to work on mobile dental units,
separate provisions will be made.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 117 of 131

4. Professional Development Leave

a) The employer acknowledges a commitment to supporting the continued safe practice of

its workforce and to supporting opportunities for the development of knowledge and skills
which will benefit the patient, organisational effectiveness and workforce.

b) From 01 August 2010, the employer shall grant professional development leave of up to
40 hours per calendar year for full-time employees (pro rated to no less than 16 hours per
calendar year for part-time employees) who are registered Dental Therapists. This leave
is to enable employees to complete qualifications, CPD, and to attend courses that aree
relevant to the employer, and which facilitate the employee’s growth and development.

c) Professional Development Leave is to be taken at mutually agreed times throughout the

calendar year, rather than confined to school holiday periods.

d) Prior approval of the employer must be obtained before taking professional Development
Leave.

e) Professional Development Leave will be granted at T1 rates and shall not accumulate for
one year to the next.

f) Any claim for expenses must be approved in advance, and will be considered on a case
by case basis.

g) The previously allocation clinical administration time (the first week of the third term) is
not incorporated as part of the normal working hours/role.

h) Dental Therapists and Dental Assistants will have access to the TDHB/PSA PDF Fund
with effect 01 August 2010, or mutually agreed earlier date.

Wairarapa:

1. Dental Therapist Additional Duty Allowance

The Dental Therapists group shall maintain a fund of a minimum value of $1,311 per annum. The
amount of the allowance to be paid individually is determined by the number of additional duties
unit points accumulated by a therapist over 12 months. Points are awarded on the following
basis:-
 for every 100 children seen - 1 unit point
 for every 10 children seen thereafter - 0.1 unit point
 for each *extra duty performed - 1 unit point
 for each clinic and school serviced - 0.2 unit points.

To determine the dollar value of the unit points each year the total amount of the allowance fund
is divided by the total unit points earned by all the therapists. Each therapist is then paid their
individual allowance according to the number of unit points she/he has accumulated at the time of
the December returns.

extra = xrays and buddying new employees.

Whanganui:
1. Allowances Charge School Dental Therapists in Designated Clinics
Charge Dental Therapists supervising new graduates in designated clinics shall be paid $1873.25
per annum.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 118 of 131

2. School Dental Therapists Charge Allowance:
An allowance of $104.79 per annum shall be paid to any school dental therapist who is placed in
charge of one of the following patient groups:

 where the main treatment centre is located in a primary school and is located in a community
with fluoridated water - 650 patients;
 where the main treatment centre is located in a primary school and is located in a community
with non-fluoridated water - 450 patients;
 where the main treatment centre is located in an intermediate school of Form 1 to Form 2 and
is located in a community with non-fluoridated water - 300 patients.

Note: For each 10 percent or part thereof, that the number of patients exceed the respective
figures set out above the charge allowance shall be increased by 10 percent of the base
allowance.

3. Annual Leave
Dental Therapists/Dental Therapy Assistants employed in dental clinics attached to schools shall
not normally be required to attend clinics on days when primary school teachers are not in
attendance.

However Full-time Dental Therapists/Dental Therapy Assistants will attend five clinic days per
year during school holidays and part-time Dental Therapists/Dental Therapy Assistants will attend
pro rata clinic days per year during school holidays, or during the school term on days not
normally worked.

On days when primary school teachers are not in attendance and dental therapists/dental therapy
assistants are required to attend clinics on school property, two employees will always be in a
clinic.

The employer will provide five days of in-service education per annum in school holidays and it is
expected that employees will not take leave without pay on these days.

Three of the in-service days will be scheduled to occur at the beginning of school holiday breaks
to ensure uninterrupted leave for Dental Therapists/Dental Therapy Assistants. Two in-service
days will be held on the two days prior to the end of the Christmas/New Year school holiday
break.

Subject to the above, Dental Therapists/Dental Therapy Assistants can normally expect to have
uninterrupted leave over the Christmas/New Year primary school closure.

Dental Therapists/Dental Therapy Assistants are able to take leave without pay providing such
leave is mutually agreed between the Employer and the Employee.

