New Zealand’s Health Minister, Dr Shayne Reti is “not convinced” about the Nursing Council’s new cultural competency standards, which require nurses to address the “impact of colonisation.”
The revised scopes of practice for Enrolled Nurses (EN) and Registered Nurses (RN) are set to take effect on 20 January 2025.
One of the key changes includes a requirement for nurses to “describe the impact of colonisation and social determinants on health and wellbeing.”
Additionally, nurses must advocate for individuals and whānau by incorporating cultural, spiritual, physical considerations into whakapapa-centred care—an approach centred on family and ancestral connections.
Following inquiries by chrislynchmedia.com, Health Minister Shayne Reti’s office said: “The Minister acknowledges the need for both cultural and clinical competencies but is not convinced that these standards set an appropriate balance between the two.
“The Minister has written to the Council outlining his concerns and to seek assurances that the new standards won’t be a barrier to the delivery of quality healthcare.”
The Nursing Council is responsible for determining standards of competence under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act, which is currently under review” the Health Minister’s office said.
In a statement, The Nursing Council said “Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (the Act), the Nursing Council of New Zealand (the Council) protects public health and safety by providing mechanisms to ensure nurses are competent and fit to practise.
“This is achieved through mechanisms such as setting scopes of practice and standards of competence. In 2019, a change was made to section 118(1)(i) of the Act requiring the Council to set standards of cultural competence, including competencies that will enable effective and respectful interaction with Māori.
“The standards of competence have been produced following extensive consultation with the profession, health consumers, and other stakeholders. They are structured to support and guide nurses to deliver quality care across various clinical settings. These standards are organised into pou, representing strength and support, each accompanied by descriptors that detail safe and effective practice expectations.”
