Nurses to network in Auckland

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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