Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) have become common around the world and, in recent years, their numbers have begun to increase in New Zealand. In offering these Guidelines, it is acknowledged that there are gaps in our knowledge of the behaviour and spread of many MDROs. In many instances, control measures need to be implemented without definitive evidence of their efficacy. In many cases, too, assessments are necessary to identify the risk of MDRO spread and the benefits of certain measures in particular situations. These MDRO Guidelines are designed to complement the MRSA Guidelines and should be used in conjunction with them. It is hoped that ultimately these MDRO Guidelines and the MRSA Guidelines will be updated and integrated to produce a single document.