Nursing Futures Taskforce Meeting Notes 2 February 2026

Date	2 February 2026
Attended	Jenny Carryer [chair], Jill Wilkinson, Catherine Cook, Sue Adams, Andrew Jull, Wendy Blair, Sandy Bayliss, Jocelyn Peach, Josephine Davis, Helen Snell, Kate Weston, Maree Sheard, Sandra McDonald, Nicolette Sheridan, Sue Gasquoine; Frances Hughes
Apologies	Helen Hamer, Jill Clendon

1. 2026 Meetings

Jenny opened the meeting to discuss 2026, suggestions about the status and naming of the group as we face a challenging year.

Agreed to have meetings once a month, 4^th Friday of the month for one hour. Members will work on issues between times working on issues.

Action: Jocelyn to put meeting invites out.

2. Status and Naming

Jenny opened discussion about 2026 and the challenges of the year which does not allow time to build up profile as well as address the issues arising. Feedback has questioned the ‘ginger group’ status and taskforce descriptors of our group. Questions asked about authority to speak on issues. General discussion about value of independence or being aligned under an umbrella collaboration with existing groups.

It was suggested that we could have our work associated with the Fellows of the College of Nursing Aotearoa. Range of discussion about this change, debating independence and alignment. Need to ensure we can have freedom, authority and influence. Agreed that we explore this alignment with the College of Nursing Aotearoa Executive, as a voice for Fellows of the College. Majority supported; SG abstained. Workplan to include further development of identity/profile. Focus on nursing service to communities and patients, a clear mandate. A professional voice for professional nursing.

Action:  Formally ask Executive of College of Nursing Aotearoa for comment

Develop identity profile as a matter of urgency

3. Strategic Membership

Jenny talked about how the group might include interested members. Some of the past nurse leader forums are changing and might need renewal in the changed and current context.

Action: This will be discussed further.

4. State of the Nation

Frances joined the meeting. General discussion regarding the importance of strong nursing leadership at this time. Observation and feedback is that some of the progress of the past has been lost in terms of nurse involvement, limited leading initiatives, not being included in advisory and other forums. National and international perception of disconnection, issues of positioning of nurses and our ability to be heard/influence. Nursing appears silent, other groups appear to be talking on our behalf. Not sure that what nursing can contribute is being well-articulated or promoted. Concern that decisions made may be undermining nursing place within the healthcare team. Pace of decision-making by health and government shows that we need to be dynamic in our awareness of what is occurring and responding in a proactive and rapid manner. Need to regain sense of purpose, alignment and consultation/wider engagement. Need to provide well-reasoned and evidence-based responses, be prepared to speak up, to move past mistrust, to do things a different way. Need to put forward new ideas, speak confidently about productivity and be prepared to stand up for what we believe. Our work needs to be done proactively.

Action: Further discussion needed to develop strategy at next meeting.