Waikato:

1. School Holidays – applies to school dental therapists who are based in school dental clinics.
a) On school holidays, or otherwise when teachers are no in attendance, school dental
therapists may be required to attend school dental clinics, for purposes within the scope
of school dental services, provided that at least one other member of the school dental
service staff is present, and provided that a reasonable level of security exists within the
dental clinic.
b) Alternatively, on school holidays, or otherwise when teachers are not in attendance,
school dental therapists may be required to do work within the scope of the school dental
services including dental health promotion, enrolment, and in-service training and
education.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 119 of 131

 c) These provisions shall be used in such a way that the work requirements arising from
them shall be spread fairly and reasonably among school dental therapists. Eight weeks
prior notification of a requirement to work during school holidays shall be given to school
dental therapists affected.
d) During the term of this Agreement, the number of days used under these provisions for
all work, including in-service training and education, shall be a maximum of ten days for
each school dental therapist.

2. In the event of the normal school hours being extended by a school or all schools, the
implications for the normal working hours of school dental therapists shall be addressed by
the parties.

3. Allowances

a) Charge Allowance: Note – this clause shall not apply to employees employed after
30 June 1993. An allowance of $90.80 per annum shall be paid to any school dental
therapist who is placed in charge of one of the following patient groups:
 Where the main treatment centre is located in a primary school and is located in a
community with fluoridated water – 650 patients.
 Where the main treatment centre is located in a primary school and is located in a
community with non-fluoridated water – 450 patients.
 Where the main treatment centre is located in an intermediate school or Form I to VII
and is located in a community with fluoridated water – 450 patients.
 Where the main treatment centre is located in an intermediate school or Form I to VII
and is located in a community with non-fluoridated water – 300 patients.
Note: for each 10 per cent or part thereof, that the number of patients exceeds the
respective figures set out above the charge allowance shall be increased by 10 per cent
of the base allowance.

b) Mobile Clinic Allowance

A per annum allowance at a fixed aggregate amount shall be paid to any school dental
therapist who is placed in charge of one of the mobile dental clinics, the respective
amount of allowance being as prescribed annually by the department for each such
mobile clinic.

4. Dental Therapists shall take their leave entitlements during the school holidays.

5. Recreation Leave For Dental Therapists

a) Entitlement
 Dental therapists employed before 30 June 1992 shall be granted two days (or four
half days) “recreation leave” with pay per year.
 Dental therapists employed after 30 June 1992 shall be granted one day (or two half
days) “recreation leave” with pay per year.
b) Subject to the employer’s convenience, leave granted in a) above may be taken either for
such recreational purposes as the employee wishes or during the period between
Christmas & New Year.
c) Employees will become entitled to recreation leave only after completion of 12 months’
service and thereafter on the anniversary of appointment each year.
d) Employees resigning or retiring are not to be paid for any recreation leave untaken at
date of resignation or retirement.
e) If untaken during any particular leave year, the recreation leave is to be cancelled, i.e. it
may not be carried forward.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 120 of 131

Tairawhiti:

Annual Eye Test

Tairawhiti agrees to provide an annual eye test for dental staff.

Bay of Plenty:

1. In-Service – Dental Therapists

In-service of 10 days will be held at the beginning or end of a school holiday period with the dates
to be determined at least eight weeks prior. Attendance at in-service will be on pay for both full
time and part time staff.

2. Dental Therapists employed in Dental Clinics attached to schools shall not be required to
attend clinics during primary school holidays. It is agreed that dental therapists shall take
their full annual leave entitlement during the December/ January school holiday. However, by
prior arrangement, providing a minimum of eight weeks’ notice prior to school holidays is
given, Dental Therapists may be required to attend inservice courses or carry out other
relevant dental duties during school holidays up to a maximum of ten days in any year. This
however does not apply to the December/ January school holiday period, apart from the
closure and set-up days.

3. Dental Mobile Clinic

A per annum allowance at a fixed aggregated amount shall be paid to any dental therapist who is
placed in charge of one of the mobile dental clinics, the respective amount of allowance being as
prescribed annually by the employer for each such mobile clinic.

Northland:

1. Radiology Allowance
A radiology allowance of $500 per annum, shall be paid to dental therapists designated to take x-
rays.

2. Mobile Clinic Allowance

An annual mobile clinic allowance, determined by the employer, shall be paid to dental therapists
working out of mobile clinics.

3. Mentor’s Allowance
An allowance of $2,000 per annum shall be paid to dental therapists appointed by the employer
to mentor new dental therapy/dental hygienist graduates in designated clinics.

4. Travelling Reimbursement For Dental Therapists and Assistants

When travelling to and from work, dental therapists and assistants will be reimbursed for travel
when they use their own car within their established positions. The mileage will be calculated
from an agreed central location, with the first 20 kilometres per day being at the SDS dental
therapist’s own expense. Mileage in addition to the first 20 kilometres will be reimbursed at $0.75
per kilometre, which shall be paid fortnightly.

