Te Tai Tokerau Nursing Conference an overwhelming success
Interest in the Te Tai Tokerau Nursing Conference held at Forum North in Whangārei in early November for registered and enrolled nurses and nurse practitioners in Te Tai Tokerau was evident early when registrations quickly reached capacity.
A major drawcard was the calibre of speakers that included Dr Maree Sheard, Chief Nurse Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau; Associate Professor Julia Slark, Head of School of Nursing and Whaea Erana Poulsen, University of Auckland; Nadine Gray, Chief Nursing Officer Te Aka Whai Ora, Emma Hickson Interim Chief Nursing Officer Te Whatu Ora and Angela Joseph, Director of Professional Standards at Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa Nursing Council of New Zealand. 
Tai Tokerau nurses were invited to submit abstracts aligned with the theme, “How do we deliver equitable care?”.
A strong lineup of presentations covering service innovation and evaluations, academic research, and funded research projects was held consecutively in three conference rooms, with keynote speakers chairing different sessions. Attendees heard directly about the experiences, challenges and successes of nurses working to ensure equity is actioned in their everyday spaces.
The final presenter, Dr Sue Adams – Co-Editor-in-Chief of Nursing Praxis in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Senior Lecturer at the School of Nursing, Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland, discussed and encouraged nurses to make their nursing contributions to equitable outcomes visible through publishing. Dr Sheard and Associate Professor Slark then closed the day with final comments and acknowledged the organising committee, the presenters and the attendees.
Associate Professor Slark said it was such an important day for nursing in Te Tai Tokerau. She commented on the quality of mahi being undertaken by nurses working in Te Tai Tokerau and noted the importance of sharing that work with others across the sector. She also added that the research being done by these nurses is changing the lives of patients, whānau and communities for the better.
Dr Sheard said nurses in Te Tai Tokerau are not often provided with the opportunity to attend conferences, noting that it certainly had been the case in these past few COVID-impacted years.
“Te Tai Tokerau presents some unique challenges to nurses who are working hard to reduce significant health inequities. The conference provided an opportunity for nurses in our rohe to hear about improvements and novel approaches they can apply or adapt to contribute towards a reduction in health inequities.”
Following the conference, Dr Sheard received an email from Emma Hickson, Interim Chief Nursing Officer Te Whatu Ora, who commented on the amazing work she and her team were doing and said it was an inspiration to hear and experience the details.
Nadine Gray, Chief Nursing Officer Te Aka Whai Ora, also emailed Dr Sheard, saying her cup was full and that she had left feeling inspired and hopeful about the growth of advanced Nursing practice.
“The incredible innovation that exists through the sheer grit and determination of our neehi and your leadership. Engari, there is so much to do, especially growing our own Nurses. We are stronger together in this mahi,” she said.
When reflecting on the attendee feedback, the conference organisers were pleased to see it was overwhelmingly positive, with most participants noting they would be extremely likely to attend future research conferences such as this. Comments included:
- “I have so appreciated the quality of every presenter. One of the best, most relevant conferences I have ever attended.”
- “It motivates me to continue studying and do that paper (research project) gracefully and enthusiastically.”
- “I had not considered research and may regret it as a life choice, but all the presenters were very inspiring. How lucky are we to have these nurses in Tai Tokerau!”
The conference organising committee intends to make this a regular event.
A summary of abstracts can be found on our website.
Last modified: