Who We Are | STONZ

We were formed by a group of surgical trainees back in 2018 out of a desire to protect our training, but very quickly started to gain momentum and attract RMOs from other specialties, also looking for an alternative.

It is our mission to build a collaborative community where all RMOs are given the opportunity to complete their training without boundaries or limitation.

When STONZ was first established, the team wanted to ensure that the RMO voice was central to how the union functioned.

What does that really mean? The way our union is structured means that RMOs truly remain at the core of our Union and our Executive team are ultimately responsible for the running and the success of the union.

That’s why our executive team are all practicing doctors. Working with you and who are also involved in the day to day running of STONZ alongside our Support team, and who are ultimately responsible for the overall management and for setting the strategic direction of our union.

Our aim is to negotiate a collective agreement that offers the best possible benefits to support your training, your career and your working conditions.

We are here to advocate for our members and support you with guidance and advice about work-related issues. We also work locally, regionally and nationally to advocate and progress issues that are important to our membership. We work closely with key stakeholders including the Council of Trade Unions, Manatū Hauora, Government and relevant Ministers as well as Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand.

WHAT WE STAND FOR...

STONZ GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

We are a non-for-profit incorporated society and STONZ was established with the sole aim of supporting Junior Doctors and advocating to improve working conditions for all RMOs.

In order to do this, we have a simple governance structure and our aim is to ensure that our Executive team positions are always filled by current working doctors. To recognise the additional workload that comes with being on the executive, we pay a small salary of $15,000 gross pa to our senior executive and $5,000 gross p.a., to our Junior executive. We also directly employ our support team so we can maintain overall control and leadership. Our aim is to build a business where we attract and retain good people so we can best support our members now and in the future.

STONZ has auditors who complete an annual review and assurance of STONZ operations and finances to ensure that we are operating responsibly and are being open and transparent with our members. The annual independent review is an ongoing annual process, and any recommendations are shared at our AGM each year.

Click on the below position profiles to learn more about each executive role.

And if you are interested in getting more involved please email: support@stonz.co.nz

Senior Executive

Junior Executive

DOING THE MAHI WITH YOU, AND FOR YOU...

Core to STONZ values, is that we are a union for RMOs, led by current RMOs.

Our team are involved at all levels; from an operational perspective such as approving budgets, providing clinical advice, and regularly attend local, regional and national meetings. They are also responsible for the overarching strategy and direction of STONZ as well as taking the lead when it comes to Collective Agreement negotiations. This is not something we outsource, our team are involved in the detailed preparations and are front and centre at the bargaining table during this process.