Lakes:

1. Charge Allowance
An allowance of $94.93 per annum shall be paid to any school dental therapist who is placed in
charge of one of the following patient groups:
 Where the main treatment centre is located in a primary school and is located in a
community with fluoridated water – 650 patients.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 121 of 131

 Where the main treatment centre is located in a primary school and is located in a
community with non-fluoridated water – 450 patients.
 Where the main treatment centre is located in an intermediate school or Form I to VII and is
located in a community with fluoridated water – 450 patients.
 Where the main treatment centre is located in an intermediate school or Form I to VII and is
located in a community with non-fluoridated water – 300 patients.
Note: for each 10 per cent or part thereof, that the number of patients exceeds the respective
figures set out above the charge allowance shall be increased by 10 per cent of the base
allowance.

This allowance is to be calculated using the above formula. The total is to be divided equally and
paid to those dental therapists who are party to this Agreement. Part time employees are to
receive a percentage calculated on a pro rata basis.

2. Charge Dental Therapists in Designated Clinics

Charge dental therapists supervising new graduates in designated clinics shall be paid $1,696
per annum. The total is to be divided equally and paid to those dental therapists who are party to
this Agreement. Part time employees are to receive a percentage calculated on a pro rata basis.

3. Mobile Clinic Allowance

A dental therapist when on duty in a mobile clinic is to be paid a cleaning allowance of $4.00 per
day.

4. Dental therapists will not be required to work during the school holidays except for a
maximum of ten days. These days will be used for in-service training, project work or
providing dental treatment in appropriate dental clinics – this may include approved courses
and conferences held on weekends. The programme covering these days will be set by the
employer in conjunction with the employees. There will however need to be a negotiated
contingency to meet any acute or requested needs, which may arise over these periods.

Nelson Marlborough:

1. Dental Therapists treating hospital patients in the Nelson or Wairau Hospital Dental Clinics
will be paid a 50 cent per hour allowance for each hour worked in addition to their other
remuneration.

2. Uniforms & Protective Clothing – Dental Therapists & Assistants

a) All items of protective clothing supplied by the employer shall be laundered at the
employer's expense, as and when required. Each case is to be determined on its merits
by the employer. Employees will be paid $1.60 per working day in return for laundering
their own protective clothing when the employer is unable to provide a laundry service.

b) The employer may approve the wearing of alternative uniforms with no obligations to the
employer in accordance with Clause 17 of the core MECA and subclause a) above.

3. Leave and hours of work

a) Annual leave for dental therapists and dental assistants will be in terms of the body of this
MECA (i.e. 4 or 5 weeks depending on tenure).

b) Ful time employment will comprinse an 8 hour working day. The divisor used for
remuneration will be 2086 (prior to 1 August 2011, 1846 was applied).

c) In addition to annual leave, NMDHB will provide dental therapists and dental assistants in
the community dental service (former School Dental Service) with special leave on full
pay for the 2 weeks Christmas closedown, together with the three working days

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 122 of 131

 immediately following the 2 week closedown period. This special leave will only be paid
in respect of the days and times that would have been worked by the particular employee
but for this closedown period.

4. Travelling Allowance
Notwithstanding Clause 22.1 of the Core MECA, Therapists & Assistants required to work and
stay overnight at Murchison will receive $60 per day plus accommodation.

West Coast:

1. Charge Allowance
An allowance of $96.32 per annum shall be paid to any school dental nurse who is placed in
charge of one of the following patient groups:
 where the main treatment centre is located in a primary school and is located in a community
with fluoridated water - 650 patients;
 where the main treatment centre is located in a primary school and is located in a community
with non-fluoridated water - 450 patients;
 where the main treatment centre is located in an intermediate school or Form I to VII school
and is located in a community with fluoridated water - 450 patients;
 where the main treatment centre is located in an intermediate school or Form I to VII school
and is located in a community with non-fluoridated water - 300 patients.

Note: For each 10 per cent or part thereof, that the number of patients exceeds the respective
figures set out above the charge allowance shall be increased by 10 per cent of the base
allowance.

2. Charge Dental Nurses in Designated Clinics

Charge Dental Nurses supervising new graduates in designated clinics shall be paid $1,721 per
annum.

