Fellows of College of Nursing Taskforce Meeting Notes 27 February 2026
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Date | 27 February 2026 |
Attended | Jenny Carryer [chair], Jill Wilkinson, Catherine Cook, Sue Adams, Andrew Jull, Wendy Blair, Sandy Bayliss, Jocelyn Peach, Helen Snell, Kate Weston, Sue Gasquoine, Rachel Webster |
Apologies | Helen Hamer, Mark Jones, Chelsea Willmott |
DNA | Maree Sheard, Sandra McDonald, Nicolette Sheridan, Josephine Davis, Jill Clendon |
Discussion
Naming
Discussion on the naming of the Taskforce after 2 Feb meeting: Fellows of College of Nursing Taskforce. Explanation of the need to have leverage as part of a recognised professional group that has national and international recognition. Jenny explained that the term "Fellows of the College" was approved by the College Board and would help with political and policy influence. They welcomed new members Rachel Webster and Mark Jones. Jenny assured attendees they could participate independently. Accept that some members will be in a position to speak out and others contribute to professional debate. Kate Weston has discussed the proposal with the College Board. They have endorsed this initiative and alignment.
Action
Confirm group name for use on all correspondence
Consider identifying as a member of the Fellows of the College of Nurses Task Force when making submissions or public comment, where appropriate.
Members
Rachael Webster and Mark Jones accepted to the group
Strategic Direction
The meeting focused on discussing the strategic direction and priorities for the Fellows of the College of Nurses. Members shared their perspectives on key issues facing health service delivery, community need and nursing: including the need to support nursing leadership, improve the profession's public image, and advocate for better representation on advisory groups and policy development.
The group discussed the importance of maintaining a unified voice while allowing individual members to speak out on issues. They also explored ways to strengthen collaboration between nursing organizations and considered developing a pre-election manifesto. The conversation ended with a discussion on how to address concerns about advanced practice nursing and specialty services, particularly in primary healthcare.
Nursing Leadership and Advocacy Strategy
The group discussed aligning submissions with other organizations to strengthen our collective voice, building on past collaborations. Helen emphasized the importance of leadership development and shared an example of how Jenny C’s presentation at Massey had influenced participant perspectives. Nurse leaders are needing mentorship, education about quality and activities of leadership. Rachel highlighted concerns about the development of new graduate nurses entering an operationally dominant environment where leadership is limited as positions are unfilled and senior staff have accepted redundancy. Some expressed frustration over the lack of respect for the nursing profession and the use of nurses as stopgaps for other professions. The group agreed on the need to shift the narrative positively and address these challenges in both the short and long term.
Global Nursing Challenges and Opportunities
The group discussed nursing's global challenges and opportunities, with emphasis on the importance of international engagement and the similarity of nursing issues across countries. Jenny shared concerns about the composition of the primary health care advisory group, noting that Felicity Goodyear-Smith felt current composition would perpetuate existing problems. Sue A highlighted the need to value nursing across all sectors and scopes. General discussion about the importance of establishing strong nursing's identity and articulating its contribution through various means, including technology.
Nursing Challenges and Advocacy Discussion
Catherine expressed the importance of nurses standing with nurses, encouraging critical thinking. Service leaders expect new graduate nurses to be work ready with reduced support. Concerned about the challenges facing nurses, including the pressure on senior nurses, the reduction in continuing education, and the divide between registered nurses and nurse practitioners. She highlighted the inequitable education model and its impact on Māori and Pacific nursing students, many of whom are working full-time and struggling. Andrew discussed the potential for speaking out on nursing issues and the need to understand the rift between the college and NZNO. He also touched on recent controversial topics such as housing and LGBTQIA+ rights, questioning the boundaries of speaking on behalf of the group versus personally.
The group discussed challenges in nursing, including staffing shortages and support for IQN and NCAP. Andrew requested specific examples of effects to use in interviews and mentioned difficulties in recruiting academic nurses due to better pay for clinical nurses. Jill emphasized the need for a unified nursing voice, including NNLG and suggested leveraging relationships with organizations like the Council of Deans. The discussion touched on the importance of internal communications and briefing other groups to ensure a cohesive response to nursing issues. Concern that advanced practitioners only focusing on primary care and not recognising specialist practitioners.
The group discussed key issues and strategies for nursing leadership and advocacy. They emphasized the importance of speaking out on nursing and health issues while maintaining collaboration with other groups. The group agreed to focus on three main areas: supporting nurse leadership development, improving the nursing profession's identity and value, and addressing consumer issues like homelessness and child poverty. They also discussed the need to strengthen their voice in policy submissions and the challenges of rapid policy changes without adequate consultation.
Key focus areas:
Leadership
Positivity of nursing value and contribution
Focus on social determinants and needs of communities
Evidence of value
Strengthen nursing voice – members trusted to not have to check out as acting with trust and integrity – especially as government consultations is halved. Where submissions being made – share it.
Action:
Read the Australian pre-budget document before next month's meeting to inform discussion on a possible pre-election manifesto.
Develop a pre-election manifesto from nursing perspective
Consider alignment with other national and international organisations
Draft a strong condemnation of the government plans for the homeless and child poverty, incorporating relevant cost data. Group review and potential endorsement.
Provide Andrew, Jenny and Kate (and others doing media) with precise examples of impacts on nurses at the front line for use in interviews and public comment.
Share draft submissions with the group for review and potential co-signing, to increase collective impact.
Collect and provide specific examples of issues around advanced practice and nurse practitioner training program funding (e.g., lack of support for specialty practice) to Dr Veril (and/or relevant ministers) for clarification and advocacy.
Executive Director (Kate): Continue to request meetings with NZNO leadership to pursue collaboration and update the group on progress.
Kate and Chelsea to write to Dr Veril (and/or relevant ministers) with specific examples regarding advanced practice and nurse practitioner opportunities in specialty services, to support advocacy for broader funding and support beyond primary care.
Documents of interest
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