Each year the New Zealand Nurses Association (NZNO) presents Service to Nursing and Midwifery Awards as a way of
recognising nurses or midwives who are NZNO members and who have made a positive difference to nursing or midwifery
practice or practice environment.
This year there were four recipients of the Award which was presented at the NZNO Conference Dinner on 19 September in
Wellington.
1. Sheryl Haywood (Ashburton)
Sheryl is a nurse practitioner in Ashburton providing comprehensive services to the frail elderly with complex diagnoses
and management requirements. She is passionate about person-centred care and believes in building sustainable and
trusting relationships with her clients. Her nominators say she is making a significant contribution to improving the
lives of older people and that she inspires those lucky enough to work with her.
2. Siniva Leru-Cruikshank (South Auckland)
In her more than 40 years of nursing experience, Siniva has been very active as a nurse and in her communities in both
New Zealand and Samoa. A matai (or Samoan chief) she was a founding member of NZNO’s Pacific Nurses Section, where she
is acknowledged as an elder and she currently works with the Health Star Pacific Trust overseeing the Rheumatic Fever
School Programme in South Auckland. She is a wonderful leader who readily shares her knowledge, skills and practice.
3. Vaifagaloa Naseri (Auckland)
Vaifagaloa is also a matai who was nominated for her extensive and generous contributions to Pacific nursing and Pacific
communities. She has been a registered nurse and midwife working in both Samoa and New Zealand and has held a number of
clinical, educational and managerial roles. These have included chairperson of the Pacific Women’s Data Advisory Group
for the national cervical screening programme, Manager of the Pacific Breast Screening programme for Auckland, and as a
committee member for NZNO’s Pacific Nursing Section.
4. Leonie Metcalfe (Waikato)
Leonie has been an enrolled nurse at Waikato Hospital for 35 years. She has a long history of involvement with NZNO and
is the enrolled nurse representative on Waikato DHB’s PDRP Council. Leonie was nominated for being a great advocate for
enrolled nursing at every opportunity and for her extensive history of supporting colleagues in the workplace.
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