Links to the latest New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) news, media releases and submissions.

Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA)

Implications for Public Health

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is concerned that the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), currently being negotiated in secret, has the potential to limit the government's ability to make decisions that are in the best interests of the health of New Zealanders. Read the:

• Letter (PDF, 124KB) from the NZNO Chief Executive to the Chair of the Health Select Committee outlining concerns and calling on the Health Select Committe to hold an open inquiry into the potential impact of the TPPA on public health
• NZNO press release: Government must make decisions in the best interests of New Zealanders (link)

Changes to the Crimes Act

Failure to protect a vulnerable child or adult could be deemed a criminal offence - implications for nurses and other health workers

We wish to draw your attention to the changes to the Crimes Act and its impact on doctors, nurses, midwives, caregivers, support workers and ancillary staff working in any hospital, institution or residence. It is imperative that health professionals are fully aware that failure to protect a vulnerable child or adult could be deemed a criminal offence, after 19 March 2012.

An article, featured on page 31 of the Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand February issue, outlines the changes to the Crimes Act:

Changes to the Crimes Act (PDF)

The author, New Zealand Nurses Organisation Lawyer Margaret Barnett-Davidson, provides vital information on the implications that will affect all health professionals and caregivers, who advocate for patient care. 

For more information:

• see Margaret Barnett-Davidson speaking on Breakfast TV (19 March 2012)
• read the legislation and a simplified explanation (PDF) of the elements
• find out the legal definition of 'vulnerable adult' (PDF).

NZNO Member Newsletters

College and Section Newsletters

New Zealand Nurses Organisation's speciality groups and membership structures produce regular newsletters updating members about their activities.

View links to all membership group newsletters and journals here (link)

Monthly Member e-Newsletter

New Zealand Nurses Organisation’s monthly e-newsletter of news and information of interest to those who work in the health sector.

Professionally Yours NZNO's Professional newsletter

NZNO Professional newsletter showcasing the professional news and activities of NZNO members and staff.

Professionally Yours, Issue 7, May 2012 (PDF, 8 pages, 2.49 MB)