3. Mobile Clinic Allowance

A per annum allowance at a fixed aggregated amount shall be paid to any school dental nurse
who is placed in charge of one of the mobile dental clinics, the respective amount of allowance
being as prescribed annually by the department for each such mobile clinic

4. Annual Leave
Clause 6.1 of the Core MECA shall apply except that Dental Therapists in employed in dental
clinics attached to schools shall not be required to attend clinics on days when primary school
teachers are not in attendance. However, they may be required to attend refresher and in service
courses on days when they are not required to attend clinics. Leave shall be granted for 35
working days to be taken during primary school holidays as directed by the Employer.

Notwithstanding the above, in recognition of the West Coast District Health Board's intention to
provide a dental service during the school holidays, dental therapists and the West Coast District
Health Board undertake to reach a mutually acceptable arrangement to provide a dental service.

Canterbury:

The parties are currently collaboratively working on a project relating to hours of work and leave,
specifically with the purpose of agreeing alternative provisions to allow extended hours of
operation, in line with the expectations agreed in the Child Oral Health Business Case between
the CDHB and the Ministry of Health.

In order to be able to undertake a trial implementation during the term of this agreement, a local
variation may be agreed for a specified number of staff. It is envisaged that this project will be

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 123 of 131

completed before the end of the term of this MECA by which time the parties will have agreed the
new provisions in time for bargaining.

The parties are also discussing the matter of mileage and the private use of motor vehicles.
Changes to the existing provisions in Appendix J may also be required.

1. Annual Leave
a) Dental Therapists and Assistants shall retain the annual leave entitlement that existed in
the regional MECA prior to this Agreement coming into force.

b) Dental Therapists and Assistants shall not be required to attend clinics on days when
primary schools are closed and their absence shall be paid time off. They may be
requested however to attend continuing education and in-service courses for no more
than 3 days per annum as directed by the employer on days when clinics are closed
provided one school term’s notice is given. Dental Therapists and Assistants are
required to take their annual holidays when primary schools are closed.

c) Notwithstanding the provisions of a) above, Dental Therapists and Assistants may by

agreement between an individual employee and the employer attend work when primary
schools are closed. When this occurs, the provisions of sub-clause 2.2.2 of the Core
MECA (overtime) shall not apply but the employee will receive the ordinary hourly rate in
addition to being paid the ordinary hourly rate.

2. Private Use of Motor Vehicle

For School and Community Dental Service employees only, the following provisions apply from
the start of the school term in May 2005:

 One Board vehicle will be made available full-time within each of the three rural teams. This
vehicle needs to be managed as per the CDHB Vehicle and Transport Policy. How this
vehicle is utilised within the team, will be at the team’s discretion.
 All approved work-related travel between clinics or other CDHB workplaces/ locations is to be
reimbursed. This includes any travel specifically for the purposes of delivery of equipment
between workplaces.
 Employees will be able to claim reimbursement of all work-related travel, including distances
travelled to and from work, over 20 kilometres per day. This is to be claimed fortnightly and
signed off by the relevant manager / coordinator before being forwarded to Payroll for
processing. The parties acknowledge that this arrangement is in recognition of the travel
requirements / service delivery needs that are specific and unique to the School and
Community Dental Service and that this will not apply or be made to apply to any other
service within the organisation.

Note: This subclause incorporates the terms of the agreement reached between the parties
during 2005 in accordance with the developed and agreed principles relating the reimbursement
of travel expenses.

Southern DHB: Southland:

1. Annual Leave
Dental therapists and dental assistants are entitled to 4.6 weeks’ annual leave per year, except
that employees with 5 or more years of recognised service will instead be entitled to 5 weeks of
annual leave per year.
2. Uniforms
Each therapist/ assistant shall be provided with coveralls which shall remain the property of the
employer and shall be laundered by the employer free of charge.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 124 of 131

3. Relieving Dental Therapist Allowance
The permanent occupant of the relieving dental therapist position is to receive an annual
allowance of $772.65.

Southern DHB: Otago:

1. Annual Leave
In accordance with the terms of the 5 July 2011 agreement between Southern DHB and the
PSA, dental therapists and assistants are entitled to 4.6 weeks of annual leave per year, except
that employees with 5 or more years of recognised service will instead be entitled to 5 weeks of
annual leave per year.
Hutt Valley:

1. Annual Leave - School Dental Service

Employees are entitled to the annual leave provisions of the core MECA.

