NZNO’s new Pacific nurses ethnic advisory group (PNEAG) launched last week in Tāmaki Makaurau with a gathering of Pacific nurses.
PNEAG takes the place of the Pacific nursing section (PNS), which had an 18-year history in the organisation.
Kaiwhakataki (MC) and PNEAG member Hayden Erick said the launch acknowledged PNS’ contributions — while also celebrating the new group.
“This is more than just a change of name. We’re moving from the college and section structure to an organisation-wide advisory position within NZNO.”
The change would boost Pacific nursing “representation, influence and advocacy” in the wider profession.
PNEAG brought together representatives from seven Pacific nursing associations across Aotearoa, Erick said. The members had a shared Pacific identity: but individual identities, cultures, languages and perspectives remained important. This, he said, would strengthen the group’s unity.
A new matua council was also launched at the event, Erick said, which would work alongside PNEAG to give cultural guidance “and support the integrity” of its mahi.
Outgoing PNS chairperson ‘Eseta Finau said the gathering came together with mixed emotions — formally closing the PNS, “a proud and significant chapter in the history of nursing in Aotearoa-New Zealand”.
“It was created with a vision to ensure that Pacific nurses were seen, heard, valued and represented.”
The section strengthened the collective voice of Pacific nurses and helped them connect and support each other, she said.
“The spirit that brought us together in 2008 remains alive, in every Pacific nurse who advocates for their patients, colleagues, mentors, students, and serves their community with passion and excellence.”
Inaugural PNEAG chairperson Metua Daniel-Atutolu was called up to the podium with a tūoro (karanga) — a powerful introduction by nurse Hannah Koronui that Daniel-Atutolu said left it “hard to speak”.
She said it was a massive responsibility to follow in the footsteps of the “legendary ‘Eseta Finau” — whose leadership, tenacity, advocacy and power were unmatched.
“On behalf of not just myself but the hundreds of Pacific nurses in Aotearoa, across our Pacific nations, for upholding the voice in many spaces, often alone, for Pacific nurses so they can be heard: Meitaki atupaka (Thank you very much).”
Daniel-Atutolu said Finau and fellow Pacific nursing leader Abel Smith would not be going far — joining the new matua council.
“To the matua council, we thank you for agreeing to continue to serve. Some of you have retired, but you have agreed to continue to serve PNEAG, NZNO, and provide guidance for the future of Pacific nursing.”
The member associations had selected “some amazing leaders”, and the new group was fully aware of the current challenges.
“Already, we feel connected, we are excited and truth be told a little anxious, a little scared for the journey that’s ahead of us. So please pray for us, please reply to our emails, and please tell us when we need telling — but in a nice Pacific way.”
Speaking at the event, NZNO kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku said it was the closing of one door, but the opening of another.
NZNO members saying goodbye to PNS and hello to PNEAG in Auckland.”This is moving in a direction with purpose, with intent, with integrity to protect us as a people, us as a culture, in an organisation that has a lot of power.”
Nuku said she welcomed Daniel-Atutolu’s humble acceptance of the position. “The inclusiveness of her kōrero was incredible — and the acknowledgement of everybody’s strength that they bring here.”
NZNO chief executive Paul Goulter said the group was a cornerstone in the organisation.
Outgoing PNS chairperson 'Eseta Finau gets emotional at the PNEAG launch.
“We started talking about this a couple of years ago, that our relationships with our Pacific island cousins, brothers, sisters, families were not being respected by just having this as a section.”
This meant a new place had to be created withing the structures of NZNO.
The new group was a quantum leap in “exerting the prominence and influence” of Pacific island nursing in Aotearoa, and then back through to the islands themselves, he said.
Meanwhile, as she thanked the PNS members, ‘Eseta Finau said they might be farewelling the old section, but not its purpose, values and legacies.
She had a message of encouragement for the members of the new group, building on the “strong foundations” left behind by the old.
“Take us forward, remember. With courage, and to advocate for integrity, and continue to honour our Pacific values, and the future of Pacific nursing in Aotearoa.”
