Knife-Wielding Man Arrested at Nursing Protest in Christchurch

A man was arrested at a nursing protest in Christchurch on Tuesday morning after allegedly threatening to kill healthcare workers. The incident occurred as part of a nationwide walkout by over 36,000 nurses, midwives, and healthcare staff, who are protesting stalled contract negotiations with Te Whatu Ora, the new health authority.

At approximately 10:20 a.m., police responded to reports of two men acting in a threatening manner toward a group of protesters gathered in the central city. Witnesses reported seeing one of the men waving a long-bladed knife and shouting that he would kill nurses because his grandmother was “dying” in the hospital and they were not working. A witness told Stuff that the man appeared to throw the knife into the nearby Avon River before being taken into custody for disorderly behavior.

The protest, which saw healthcare workers across the country walk off the job for 24 hours, has been driven by disputes over pay, staffing levels, and concerns about patient safety. Health NZ has proposed a 2% pay increase this year, 1% next year, and a lump sum payment of $325. It has also sought to extend the agreement by three months, bringing the total term to 27 months, ending in January 2027.

The Nurses Organisation, however, is demanding a 3% increase this year, backdated to April 7, and a 2% increase effective from April 2026. The union’s chief executive, Paul Goulter, emphasized that the core of the dispute is not pay, but the government’s failure to guarantee adequate funding and staffing levels to meet patient needs.

Tracy Chisholm, a nurse and union delegate at Waikato Hospital, described the dire conditions in emergency departments due to chronic understaffing. She said patients who soiled themselves could be left for hours in their filth, and others could wait all night just to be seen. “It could mean 14 hours sitting in a waiting room through the night. It’s not uncommon for patients who arrive at 9 p.m. to not see a doctor until the following morning,” she said.

Data obtained by the Nurses Organisation under the Official Information Act showed that 50% of day shifts in 16 districts over 10 months last year were understaffed. The union is also fighting for safe staffing levels to ensure patient safety and quality of care.

The protest has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare workers in New Zealand, as they continue to push for better working conditions and fairer pay.