A major national gathering of Māori nursing students and health leaders has returned to Christchurch — the birthplace of cultural safety in New Zealand nursing education.
Around 180 Māori nursing students, educators and sector leaders from across Aotearoa gathered this week for the Te Kaunihera o Ngā Neehi Māori Hui ā Tau mō Ngā Ākonga Neehi Māori, hosted by Ara Institute of Canterbury.
The hui carries deep historical significance, with Christchurch recognised as the place where the concept of Kawa Whakaruruhau — cultural safety in nursing — was first developed and embedded into nursing education through the pioneering work of Dr Irihapeti Ramsden.
Cultural safety has since become a foundational principle within New Zealand nursing practice, focusing on relationships, power dynamics, equity and ensuring healthcare is safe and respectful for patients from all cultural backgrounds.
Organisers say this year’s hui comes at a critical time for Māori health and nursing education, as the sector continues addressing workforce shortages, inequities in health outcomes and the need for stronger Māori leadership within healthcare systems.
The event also coincides with the recent release of updated cultural safety guidance by the Nursing Council of New Zealand, which reaffirmed the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, reflective practice and addressing institutional bias within healthcare.
Discussions at the hui are expected to focus on strengthening Māori nursing pathways, supporting tauira Māori and continuing the legacy of culturally grounded healthcare practices across Aotearoa.
Health leaders say Māori nurses play a critical role not only in delivering healthcare services, but also in advocating for whānau wellbeing, equity and culturally safe systems that better serve Māori communities.
