Māori nurse practitioners connect for the first time to support nursing research
Māori nurse practitioners in Aotearoa came together for the first time ever at the inaugural National Mātanga Tapuhi Māori (Nurse Practitioner) hui at Waimanoni marae in Te Tai Tokerau.
The opportunity to hui was initiated as part of research being undertaken by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington researcher and neonatal nurse practitioner Associate Professor Deborah Harris that aims to evaluate the patient and economic outcomes of the nurse practitioner role in Aotearoa.
Nurse practitioners are mātanga or experts in their field and play a huge role in improving access to quality healthcare. They are nurses with masters-level degrees and considerable clinical expertise who work independently and collaboratively with patients and families. Nurse practitioners can assess, diagnose, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and evaluate outcomes, similar to, but not the same as a doctor There are currently 703 nurse practitioners in Aotearoa, with 66 (9%) identifying as Māori.
Associate Professor Harris received funding from the University’s Mātauranga Māori Research Fund to deliver the hui. This enabled researchers to kōrero with Māori nurse practitioners about the proposed research and data collection methods and how the Māori voice would be captured within the project.
“We had the chance not only to gather insights for our research but also to do this in a way that was about ‘being with’ those you want to kōrero with—something that both honours Te Tiriti and is deeply part of being a nurse.”
“It was incredibly valuable to have access to funding that enables researchers support and up hold Te Tiriti.”
Attendees stayed overnight at the marae and participated in a Pōwhiri.
Te Aka Whai Ora Chief Nursing Officer Nadine Gray says it was a chance for the group to whakawhanaungatanga, celebrate all being together, and kōrero about the current and planned evaluation research.
“It was the first time in twenty years that Māori nurse practitioners in Aotearoa came together to wānanga. It was a special time that allowed us to connect, share stories, celebrate Māori Nurse Practitioners and the collective kaupapa of their work.
“It was fantastic to see those new to the nurse practitioner role attend, and nurse prescribers inspired to undertake the Nurse Practitioner Training Programme in 2024/25. The learning from members of our rōpū who have been in the industry for some time was so valuable.”
She says due to the success of the hui, they now plan to meet annually.
For Associate Professor Harris and Nadine Gray, the noho marae also held special significance. Nadine’s mother, Janet Maloney-Moni was Aotearoa’s first Māori nurse practitioner and a close colleague to Dr Harris. She passed away close to 10 years ago but leaves a legacy for nurse practitioners in Aotearoa.
“I just felt like Janet would have been really proud to see what was achieved at the hui,” says Dr Harris.
Nadine adds: “I would like to acknowledge mana whenua at Waimanoni marae for hosting us.