National Hauora Coalition (NHC) is proud to sponsor the National Māori Nurses Hui 2024,
generously hosted by Te Tai Tokerau rohe and Muriwhenua representatives at Te Uri o Hina
Marae in Pukepoto from 6th to 8th Whiringa-ā-rangi (November).
150 neehi Māori (nurses) and members of Te Kaunihera o Ngā Neehi Māori (The National
Council of Māori Nurses) from across Aotearoa are set to come together to connect, inspire
and aspire as a workforce for the second annual assembly of this special event.
Inclusive of neehi Māori from all sectors of health, including mātanga tāpuhi (nurse
practitioners), neehi kairangahau (research nurses), nurse leaders and kaiako neehi
(educators), the hui aims to showcase and celebrate the unity of Māori nurses and the
profession.
“Our Māori nurses are taonga – as the largest part of the healthcare workforce in Aotearoa,
they are the backbone of our system,” says NHC Chief Executive Dr. Rachel Brown (Te Atiawa,
Ngāti Mutunga ki Wharekauri, Kāi Tahu, Tuahiwi and Kāti Māmoe). “It is more important than
ever for our Māori nurses to come together to celebrate the progress made to date, and
collectively aspire to a better future for whānau.”
The 2024 hui theme is ‘Te Mana ō Nga Whānau Tāpuhi – to uphold the values of whānau
nursing,’ which focuses on the powerful influence of whānau on people’s nursing journeys. It
demonstrates the commitment of Māori nurses to inspire and support future generations to
enter the profession.
“Just seven percent of the total nursing workforce in Aotearoa is Māori, compared to 15
percent of the New Zealand population,” Brown explains. “Equitable representation is a
critical factor for achieving positive health and wellbeing outcomes for whānau – this year’s
National Māori Nurses Hui will play an essential role in finding solutions to increase the Māori
nurse workforce.”
The hui programme showcases an incredible line-up of speakers focused on this year’s
kaupapa. A Pō Whakangahau (night of entertainment), the National Māori Nurses Hakari will
take place on the second evening, 7th Whiringa-ā-rangi at Te Ahu Centre, Kaitaia. Respected
kaiako Caroline McKinney and Te Hiku Hauora Chief Executive Officer, Dr Maria Baker are set
to deliver the keynote address, followed by an inspiring performance from Te Kapahaka o Te
Rarawa.
Continuing the success of the inaugural event, this year’s hui promises to be three days of
inspiration, learning and whanaungatanga amongst neehi Māori, says President of Te
Kaunihera o Ngā Neehi Māori o Aotearoa, Jo Marino (Ngāti Porou, Te Arawa, Ngāti Manawa,
Tūhoe, Tūwharetoa).
“This hui is an opportunity for kotahitanga, where Māori nurses can gather, refill our wairua
cups and then return to mahi feeling replenished,” she says. “I look forward to connecting and
sharing in everyone’s journeys throughout the duration of the hui. It’s such an important
celebration of our fellow Māori nurses.”
About National Hauora Coalition
National Hauora Coalition is a Māori-led charity and PHO committed to improving health and
social outcomes for all New Zealanders, with a particular focus on Māori, Pacific, new-migrant
and other high-needs populations.
For more information visit nhc.maori.nz.
Press Contact
For more information, please contact NHC PR consultant Skye Ross:
skye@skyeross.co.nz
