Nursing reports

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 29 May 2019

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) says it’s heartened by the Government’s promise to accept or consider 38 out of the 40 recommendations from the mental health report. However, it urged the Government to make sure nursing issues and kaupapa Māori approaches are central to the work it does in mental health and addiction.

“We appreciate that Government’s willingness to listen to the experts in the main and to consider new and evidence-based ways of looking at this complex, persistent and tragic problem,” NZNO President Grant Brookes said.

However, he said Government must ensure nursing issues such as adequate staffing levels and safe working environments – which were almost entirely omitted by the report – feature prominently in the actions it takes in implementing the recommendations it comes to accept.

“Nurses, whether in the community or in hospitals, are at the forefront in treating mental health and addiction, and are probably the professionals people experiencing mental health and addiction problems interact with most.

“They’re essential to any health care we provide, but the mental health and addiction nursing workforce is becoming more tired, fearful and burnt out. That makes it a difficult branch of nursing to recruit to. Failing to work towards a nursing workforce that is robustly resourced, safe in the workplace and fully staffed will put the success of any of the Government’s planned initiatives in jeopardy.”

NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku said she welcomes the Government’s agreement to broaden the types of services available, and said NGO and kaupapa Māori services will play a vital role in providing culturally appropriate responses and supporting whānau in the community.

“Removing barriers and short-term contracting costs, and streamlining funding would make these services more sustainable and ensure that the workforce in this sector is well supported. Māori bear the mental health and addiction burden disproportionately so developing services that are ‘by Māori for Māori’ is just common sense.”

Ms Nuku said NGOs and kaupapa Māori services form a key part of the ‘whole of government’ approach to wellbeing and says Government must support their development.  She also said the focus on Māori health must continue to be strengthened within the Ministry of Health and other Government agencies.

NZNO looks forward to continuing to work with the Government and other stakeholders to help bring about the changes resulting from the recommendations that come to be accepted.

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Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.

Joint statement: Kerri Nuku (Kaiwhakahaere) and Grant Brookes (President), New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO)

28 May 2019

There has been much debate and positive anticipation among nurses about the potential of the new Wellbeing Budget and a possible resolution of longstanding ethnic pay inequities.

Nurses, who form the backbone of the health workforce, have been enduring up to 25 per cent pay disparities between those working in Māori providers and those in other parts of the health sector.

“These inequities result from the sustained underfunding of Māori health and limitations in the current funding formula. If we are to fulfil our obligations under te Tiriti o Waitangi we need the Wellbeing Budget to invest in Māori health and Māori nurses in particular,” says NZNO President Grant Brookes.

NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says, “Current pay inequities are unacceptable, and continue to put significant pressure on Māori nurses and their whānau. I know of cases where nurses have to get second jobs to cover their household bills. Their colleagues in others sectors simply aren’t experiencing this level of hardship.”

The two NZNO co-leaders have been meeting with political and health sector leadership in the leadup to the release of the Wellbeing Budget to amplify their call for ethnic pay parity.

Grant Brookes says, “Justice lies at the heart of wellbeing; and the forthcoming budget is a chance for the Government to do the right thing and resolve this issue once and for all.”

Kerri Nuku, who is party to the Waitangi Tribunal WAI 2575 health kaupapa claim, says “We have raised the issue of pay inequity at every forum we could in this land and taken it to the United Nations with no satisfactory resolution. If this Budget is truly about wellbeing we need to see greater investment in Māori health and Māori nurses.

“We will continue to work in partnership for ethnic pay parity for all nurses until this issue is resolved.”

Colleagues and supporters around the country are encouraged to contact politicians and health industry leaders asking for increased funding to Māori health and a realignment of the funding formula to recognise the real costs of providing culturally and clinically competent health care for Māori whānau.

For further information and informed comment contact:

Kerri Nuku, Kaiwhakahaere, New Zealand Nurses Organisation: 027 265 6064

Grant Brookes, President, New Zealand Nurses Organisation: 027 536 2851

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 27 May 2019

Canterbury and West Coast nurses will convene in Christchurch tomorrow for the annual New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Canterbury-West Coast Regional Convention. The theme for the day will be “Nurses a Voice to Lead – Health for All” which was also this year’s theme for International Nurses Day (12 May).

