standard-title About Us

About Us

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OUR TEAM

Meet our team and a bit about ourselves.
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DELEGATES

Your delegates and what they do.
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NZRDA Rules

Full PDF document of our current rules.
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Safer Hours Progress

Check the progress of your DHB - coming soon.

What is the NZRDA

WHO WE ARE

Who are we? The NZRDA stands for New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association – or the RDA for short. The RDA is the only organisation in New Zealand solely repreresenting the interests of RMOs (RMO means Resident Medical Officer and includes trainee interns, house surgeons, senior house officers and registrars). We are run by resident doctors for resident doctors. Our main purpose is to look after and to promote the interests of our members. This includes taking care of doctors’ rights and your interests at work, within the health sector and in the wider community. The philosophy of the NZRDA is based on community, support and union principles such as democratic structure and quality service delivery to members.

WHAT WE DO

In short, the RDA supports RMOs, pursues RMO’s interests and negotiates and enforces RMOs terms and conditions of employment. We work to ensure your employment agreement is honoured. We are a democratic union – so that means that we ask what our members want before we act on their behalf and we are not politically aligned: our role is to represent RMOs and we must be free to do that regardless of who is in power. In actively lobbying for our members interests, we comment publicly where appropriate and communicate with other medical organisations (both in New Zealand and overseas), politicians, government organisations and those in the private sector. It is through the union that you have an opportunity to have your say and influence decisions that may affect your future in the delivery of health services in New Zealand. We provide advocacy advice and support for workforce issues that may arise including those related to compliance and enforcement of your employment agreement. We also provide individual representation services to you if you so require. Personal and professional support through the RDA can be accessed 24/7.

RESIDENT MEDICAL OFFICER (RMO)

A resident doctor or resident medical officer (RMO) is a person who has graduated from medical school as a qualified doctor and is undergoing further training to become fully qualified in whatever vocational field that they so choose. The RDA is the only organisation in New Zealand solely representing the interests of RMOs. The term ‘resident’ comes from the availability of RMOs who are primarily on site in the hospitals.

MECA DEFINITION

The MECA describes a resident medical officer in the following way: “a house surgeon, senior house officer, registrar or junior dental officer and shall include any medical officer registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (or any act passed in substitution) expect medical practitioners registered under the vocational scope of practice”.

HOUSE OFFICER TO REGISTRAR

At the completion of the Trainee Intern (TI) year (the 6th and final year of medical school) RMOs can apply to DHBs within New Zealand for employment. An RMO’s first appointment as a first year house surgeon position is referred to as a house officer. During the second year an RMO is known as a second year house surgeon and from the third and fourth years RMOs are then are referred to as senior house officers. It takes a minimum of 12 months for a first year RMO to gain general registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.

A registrar is an RMO who has been employed as a house surgeon for two years (or as a house surgeon for one year and engaged for one year in other medical services as a medical practitioner) and is usually working in and studying towards a specialist field of medical practice.

WHO IS YOUR NATIONAL EXECUTIVE?

All members of the National Executive are delegates and many have participated in MECA bargaining in the past. It is a requirement of the NZRDA rules that all National Executive members be voted in in accordance with the correct processes. You can view the profiles of our current National Executive members below.

WHAT DOES THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DO?

The National Executive is primarily charged with the responsibility of running the RDA between AGMs and acts upon input from members after being channelled through workplace representatives – your delegates. The National Executive is in essence the RDA’s ‘board of directors’. The National Executive provides leadership and works to ensure accountability processes are adhered to. The National Executive come together to meet formally at least three times a year in addition to the AGM and at any other times it sees fit to discuss both current and future issues.

MAIN FUNCTIONS

The National Executive’s main functions are: to manage the overall direction of the NZRDA’s activities throughout the year; to promote the objectives of NZRDA; to ensure implementation of any decisions made at an AGM and any National Membership Meetings; to hold other structures, bodies and officers of NZRDA accountable for their functioning; to resolve disputes or problems encountered between NZRDA members or bodies; to ensure that there is sound financial policy, including safeguarding any assets of NZRDA and managing its business (including investments); to ensure NZRDA’s compliance with its own rules and the law.

Current National Executive

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Dr Courtney Brown

Dr Courtney Brown

Position: Vice President

Kia ora, my name is Courtney and I am your new vice president. I am a PGY2 working in Wellington, with a particular interest in medicine and medical subspecialties. I joined the RDA in my trainee intern year, and have been a delegate since starting work in early 2016. I soon became the Wellington National Executive representative, and throughout the last year I have been involved in a number of projects including MECA bargaining, DHB MECA compliance and RMO wellness. I am passionate about employee rights, in particular safe working conditions, safe rostering and leave entitlements. I also have a particular interest in other “big picture” issues such as health workforce funding and RMO training. I have learnt a lot over the last year, and am ready to take on the challenge that is the vice president role. Areas of focus this year include the RMO remuneration review, RMO wellness projects, and our plans to improve the trainee intern to house officer transition. When I am not at work I try to make the most of all that Wellington has to offer – the beach, the bush, the restaurants and cafés. If you have any issues, queries or concerns please get in touch – text, phone call or email!

