We're writing to provide you with an important update regarding our advocacy work to amend the STONZ National Manual Accommodation Guidelines.
STONZ has formally submitted a proposal to the STONZ National Engagement Forum (SNEF) to address the outdated cost per night caps on accommodation for RMOs travelling for employment and training purposes. This proposal was submitted on 7th March 2025.
The current accommodation caps, set at $200 within New Zealand and $250 overseas, have been in place since at least the creation of the STONZ National Manual in 2018/2019, and potentially as far back as 2016. STONZ believes that these caps are no longer reasonable.
We know that many of you are feeling the pinch of these outdated limits. STONZ membership regularly contacts our support team because they are unable to find 'reasonable' accommodation that falls under the current reimbursement caps. We have also been made aware of instances where Districts using travel booking agencies are asking RMOs to pay the difference when suitable accommodation below the cap cannot be found
While a process exists for RMOs who cannot find accommodation within the guidelines, this was intended for exceptional circumstances, such as large events. It is now being used regularly for business-as-usual scenarios due to the lack of suitable and safe options within the current cost limits.
To address these issues, STONZ has made the following key recommendations
An immediate increase to the accommodation caps within New Zealand and overseas.
The development and national agreement of a process with strict timeframes for decisions about accommodation that falls outside of these guidelines.
Our expectation is that where a district uses a travel agent and they cannot find suitable accommodation within the existing or proposed guidelines, Te Whatu Ora would authorise booking at a higher rate as required. RMOs should not be out of pocket for attending conferences/training events due to delays on Te Whatu Ora’s part.
STONZ also emphasises the importance of using the best-fit model for booking accommodation. If direct RMO Unit bookings cannot be made promptly, reimbursement options must still be available. We are aware of delays in district-booked travel, which can lead to increased prices and unnecessary stress for our members.
We have had an agreement as part of our National Engagement forum to explore these challenges we have outlined and there is general support to ensure that ‘reasonable’ decisions are being made consistently across Districts.
We will keep you updated on the progress of this proposal and further discussions with Te Whatu Ora.