The convention is specifically for NZNO delegates and other members and a primary focus of the day will be how information sharing can better equip the nursing professions to be a leading voice for health.

Guest speakers will include Primary Health Care Nurse Erica Donovan, who will speak on cancer and children, and Integrative Nurse Coach Anah Aikman, who will speak on the importance of people providing care caring for themselves.

John Finch from Educ8te will speak on Restorative Justice and a team of Emergency Department nurses will speak on trauma team and co-ordinator roles.

Various NZNO staff will also share their knowledge and experience across a range of nursing-related topics, including Understanding the Health and Safety at Work Act, Analysing the health of your practice, and Maintaining confidence in leadership roles.

NZNO CE Memo Musa, Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku and President Grant Brookes will be speaking about NZNO highlights for the year so far and answering questions. Likely topics include: how things may change as a result of the multi-employer collective agreement (MECA) settled with district health boards in 2018; and how nursing professions can better network and support each other.

“This Convention may well be local, but by extending their knowledge and sharing information across the professions that make up nursing, nurses can enhance their voice as leaders and actually contribute to the global direction of nursing,” Kerri Nuku said. 

Canterbury Regional Council co-Chair Cheryl Hanham said this year’s theme ‘No one left behind’ will have a different meaning for different people attending.

“Does this mean things like our Māori and iwi health provider workers are left earning up to 25 percent less than their colleagues in DHBs while yet work with whanau who have significantly poorer health outcomes?

“To ensure no one is left behind we must use our voices to speak up against inequalities in health and funding, even if we ourselves are not in an okay space.”

Canterbury Regional Council co-Chair Ruth Te Rangi said the convention was also a useful opportunity for Te Rūnanga.

“This is a place where Māori members can come and contribute and feel comfortable and listened to. That’s really important to us, and we think some good outcomes come from this.”

NZNO’s Regional Conventions are held in nine regions across New Zealand each year, organised and run by NZNO’s nine Regional Councils: Southern; Canterbury/West Coast; Top of the South; Greater Wellington; Central; Hawke’s Bay; Midlands; Greater Auckland; and Te Tai Tokerau.

The Canterbury-West Coast Regional Convention will start at 8:15am (registrations open at 7.45am) in the Christian Cullen Lounge at Addington Raceway.

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Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 24 May 2019

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) stands in support of rangatahi striking for climate action across the country today.

NZNO Climate Change Spokesperson Rachel Dobric says the health and wellbeing benefits of taking urgent action on climate change are massive.

“Leading medical journal The Lancet has made it clear that tackling climate change could be ‘the biggest global health opportunity of the 21^st century,” she said.

“The changes to infrastructure needed to avert climate catastrophe and keep warming below 1.5 degrees will mean reduction in air pollution, healthier diets, and more active lifestyles. All these changes will directly improve the health outcomes for the people our nurses care for every day.”

Ms Dobric said that, as a union, NZNO is pleased to see rangatahi using the power of a strike to get the attention of people in power.

“Urgent and ambitious action on climate change is needed now. We fully support School Strike 4 Climate’s call for the Government to declare a climate emergency, and to take more ambitious action to avoid climate chaos.”

Today also sees the launch of the Elbow Your Elders campaign, led by Generation Zero and School Strike 4 Climate.

“Many of our members across the country have children and grandchildren who are actively involved in climate activism,” Ms Dobric said.

“This new campaign asks young people to speak to their elders about why they care about climate change, so it’s an excellent opportunity for our members to learn more about the issue and how they can help.”

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Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 15 May 2019

Nurses from the Upper South Island will convene in Nelson tomorrow for the annual New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Top of the South Regional Convention. The theme for the day-long event will be “Nurses a Voice to Lead – Health for All” which is also this year’s theme for International Nurses Day (12 May).

The convention is specifically for NZNO delegates and other representative members and a primary focus of the day will be recognising and working with networking opportunities.

Guest speakers will include Nelson-Marlborough Addiction Nurse Specialist Stephanie Anderson who will speak on the “burgeoning” epidemic resulting from alcohol use. Nelson Marlborough Suicide Prevention Co-ordinator Paul Martin will speak on Suicide – a reality check.