Dr Sara Moeke

Dr Sara Moeke

Position: President

Kia Ora, my name’s Sara and I currently work and train part time as a GP Registrar in the Wellington Region, as well as a part time Paediatric Registrar at Wellington Hospital. I have spent the last 5 years working between Wellington and Hutt Hospitals, and prior to this enjoyed my first three years as an RMO in the much warmer climate of Whangarei. Since moving to Wellington (where the diving is good, but unfortunately not “The Far North” good) I have given myself a new challenge – that of parenthood. My two children and two dogs are great at ensuring I achieve some work life balance that’s for sure! I have been a member of the RDA since starting work as a doctor, and a delegate for Northland, Capital & Coast/Hutt and now General Practice. After a few years on the Exec as the Wellington Representative I was elected into the role of National President in 2014. During my years as a member of the RDA there have been countless occasions where I have been grateful for the strength of our (RMO’s) collective voice and the reliable support of our union. I feel great pride in belonging to a group of such dedicated, hard working and united doctors, something all members of our union should be proud of. I look forward to representing RMOs again this year, and eagerly await the new opportunities and challenges 2016 will undoubtedly bring. Should you have any queries or concerns that myself, or the association, may be able to help with, we’re just a quick email or phone call away. It’s always good to keep in touch! Noho ora mai, Sara

Dr Tim Hopgood

Dr Tim Hopgood

Position: Executive Secretary/Treasurer

Malo e lelei, my name is Timothy Hopgood and I’m a paediatric registrar within the Auckland region and sports tragic to the region’s teams, for better or worse. Assisting in supporting RMOs when they come to us in moments of need, whatever they may be, has been a rewarding experience. I look forward to continuing this at the national level.

Dr Sam Anderson

Dr Sam Anderson

Position: Waikato Regional Representative

Hi, I'm Sam. I'm a PGY2, originally from Christchurch but living in Hamilton and employed at Waikato Hospital. I've previously worked at the Ministry of Health, and before that at the Ministry of Social Development, so I have experience in seeing things from both sides. I'm interested in anything to do the RDA and I'm easily approachable, so if you have any issue you want to discuss, please feel free to get in touch. No issue is too small or too big: I can't claim to know everything, but I'm always eager to follow things up on your behalf.

Dr Sarah Rance

Dr Sarah Rance

Position: Otago Regional Representative

My name is Sarah and I'm a PGY2 at Southland Hospital in Invercargill, where I've been since my TI year. I'm new to the whole delegate thing in 2017, but I'm passionate about seeing through all the changes we've been working toward in the past year. And as such I'm proud to be representing you as the new Otago/Southland rep for the National Exec. I'm always available by email and willing to lend an ear to any concerns, regardless how small.

Dr Kathryn Foster

Dr Kathryn Foster

Position: Auckland Regional Representative

Hey there! My name’s Kat, and I’m an ED registrar stationed in the Auckland region. I started out working in Hawkes Bay, moving to the big smoke after my first year to be closer to family. If I’m not working or studying, I can be found, fairly reliably, traipsing around the city’s beaches and volcanoes with my dog, Stanley. I was a fairly late convert to the RDA, feeling as many people do, that we have it so good in New Zealand, what was the need for change? This view shifted when I moved into a big DHB, suddenly just one of a number in the mass, vulnerable and voiceless. The RDA was there, supporting me to stand up for myself, providing invaluable guidance and expertise. I am now lucky enough to be in a position to provide that same assistance to other members, so together we can maintain the strength and integrity of our work environment, and our union. I look forward to representing the Auckland RMOs this year, and know that, together, we can stand up to any challenge. If you need anything, I’m simply an email, phone call, or text away!

Dr Jonathan Davis

Dr Jonathan Davis

Position: Central Regional Representative

Hi, I'm Jon and I'm an Oncology trainee in Christchurch. I'm a British import but have been working In NZ for around eight years now. I've moved around from Invercargill to Hawkes Bay, but have been settled in Christchurch for the last few years. Why the RDA? Why not? Life out here is pretty sweet, but that doesn't mean we can't make it safer and better. A union is only as strong as its members, so it's really important to participate. Why a delegate? So many of us can see problems day to day but may not think things can change. By stepping up and being part of the conversation you not only find out that things CAN change, but get all the support you need to effect that change.

