May 16, 2019
Te Tau Ihu nurses embrace Māori input
Nurses from the upper South Island are holding their annual convention in Nelson today, discussing the role of nurses in delivering heath for all.
New Zealand Nurses Organisation kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says it’s an area of rapid growth and also rising inequity, with big gaps between rich and poor.
She’s impressed with the way the district health board has embraced the challenges of biculturalism and cultural competency and tried to integrate it into the way policies are developed and implemented.
That’s reflected in the convention.
"Culture is integrated and certainly challenged throughout the whole delivery of this programme today but also you can see there is a realness in the way Māori are seen to be consulted and there is real value in what they add to the delivery of any service change, any programme innovation, so I think this region is doing pretty well." Ms Nuku says.
The convention is also discussing the need for pay parity for nursing staff and kaimahi hauora in Māori and iwi providers.
Copyright © 2019, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com