Nelson Marlborough District Health Board General Manager Primary and Community Cathy O’Malley will speak on Health for All – Fit for the future.

Various NZNO staff will also share their knowledge and experience across a range of nursing-related topics especially as it relates to nurses being a leading voice in health for all.

NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku and President Grant Brookes will speak during leadership time at beginning of the day, reflecting on the past year and looking forward to how nurses might be a voice to lead in the year to come.

“Regional Conventions are valuable opportunities for nurses to learn and to share about the work they are doing and to celebrate the contribution the nursing profession makes to improving access to health care,” Grant Brookes said. 

“The issues we’ll be discussing are of great interest to our members and include pay parity for nursing staff and kaimahi hauora in Māori and iwi providers. We’ll also be talking about matters particular to NZNO such as the impacts of social media on the organisation and the current independent review of the 2017-18 DHB MECA bargaining process.”

Top of the South Regional Council Chair and Registered Nurse Joan Knight said, ”Our region has a wide geographic spread and Convention provides us with the opportunity to gather together annually. We appreciate the ability to learn from, interact and network with each other, our guests, and our NZNO leadership and staff.”

NZNO’s Regional Conventions are held in nine regions across New Zealand each year, organised and run by NZNO’s nine Regional Councils: Southern; Canterbury/West Coast; Top of the South; Greater Wellington; Central; Hawke’s Bay; Midlands; Greater Auckland; and Te Tai Tokerau.

The NZNO Top of the South Regional Convention will start at 8:30 am at the Grand Mercure Monaco Hotel in Stoke.

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Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 13 May 2019

Hawke’s Bay nurses will convene in Napier tomorrow for the annual New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Te Matau a Māui /Hawkes Bay Regional Convention. The theme for the day-long event will be “Nurses a Voice to Lead – Health for All” which is also this year’s theme for International Nurses Day (12 May).

The convention is specifically for NZNO delegates and other representative members and will start with karakia and waiata led by Kaumatua Tanira Te Au and NZNO Te Runanga members Tina Konia and Tiara Williams.

Guest speakers will include Sonya Smith, a registered nurse and Acting Manager for Wairoa Hospital and Health Centre. Sonya will speak on the challenges of working within rural health.

Emergency Department registered Nurse Sue Revell will share her journey to becoming a nurse practitioner and Nayda Heays, a registered nurse on the organ transplant team at the Intensive Care Unit at Hawke’s Bay District health Board, will talk about the challenges of the role of Link Nurse for Organ Donation NZ.

Various NZNO staff will also share their knowledge and experience across a range of nursing-related topics.

NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku and President Grant Brookes will be presenting on current issues faced by nurses, health care assistants and midwives; how things may change as a result of the landmark multi-employer collective agreement (MECA) settled with district health boards in 2018; and how nursing professions can better communicate and support each other.

Kerri Nuku said the Hawke’s Bay Regional Convention was a particularly special one for her.

“I whakapapa from Ngāti Kahungunu and have trained, worked and still live here. This is where we raise our children, so health and well-being for all in this region is very personal to me,” she said.

“So I’m glad for Hawke’s Bay nurses to have this opportunity to share and extend their knowledge within the region. But Conventions discuss topical issues impacting on nursing and members everywhere that contribute to the global direction of the profession.” 

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Chair Liz Banks said that, as in the past, she expects the convention will not only provide stimulating discourse but also a safe environment that allows for networking, and collegial support.

NZNO’s Regional Conventions are held in nine regions across New Zealand each year, organised and run by NZNO’s nine Regional Councils: Southern; Canterbury/West Coast; Top of the South; Greater Wellington; Central; Hawke’s Bay; Midlands; Greater Auckland; and Te Tai Tokerau.

The Hawke’s Bay Regional Convention will be held at the Napier Conference Centre (Small Exhibition Hall) and will start at 9am.

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Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 10 May 2019

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) wants New Zealanders to take a pause this Sunday to honour all New Zealand nurses and nursing staff.

