Committee reviews its achievements.

AS THE Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Committee (NMAC) concludes its first term of office, it is timely to review its activities over the past two years. NMAC advises, informs and makes recommendations to the board of directors (BOD) concerning specific social, cultural, economic, industrial and political issues as they affect health, professional nursing and midwifery practice.

NMAC is proud of its achievements over the last term. The most significant of these has been formulating the Foundations for Partnership document, which secures NZNO's commitment to Te Tiriti O Waitangi and partnership with tangata whenua. The document gives a clear direction to members, staff; colleges and sections on how to integrate the four articles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi within NZNO publications and documents.

NMAC has reviewed NZNO's policy document (Nursing Education Policy and Standard), creating a priority list, and actioned a systematic approach to the review of policies and statements. This document is now out for consultation and is the first document to incorporate the Foundations for Partnership. Standards for Nursing Practice is currently under review and will be out for consultation by the end of next month. Other "works in progress" include the review of the Social Policy Statement and Quality Improvement and Risk Management. Position statements on telenursing and professional supervision are also being developed.

NMAC has made submissions on a range of internal and external discussion documents. These include the Health Professionals Competence Assurance Bill, the Nursing Council's Recognition of Professional Programmes, a report by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women called Status of Women in New Zealand, NZNO publications and communication, and the NZNO certification process. Each year NMAC administers the Florence Nightingale Scholarship Fund.

Lastly I would like to acknowledge committee members for the wealth of knowledge, expertise and diversity each brings to the group. The ability to work as a cohesive and productive committee within a partnership model is evident in what has been achieved to date. It has been a privilege to chair this dynamic group.