Introduction
Cultural Safety became part of Aotearoa/New Zealand nursing practice as a result of a challenge to nursing education to recognise the impact of colonisation upon health and disease outcomes in New Zealand. (Ramsden,2002). NZNO advocates the teaching of cultural safety in nursing programs.
Cultural Safety is based in the framework of biculturalism in harmony with the tenets of the Treaty of Waitangi.
There is current discussion regarding the impact of cultural safety in reducing disparities and negative health outcomes in New Zealand. PAUA puts NZNO at centre stage to promote the evolution of cultural safety theory into bicultural policy and to explore the dynamic nature of the relationship between nursing leadership and Māori culture.
The PĀUA focus is active participation that will assist NZNO to develop Kaupapa Māori into health policy. PAUA will further contribute to examination of the outcomes and progression of cultural safety practices within nursing and the larger social community of New Zealand.
The potential to add value to policy improvement through pragmatic bicultural approaches will assist in balancing efficiency with social justice and therefore not only deserves to be undertaken but must be undertaken. (Clair, S. 2004)
