17 May 2006

Media Statement Regarding Images of Caregiving
published in NZNO’s magazine Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation has today reconfirmed that the family of a rest home resident whose photograph appears in a photo essay published in NZNO’s magazine Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand gave full consent for publication.

NZNO acting CEO, Cee Payne-Harker, said NZNO stands by its view that media reports of another family’s involvement have been a case of mistaken identity.

Cee Payne-Harker said the daughter of the man who appears in the photos and also a number of staff of the rest home had all formally identified the man in the photo.

“In every case consent was given for the photos to be published,” said Cee Payne-Harker.

“The reason residents and caregivers gave consent for the use of the images was that they portray the important, caring and intimate relationship between caregivers and residents. Those who consented to have the photos published did so because they believe that this relationship is often invisible and they supported the photo project which was aimed at revealing the depth of the relationship and the special nature of the work.”

Cee Payne-Harker said the 39 photos showed a wide range of the caregiving role in the day to day life of residents.

ENDS