The STONZ meal allowance pilot will continue for 6 months for the 2 February 2026 rotation.
STONZ members working in any of the participating districts from 2 February 2026 have the option to participate in the pilot. This will include;
An allowance of $6025 gross, per annum, pro-rated for each participating RMO paid on a fortnightly basis with their salary.
The allowance will be in lieu of the standard meal provision provided by the district.
RMOs participating in the pilot will not be able to access meals through the standard district process, with the exception of meals overnight, which will continue to be provided by the District.
The pilot is on an opt-in basis.
All other terms and conditions of employment will remain the same.
The pilot provided us with an opportunity to jointly identify the benefits and challenges of implementing a meal allowance and inform further discussion on potential alternatives to the current meal provisions.
The pilot was agreed as an outcome of the 2021 STONZ & Te Whatu Ora (DHBs at the time) bargaining, noting STONZ surveyed members that year with approximately 50% of respondents indicating they would prefer to be paid an allowance rather than receive a meal subject to certain protections.
Outlined below are the confirmed Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora pilot districts and key contacts:
Northland, District Pilot Lead: Luke Claris (luke.claris@northlanddhb.org.nz)
Tairāwhiti, District Pilot Lead: Brenda Missen (brenda.missen@tdh.org.nz)
Waikato, District Pilot Lead: Tina Gupwell (Tina.Gupwell@waikatodhb.health.nz)
Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral, District Pilot Lead: Christine Wood (christine.wood@midcentraldhb.govt.nz)
Whanganui, District Pilot Lead: Louise Torr (Louise.Torr@wdhb.org.nz)
Waitaha Canterbury, District Pilot Lead: David Brandts-Giesen (David.Brandts-giesen@cdhb.health.nz)
South Canterbury, District Pilot Lead: Shelley Holmes (sholmes@scdhb.health.nz)
Southern, District Pilot Lead: Marlene Griffin (marlene.griffin@southerndhb.govt.nz)
Action Required
To opt into the pilot, please register your interest by contacting your District Pilot Lead noted above
If you do not wish to participate, the current collective agreement provisions for meals will remain in place and no action is required
Meal Pilot FAQs
How long is the pilot for?
The pilot initially commenced on 30 January 2023 for an initial 12-month period and has been extended. The STONZ meal allowance pilot will continue for the 2 February 2026 rotation.
Do I have to participate in the pilot?
No – this is on an opt-in basis. If you choose not to participate, there will be no changes to your terms and conditions, and you will continue to access your meals through the district.
Who can participate in the pilot?
Any STONZ members at one of the participating Districts.
Can I participate in the pilot if my district is not listed as one of the participating districts?
No – only STONZ members at the participating districts can partake.
Once I have opted into the pilot, can I opt out?
The intention is that if you opt in to participate in the pilot, you cannot opt-out part way through. However, there may be individual circumstances where an exception to this would apply and this can be discussed with your district lead.
If I don’t want to participate from the start of the pilot, can I join the pilot at a later date?
At this stage, the 02 February 2026 intake will be the final intake for the pilot.
If I am transferring to a District not participating in the pilot later in 2026, can I still participate?
Yes, however, when you transfer out of a participating district the meal allowance payment will stop and will not be carried over to your new district. Clause 20.5 of the STONZ RMO Collective Agreement would apply at your new district.
If I am commencing parental leave or leave without pay part way through the training year, can I still participate?
Yes, however, when you commence parental leave or leave without pay the meal allowance payment will stop.
If I work part-time or am on a reduced FTE, can I participate in the pilot?
Yes – your meal allowance will be pro-rated.
If I am receiving a meal allowance, can I still access free meals from the staff cafeteria?
No – you cannot access free meals from the staff cafeteria. The meal allowance is in lieu of a meal which means you can choose to purchase a meal from the staff cafeteria or elsewhere or you can provide your own meal/s. The exception to this is overnight, where RMOs working night duties will be provided with a meal from their District throughout the pilot.
How will the meal allowance be paid?
The meal allowance will be paid fortnightly with your salary, noting the allowance will be subject to PAYE tax.
Will the meal allowance be taxed?
Yes – the meal allowance is subject to PAYE tax and other deductions such as student loan payments and KiwiSaver.
Will I be paid the allowance when I work night duties?
Yes – the allowance will continue to be paid when you work night duties. However, your District will provide you with a meal overnight.
Will I be paid the allowance when I take leave?
The meals allowance is not paid while you are on leave. However, because it contributes to your average earnings and relevant daily pay, it will still be factored into your leave payments.
The allowance will not be paid if you are taking unpaid leave, such as parental leave and leave without pay.
If I resign during the pilot will the remaining meal allowance be paid out?
No – if you resign, the meal allowance payments will stop when your employment ends.
How does the meal allowance impact my terms and conditions?
If you choose to participate in the pilot, Clause 20.5 of the STONZ RMO Collective Agreement will not apply throughout the period of the pilot and you will need to provide your own meal/s. The exception to this is overnight, where RMOs working night duties will be provided with a meal from their District throughout the pilot. All your other terms and conditions will remain the same.
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