The Samoan Nurses Association of New Zealand Inc

Our Background

Samoan trained nurses who migrated to N.Z. in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s pioneered the journey of Samoan nurses in NZ. Their efforts to gain recognition and acknowledgement of their training in Samoan finally came to fruition through the implementation of “bridging” programmes. This saw many Samoan trained nurses gain NZ registration. Samoan trained nurses now have equal opportunity with nurses from the rest of the world to apply and be considered for registration by the Nursing Council of NZ. At their first inaugural national conference in 1988, Samoan Nurses came together from Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland to form the National Samoan Nurses Association.

Our Aim

To increase the awareness and participation of Samoan Nurses in the activities of the Samoan Nurses Association.

Our Mission

To represent Samoan nurses in New Zealand, promoting the Nursing Profession and contributing to and participating in the health development of New Zealand.

Our Purpose

• Actively lobby the New Zealand Nursing Council on issues relating to Samoan nurses in NZ
• Actively participate in any proposed legislation concerning nurses and make submissions to the appropriate authority.
• Promote the development of Samoan Nurses in NZ through nursing education
• Liaise with the NZ Nurses Organisation and the Maori Nurses Council and other Nurses Associations
• Ensure the establishment and maintenance of the required standards of professional nursing practice in accordance with the relevant legislation
• Promote primary health care and discuss any other issues(s) that affect the delivery of health services especially to the Samoan people
• Promote and maintain social and cultural support for Samoan nurses
• To offer collegial and professional support

Some benefits of membership include:

Being able to join your unique group of Samoan nurses in New Zealand embracing ALL nurses and nursing students who identify themselves as Samoan whether born and trained in Samoa and/or New Zealand

• Meet and network with other Samoan nurses
• Able to make a contribution, at all levels, in any proposed legislation concerning nurses
• Able to share areas of specialised nursing with other Samoan nurses
• Opportunities to attend nursing conferences nationally and internationally
• To represent Samoan nurses to have a collective voice heard
• Provide ongoing support in various areas of nursing
• Provide support for nursing students (fulltime/part-time) undergraduates/graduates in the diverse areas of nursing
• Great opportunity to learn the Samoan language and culture

Who can join the Samoan Nurses Association?

Any Samoan in New Zealand who is a

• Registered Nurse (Registered with the New Zealand Nursing Council)
• Registered Midwife
• Plunket Nurses
• Enrolled nurses
• Nurse aids/Nurse Assistants
• Student nurses
• Retired nurses

Contact the Samoan Nurses Association

To join, or for more information, please contact Mrs Siloma Masina by at siloma.masina@huttvalleydhb.org.nz or by phone on (04) 570 9541.

Conference

Annual Conference 2003 photos and report