Due to the special nature of the School Dental Service, employees are entitled to 30 days
annual leave after the completion of one (1) year’s service if the employee agrees to take
all annual leave during the school holidays or alternatively employees can elect to take 10
weeks leave, during the school holidays, (30 days annual and 20 days special leave
without pay) and have their salary pro rated at 0.9231FTE (240 days per year) on an
annual basis. Employees can elect either option in July each year, to take effect at the
beginning of the following calendar year i.e. 1 January to 31 December.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 125 of 131

Appendix K – Indicative Job Title Table
This MECA has moved away from the traditional listing of all positions in the coverage clause and instead describes professions that are covered
by this MECA. The job titles listed below are indicative of the types of positions that are covered by this MECA and have been brought into this
schedule from the coverage clauses of the expired regional MECAs that preceded this Agreement.

Hauora Maori Workers/

Technical Allied Health & Clinical Support Public Health Assistants
Workers
Drinking Water Biomedical Technician
Anaesthetic Technicians A&OD Clinicians Activities Officer Assessors Assistants
Anaesthetic Technicians
Trainees Audiologists Bone Density Scanners Food Act Officers Dental Assistants
Audiology Technicians Dental Therapists Care Co-ordinators Health Informatics Dietitian Assistants
Audiometrists Dietitian Care Managers Health Promotion Diversional Therapists
Dual Diagnosis
Biomedical Technicians Therapist/Clinician CFMH Support Workers Health Protection Health Assistants
Community Health Workers
BMET Early Intervention Teachers (Maori Designated) Sampling officers Health Auxiliaries
Hospital Dental
Charge ECG Technicians Family Therapists Consumer Advisors Smokefree officers Assistants
Clinical Physiologists
(formerly known as
cardiac/ pulmonary/
respiratory/ sleep Genetic
technologists/ scientists Associates/counsellors Counsellors Technical Officers Hydrotherapy Assistants
Clinical Physiology Needs Assessors/ Service
Technicians (formerly Co-ordinators (also under
known as cardiac/ Health & Clinical Support Occupational Therapy
respiratory technicians) Workers) Creative Therapists Assistants
Dental Technicians Occupational Therapists Cultural Advisors Pharmacy Assistants
ECG Technicians Optometrists Diversional Therapists Physiotherapy Assistants
Electrical Technicians Orthoptists Family Advisors Public Health Assistants
Electronic Technicians Paediatric Therapists Home Support Coordinators Social Work Assistants
Pharmacists (including
Embryologists interns) Instructors Therapy Assistants

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 126 of 131

 Hauora Maori Workers/
Technical Allied Health & Clinical Support Public Health Assistants
Workers
Food Supervisors Physiotherapists Maori Health Workers
ICU/PICU Techs Play Specialists Matua
Medical Illustrators and
Photographers Podiatrists Mental Health Professionals
Needs Assessors/ Service
Medical Laboratory Co-ordinators (also under
Scientists Professional Advisors Allied)
Medical Laboratory Occupation Therapy
Technician Trainee Psychologists Instructors
Medical Laboratory Recreation & Welfare
Technicians Psychotherapists Officers
Mobility Technicians Social Workers Rehab Support Workers
Specialist Assessors - Rehab Therapists &
Mortuary Technicians wheelchair and Seating Assistants
Neurophysiology
Technicians Speech language therapists Child Birth Educators
Visiting Neurodevelopment
Ophthalmic Technicians Therapists Lactation Consultants
Orthotic Technicians
Productions
Orthotists
Pharmacy Technicians
and Trainees
Phlebotomists
Physiology Technicians
and Trainees
Renal Dialysis Technicians
(aka Clinical Physiologists
(Dialysis))
Scientific Officer
Scientists
Sonographers and Echo
Sonographers

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 127 of 131

 Hauora Maori Workers/
Technical Allied Health & Clinical Support Public Health Assistants
Workers
Specimen Services
Technicians
Sterile Supply
Technicians/ Assistants/
Coordinators/ Shift
Leaders
Vision & Hearing
Technicians/ Testers
/Technical Officers (incl.
Newborn Hearing
Screeners)
Wheelchair technicians

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 128 of 131

Appendix L – Healthy Workplaces

The parties to the DHB / CTU Health Unions National Terms of Settlement agree that all
employees should have healthy workplaces.

Achieving healthy workplaces requires:

2
1. Effective care capacity management ; having the appropriate levels of staff, skill mix,
experience, and resourcing to achieve a match between demand and capacity

2. Systems, processes and work practices that ensure efficient scheduling and a credible,
consistent and timely response to variance in demand

3. A workplace culture between employees and their managers that reflects an

understanding and actively advocates a balance between safe quality care, a safe quality
work environment and organisational efficiency.