12 May is International Nurses Day and NZNO Chief Executive Memo Musa says it’s an appropriate time to remember that nurses are part of our lives – for all our lives.

“Nurses are there for us from the day we are born to the day we die, and on many occasions in between. They provide expert but compassionate care, often under trying circumstances. They are trained, knowledgeable and skilled, and they positively affect the health and wellbeing of us all.”

Mr Musa, himself a registered nurse, encouraged New Zealanders to reach out to a nurse they know or encounter on Sunday, and to personally thank them.

The theme for International Nurses Day 2019 is “Nurses, a voice to lead: health for all,” and Mr Musa said this was an appropriate theme around the world, but also here at home.

“Despite the fact that more people are living healthier lives, too many in New Zealand are still suffering needlessly from preventable diseases, often due to poverty and other inequities. Nurses are going to be central to anything we do about that problem.”

He said it’s essential that New Zealand continues its efforts to develop a sufficiently qualified workforce that is sustainable.

“There's a worldwide shortage of nurses, so we need to be training and employing sufficient nurses here, and relying less on nurses from other countries where they're needed just as much.

“We need to address the nursing shortage by attracting more people to the profession. That means paying nurses in a way that reflects the skills and training required. It means making sure there are adequate staffing levels so nurses are safe and not overworked. It means that every person who trains as a nurse in New Zealand should be welcomed into a job when they graduate.”

Mr Musa said the vision for a strong nursing workforce is a key pillar of NZNO’s Strategic Plan and that he was pleased some progress was being made toward that vision.

“Last year’s DHB MECA settlement did result in better pay for nurses employed by DHBs, but we’d like to see it extended to all nurses and think it’s only a start towards the pay levels all nurses deserve.

“We’re also pleased with the commitment by the Ministry of Health and DHBs towards safer staffing and pay equity, but there is still much work to be done.”

However, Mr Musa said International Nurses Day was a time to focus on the positive and celebrate nurses here and around the world.

“Few of us would enjoy the health we have if it wasn’t for these dedicated, hard-working and truly remarkable nurses and nursing staff.”

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Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 8 May 2019

Te Tai Tokerau nurses will convene in Whangārei tomorrow for the annual New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Te Tai Tokerau Regional Convention. The theme for the day-long event will be “Nurses a Voice to Lead – Health for All” which is also this year’s theme for International Nurses Day (12 May).

The day will start with karakia and waiata and is specifically for NZNO delegates and other members. Throughout the day key NZNO staff will give presentations on matters important to nursing such as overcoming barriers to participation, developing participatory approaches to creating healthy workplaces, and increasing delegates’ confidence through health and safety action plans at work.

NZNO Chief Executive Memo Musa, Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku and President Grant Brookes will also attend and will speak and answer questions as part of a panel of leaders.

Grant Brookes said he commends NZNO’s Te Tai Tokerau Regional Council for building member responsiveness and leadership accountability into the programme of the convention.

“The issues we’ll be discussing are of great interest to our members and include pay parity for nursing staff and kaimahi hauora in Māori and iwi providers. We’ll also be talking about matters particular to NZNO such as the impacts of social media on the organisation and the current independent review of the 2017-18 DHB MECA bargaining process.”

Te Tai Tokerau Regional Council Chair and Registered Nurse Sacha Young said Regional Conventions are a time for nurses and members from different sectors to come together and network with the greater NZNO community.

“In Te Tai Tokerau we have our own unique issues and the sessions will provide attendees with opportunities to participate in new approaches within their workplaces to overcome barriers and create healthier workplaces.

“Networking and the sharing of stories are valuable tools through which we can learn from each other and move forward positively with nurses using their voices to lead for health for all.”

NZNO’s Regional Conventions are held in nine regions across New Zealand each year, organised and run by NZNO’s nine Regional Councils: Southern; Canterbury/West Coast; Top of the South; Greater Wellington; Central; Hawke’s Bay; Midlands; Greater Auckland; and Te Tai Tokerau.

The Te Tai Tokerau Regional Convention will be held at Barge Park Showgrounds and Events Centre and will start at 9am.

