Established in 1968 to promote excellence in nursing through scholarships, grants and research funding, NERF has long supported the development of the nursing workforce.
For many years, NERF has operated with administrative and operational support from Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa-NZNO. Following a decision by the NZNO national executive to conclude the existing agreement, NERF is now transitioning to an independent administrative and operational model.
The transition will allow NERF to better respond to the needs of the nurses, midwives, students and caregivers across Aotearoa.
We plan to improve access to and management of funding, as well as strengthen NERF’s visibility and engagement across the nursing and health sector.
There will also be an increased focus on sharing the impact of NERF’s funding and strengthening relationships with donors, partners and scholarship recipients.
NZNO-NERF relationship ‘enduring’
The relationship between NERF and NZNO is enduring. Both organisations remain connected through their shared commitment to the nursing profession.
And while our operational structure may be changing, NERF’s purpose remains the same: Supporting nursing education, research and professional development. We are also deeply committed to ensuring te ao Māori is reflected across our work, so we genuinely serve all communities across Aotearoa.
We will now build on NERF’s strong legacy of supporting nurses across Aotearoa, and take it into the future, while honouring our responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
We – NZNO kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku and president Anne Daniels – continue to co-chair the NERF board along with NZNO representatives Juliet Manning, Melinda Jordan, Aroha Hudson (business advisor) and long-time nurse educator and advisor, Marie Burgess.
Applications for all grants and scholarships are expected to re-open in July.
NERF will provide updates on future funding opportunities as decisions are confirmed.