Rotation date realignment – January 2026
Remember that January 2026 is a rotation realignment year. Every seven years or so is a realignment year. This is needed to ensure the rotation in January does not fall too close to Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
If there are any issues with your current accommodation due to the 1-week extension i.e., tenancy runs out early, please get in touch with your RMO Unit ASAP to discuss support available to you.
The dates for the 2026 RMO year are:
House Officers - 19th January 2026
Registrars - 2nd February 2026
Moving Districts?
To confirm, for the 2025 / 2026 changeover Te Whatu Ora | Health NZ are proceeding with the same process as in previous years, where Districts will continue to function as they have done in the past with regards to domestic relocations. This means those districts that would usually ask RMOs to seek quotes will continue to ask, and those who dealt with a preferred supplier will work with these companies again (Crown, Allied, NZ Van Lines).
However, this year, to ensure a consistent approach to decision making, final approvals and payment will be made centrally from within Te Whatu Ora, where one of the three preferred suppliers is used. This means that you won’t need to pay the movers directly and wait to be reimbursed. However, where an RMO does not wish to work with one of the three suppliers, they will be asked to seek reimbursement from their new district after they have moved.
Noting that all other costs associated with your relocation will still be processed by your local RMO Unit or district. Please contact your local RMO Unit to find out if they require more than one quote and who their preferred provider is.
If your district requires you to obtain quotes and you need to ‘meet the movers’ in order to get that quote – your local RMO unit should be helping to facilitate the time off to coordinate this.
Te Whatu Ora were hoping to have a more centralised process in place for the 2026 RMO year; however, there have been some capacity issues for the Procurement teams due to the restructures and so a decision has been made to continue with previous process as an interim measure. They hope to have a different process in place for the following year.
Remember if you are moving Districts, plan as early as possible and ensure you are familiar with the entitlements under the SECA. We know not everyone’s plans will fit exactly into the agreed T&Cs, so if you are wanting to do something different or seeking flexibility – please ensure you speak with your RMO Unit or email rmo.relocations@tewhatuora.govt.nz prior to booking anything and obtain confirmation in writing.
Wondering about the logistics of having a furry friend on your RMO journey?
Check out our Delegate Rep, Brad’s blog about dog ownership as an RMO