Member Spotlight:
Rajeev Kumar

Where do you work and what do you do?

I am a renal physiologist working in renal services at Auckland City Hospital. A renal physiologist specialises in the care and management of people with kidney diseases, particularly those requiring dialysis. As an independent health professional, I’m a key part of the multidisciplinary renal care team.

What does a good day at work look like?

A particularly rewarding day might look like making a challenging treatment easier for a patient, teaching someone a new skill, or preventing a potential complication by being vigilant. These experiences contribute to patient wellbeing and my own professional satisfaction.

What do you like about being a National Executive member?

Being a National Executive member of APEX offers several rewarding opportunities. I get to engage in collective bargaining at a national level, championing our members’ rights and advocating for better workplace safety, pay, and professional standards. It also means I get to represent the voices and interests of my colleagues, which includes participating in decision-making, resolving disputes, and ensuring compliance with the collective.

I also work closely with a diverse team of professionals from various specialities, which allows me to learn from new perspectives. The experience has sharpened my skills in negotiation, policy development and conflict resolution, which are all valuable for my own career and for the union.

How have you found your involvement with APEX over the years?

My journey with the union has been a combination of professional growth and a deepening sense of responsibility to other health workers. I started as a Delegate ten years ago, building strong relationships on the front line and directly supporting renal physiologists with complex employment issues.

From there, I moved to the National Executive, where I contributed at a strategic level, participating in high level decisions and negotiations. This gave me insight into sector-wide challenges and the complexities of industrial advocacy. I learned how APEX strategy shapes outcomes for our members across the country.

My most recent step has been as a National Divisional Council member, where my focus is on organisational governance, long term planning, and strengthening the professional standards of my division.

Overall, my involvement with APEX has been very rewarding. It’s enhanced my understanding of employment law and collective bargaining, and it’s given me a deeper appreciation for the importance of what we do.

What makes APEX different?

APEX is unique because of its specialist representation which includes large national agreements and smaller, profession-specific contracts. Our member-led structure means each profession’s division takes direction from its own members, ensuring a grassroots democratic approach to bargaining.

What do you think APEX should focus on for AST professions in the future?

In my opinion, APEX should focus on a few key areas. We need to advocate for addressing staff shortages on the frontline and push for initiatives that attract and retain healthcare professionals. This includes tackling issues such as favouritism and other barriers to career progression. I also think APEX should work to ensure the vital role of AST professionals is better understood and recognised within changing models of care. Finally, we should continue to advocate to government, offering policy input and monitoring changes in the health sector.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

When I’m not at work, I enjoy playing badminton, spending quality time with my family, gardening, and reading. These activities help me relax and stay balanced outside my professional life.