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Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 6 May 2019

Nurses from the wider region will convene in Auckland tomorrow for the annual New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Greater Auckland Regional Convention. The theme for the day-long event will be “Nurses a Voice to Lead – Health for All” which is also this year’s theme for International Nurses Day (12 May).

The day will start with karakia and waiata and is specifically for NZNO delegates and other members. NZNO staff will also share their knowledge and experience across a range of nursing-related topics.

Recognising and working with networking opportunities within the health sector will be a major focus of the morning which will feature presentations on the importance of networking to policy and legislation; and broad-based community organising. Dame Naida Glavish will present on Māori nursing leadership and addressing health inequalities.

Three sessions in the afternoon will be led by NZNO staff. Professional Nursing Advisor Catherine Lambe will present on Insight into Practice; Organiser Andy Hipkiss will present on Safe staffing = healthy communities; and Organiser Sue Sharpe will lead an interactive workshop on Understanding the Health and Safety Act 2005.

NZNO President Grant Brookes and Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku will also attend and will speak and answer questions on NZNO and Te Rūnanga activities and issues.

“These Conventions are always an opportunity to extend knowledge and communication amongst members within the region. Conventions discuss topical issues impacting on nursing and members and how those issues contribute to the global direction of nursing,” Kerri Nuku said. 

Greater Auckland Regional Council Chair and District Nurse Esther Linklater said she hopes those attending will leave with some fresh ideas on nursing leadership, how to make a difference within the health care system, and the importance of networking which benefits the profession, themselves, and their patients.

“I hope the discussions and new learning during convention will enable people to see how they can and do make a difference in the health care system – at a local level, and in policy development. Networking can also extend people’s knowledge, improve satisfaction in their work and facilitate support systems. Ultimately it improves delivery of care,” she said

NZNO’s Regional Conventions are held in nine regions across New Zealand each year, organised and run by NZNO’s nine Regional Councils: Southern; Canterbury/West Coast; Top of the South; Greater Wellington; Central; Hawke’s Bay; Midlands; Greater Auckland; and Te Tai Tokerau.

The Greater Auckland Regional Convention will be held at Alexandra Park and will start at 9am.

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Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 1 May 2019

Central North Island nurses will convene in Hamilton tomorrow for the annual New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Midlands/Bay of Plenty/Tairāwhiti Regional Convention. The theme for the day-long event will be “Nurses a Voice to Lead – Health for All” which is also this year’s theme for International Nurses Day (12 May).

The day will start with karakia and waiata and is specifically for NZNO delegates and other members. NZNO staff will also share their knowledge and experience across a range of nursing-related topics.

Presentations will include a panel and audience discussion where nurses will describe their experience of networking, both positive and negative.

Leonie Metcalfe, an enrolled nurse at Waikato Hospital and winner on an NZNO Services to Nursing Award in 2018, will talk about networking among enrolled nurses. Putaruru Private Health Care Nurse Tracey Morgan will describe networking from a practice nurse perspective.

NZNO Chief Executive Memo Musa, President Grant Brookes and Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku will also attend and will speak and answer questions on current issues faced within nursing and by NZNO.

“Regional Conventions are valuable opportunities for nurses to learn and to share about the work they are doing and to celebrate the contribution the nursing profession makes to improving access to health care,” Grant Brookes said. 

‘When nurses are equipped and empowered they have the voice to lead, to contribute and to help transform the health system. That results in improved health for all New Zealanders, including those in the central regions.”

Midlands Regional Council Chair and Waikato District Nurse Diane Dixon said she hopes those attending will leave with some fresh ideas on how networking can benefit them and their patients.

“I am hoping the discussions will enable people to see how networking can be used to extend their knowledge, and possibly their satisfaction in their work. Ultimately this will improve delivery of care,” she said

NZNO’s Regional Conventions are held in nine regions across New Zealand each year, organised and run by NZNO’s nine Regional Councils: Southern; Canterbury/West Coast; Top of the South; Greater Wellington; Central; Hawke’s Bay; Midlands; Greater Auckland; and Te Tai Tokerau.

The Midlands/Bay of Plenty/Tairāwhiti Convention will be held at the Hamilton Airport Conference Centre and will start at 9am.

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Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.