Connection, collaboration and inclusiveness were the themes at a recent Central Region hui for Māori nurses.
The gathering took place at Waikeria Prison where the nurses discussed what a Te Ao Māori worldview looks like from a health perspective and how we strengthen health services for Māori, now and into the future.
Regional Operations Director Health Grant Aitken and Regional Clinical Director Kay Sloan opened and set the scene for the day. The nurses determined the focus and kōrero with the support of Lead Adviser Kiingitanga Lawrence Jensen.
Grant says the hui provided an opportunity for discussion, debate and suggestions on how we deliver on our Hōkai Rangi PDF, 2.0 MB strategy and improve health services for the people in our care.
“It’s imperative our Māori staff have a collective voice in leading a change to health service delivery across the region,” says Grant.
Waikeria Prison Nurse Demilee Christensen says the hui was an uplifting occasion to be a part of.
“There are key aspects woven into Hōkai Rangi we are aspiring to as Māori nurses and Māori leaders,” says Demilee. “This hui was a great opportunity to support each other with our strategic direction, talk about what’s going well and plan our pathway forward.”
“We all agreed Māori nurses need a voice within Ara Poutama Aotearoa, and we look forward to more hui like this in the future.”