4. Recognition that everyone can be a leader by using the authority (expertise) vested in
their role to participate and constructively engage with others.

5. The development of a learning culture that emphasizes employees at all levels being
given the opportunity to extend their knowledge and skills, as identified in their
performance development plans where they are in place.

6. Appreciation that good patient outcomes rely on the whole team and that teams need
opportunities to work and plan together.

7. Having the right tools, technology, environment and work design to support health and
safety and to ensure effective health care delivery. This includes the opportunity to be
involved in the decisions about what is needed and when.

The parties agree that these seven elements should be evident in all DHB workplaces and
apply to all employees, and agree to work jointly towards the implementation of them by
the following:
The parties agree to work together to establish a national framework for a whole of
system approach to care capacity management which;

- provides efficient, effective, user friendly processes and structures

- provides centralized, multi stakeholder governance
- is used consistently and effectively at all levels to manage and monitor care capacity
- includes a core data set by which the health of the system is monitored and is used
to inform forecasting, demand planning, and budgeting
- includes consistent, credible, required responses to variance in care capacity
- recognises the need for local solutions consistent with the principles of healthy
workplaces

Each party will undertake to promote and model behavior that demonstrates productive
engagement and builds a workplace culture that enables everyone to feel their
contribution is valued and respected. Opinions of those performing the work will be

2
Care capacity management is the process of ensuring that the demand for service placed on an
organisation can be adequately met within a context of quality patient care, a quality work environment for
staff, and fiscal and procedural efficiency.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 129 of 131

 sought when new innovations, improvements and changes are required, in a manner
consistent with consultation and change management processes referred to below

Quality of care and quality of the work environment are agreed priorities that underpin
productivity and will be incorporated in all workplace processes and actively sponsored
at all levels of the organization

Developing and maintaining policies and practices that actively encourage all employees
to be confident in leading and making decisions within their levels of expertise and
experience.

Access for all employees to appropriate professional development and appropriate

learning opportunities, including appropriate national qualifications, in order to give them
greater opportunities to extend their roles and responsibilities within the public health
system.

Facilitating appropriate release time to attend relevant professional development and

learning opportunities;

A wider team approach to planning and evaluation of service capacity and service
delivery will be used to ensure the right people with the right skills are providing the right
care (role) at the right time in the right place. This will support staff in taking responsibility
and accountability for their own services’ performance, and using the tools and policies
in place to effect improvement

Nationally consistent consultation and change management processes to facilitate both

input into decision making on issues affecting the workplace and active engagement in
the development and /or problem solving of initiatives to address the issues.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 130 of 131

Appendix M – National DHB/PSA Allied, Public Health & Technical
Engagement Forum

TERMS OF REFERENCE

PURPOSE
The purpose of the National PSA-DHB APHT Engagement Forum is to support engagement
between the parties on national issues of significance for the health professions covered by these
documents (Auckland & Rest of New Zealand MECAs), including innovation, professional
development, and changing work practices/service delivery models and appropriate salary scales

STRUCTURE
The Forum is comprised of six PSA and six DHB nominees. Each party will determine its own
representation, however it is expected that the DHBs will be represented by COO/Service
Manager, GMsHR and DAH nominees.

The Forum will select one member as chair, with the Deputy Chair being from the other party.
The chair shall rotate on an annual basis.

MEETINGS
The Forum will meet as and when agreed but generally three to four times per annum.

A quorum will comprise not less than 8 members; 4 from each party.

AGENDAS
Members of the Forum shall advise the Chair of items to be included on the agenda not less than
four weeks before the meeting. The agenda for each meeting will be finalised by the chair and
the deputy-chair in time to be provided, with any associated papers or supporting documentation,
to members two weeks prior to the actual meeting.

The Chair will invite any subject-matters experts he or she considers necessary to inform the
Forum’s discussion on any specific agenda item.

DECISION MAKING
Every endeavour shall be made to achieve consensus in decision making. The Forum, having
considered fully matters put to it, may make recommendations to the CEOs. If accepted, these
may result in formal advice to the sector, a formal offer to vary the MECA (s) during their term
and/or will inform subsequent bargaining.

MINUTES
Minutes of the Forum will be prepared in note form confirming agreements and action, and will
not be a verbatim record of proceedings.

Minutes shall have no status until confirmed by members of the Forum.

Confirmed minutes will be made available to all stakeholders.

18 DHBs Allied/ Public Health/ Technical MECA Page 131 of 131