Dr Sam Holford

Dr Sam Holford

Position: Auckland Regional Representative

I’m an O&G registrar at North Shore Hospital with interests in employee rights, medical education, and electric cars. I am a member of the NZRDA National Executive, National RMO Engagement Group, and Costs of Training Subcommittee, so get in touch if you have a course or textbook you think should be reimbursed for your training.

Dr Soane Misiloi

Dr Soane Misiloi

Position: Auckland Regional Representative

Malo 'e lelei, my name is Soane Misiloi and I am currently a PGY3 working at Counties Manukau DHB. Prior to this I spent my PGY1 year at Waitemata DHB and became all too familiar with the MECA breaches going on in the Auckland region. It was through these experiences that I became an NZRDA delegate and recently seconded on to the National Executive to help tackle the mammoth problems in the Auckland Region and to expedite my learning in Industrial relations and other matters the NZRDA deal with. Career-wise I am very much undecided however, I have ruled out a few specialties. I know that I have a surgical bend with a nose for the acute stuff and have an interest in the "bigger picture" health which includes policy. I look forward to representing our members on the National Executive and hope to learn more about my role and what the NZRDA does so that I can become a better advocate for our RMOs and members.

Dr Tessa Ramsden

Dr Tessa Ramsden

Position: Wellington Regional Representative

I am the Wellington Regional Rep on the National Executive. I have recently moved to Wellington after working in Hawke’s Bay for the last five years, and am an advanced trainee in Emergency Medicine. I enjoy representing the RMOs and being involved in our union. Outside of work I play a lot of sport and am constantly trying to improve my work-life balance. I look forward to continuing my involvement with the NZRDA and supporting and representing the RMOs of our region in 2017.

Dr Thomas Reynolds

Dr Thomas Reynolds

Position: Community Representative

I’m Tom, the community representative on the National Executive. Currently I am a GPEP1 working in the Bay of Plenty. I enjoy everything about living and working in provincial New Zealand. Previously I have worked as an RMO at Northland and Lakes DHB. I see the role of the RDA as key in ensuring RMOs have a voice beside the many other groups in health. Personally I’m interested in ensuring a voice for RMOs (both hospital and community) in decision making across the health sector. Away from the hospital I live for the outdoors – be it riding, running or paddling!

Dr Sam McConville

Dr Sam McConville

Position: Peripheral Representative

Kia ora, my name's Sam. I'm a PGY1 working in Hawke's Bay. I grew up nearby in a small town called Waipukurau. Outside of the hospital I like to keep life in equilibrium by playing sports, music and spending time with loved ones. The nature of our work and the expectations that patients, society and ourselves have can make us vulnerable and fatigued. As doctors our job is to care for patients but sometimes we forget to look after ourselves and our colleagues. I think this issue is endemic throughout our medical culture, and one I'm passionate about. I look forward to representing members in the smaller centres and hope to become a better advocate for RMOs. Don't struggle alone. If something feels wrong or unjust, it's most likely a problem with the system and other RMOs will have experienced this too. If you're unsure, overwhelmed or just want a sounding board, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Juliet Kane

Dr Juliet Kane

Position: Central Representative

Hello, my name is Juliet Kane, I'm a PGY1 at Hawke’s Bay Hospital. It’s been a challenging time starting off as a doctor. I’ve felt this myself and seen it in my colleagues. I want to support other doctors to enable them to enjoy their life, at work and outside of work. It’s been a culture-shock starting life as a doctor. I think there are some major issues in our profession, such as bullying and burnout, that need to be addressed. I want to support my colleagues in moving medicine forward in a positive direction.

NZRDA AGM

The AGM of the Association is our policy-setting meeting held annually, usually on the second to last Saturday in March. It is the time when the executive and secretariat report on the year’s activities. The executive secretary, who oversees the Association’s finances throughout the year, also reports on the Association’s financial situation and presents the annual audited accounts.

The AGM tends to move to a different city each year, the actual venue and date being set a year ahead at each AGM. All members are welcome to attend; however to best ensure at least one person from each hospital is present, NZRDA facilitates delegates’ attendance. This enables members who cannot be there on the day to still have input through your delegate as well as get a report back.

The 2018 AGM will be held on Saturday 24 March  

The Agenda for the meeting is set well in advance, following a standard format which is “populated” as the year progresses, but finalised in February. Notices of motion (matters such as rule changes or alteration to our fees) must be notified at least 3 months in advance so members have an opportunity to discuss and give feedback before the actual meeting occurs.

The AGM is also the time when election of officers occurs: the national executive members who are charged with running the Association between AGMs are confirmed in office. All our executive members are elected, including our national secretary. Nominations are called (again) 3 months in advance of the AGM. If anyone is interested in knowing more and would like more information, please email secretary@nzrda.org.nz or contact one of the current exec members.

Please find the 2016 President’s report here: President’s Report 2016
Please find the 2016 Secretary’s report here : Secretariat Report 2016