Following the stories of Maori nurses.

I was very excited to see last month's Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand celebrating the achievements of our Maori nurses. It is no secret that Maori health rates high in terms of need, and that one part in addressing this effectively is increasing and developing our Maori health workforce. The July edition has followed the story of Maori nurses in their journeys within health, and in their particular fields of clinical practice and service development.

Many of our nurses, who began their careers as community health care workers or enrolled nurses, provided integral front line nursing within their communities. A lot of these nurses continued in their education to achieve their diploma or bachelor in nursing and are now undertaking postgraduate studies.

Maori nurses are essential to the provision of effective nursing care within Maori communities as they are able to bring cultural and clinical competencies to their practice. There are many initiatives throughout the country in practice, education and service development and delivery. It is inspiring to share in these journeys as profiled in our nursing journal, and to remember that, amidst the pressures of negotiations, shortages of nurses and increased need for health care access, our nurses are out there getting on with the job! Of course, it is not all plain sailing, even for those well established in their practice. The struggle to provide excellence in service delivery, in areas of high demand and sometimes limited resources, is ongoing.

Kei te mihi ki a koutou nga kaimahi hauora, nga nahi hoki ote motu nee mo to koutou mahi kaha i waenganui o nga whanau, hapu me iwi katoa!

Brenda Close, RN, ANP, chair Te Runanga o Aotearoa NZNO