Pasifika nurses urged to join CENNZ as annual conference wraps up in Auckland

Emergency nurses from all over the country gathered for two days of whakawhanaungatanga (relationship building), learning and celebrating their dedication to emergency nursing.

This year’s theme, te pae tawhiti – pursue distant horizons, highlighted the resilience and adaptability of emergency nurses amid ongoing social and political changes, underscoring their unwavering pursuit of clinical and cultural excellence.

‘I strongly encourage Pasifika emergency nurses to join CENNZ and make use of this valuable platform for their own professional development.’

I recently came across CENNZ online and saw this event as an excellent opportunity for professional development.

As a new emergency nurse, it makes sense for me to register and become a member of CENNZ.

Membership would offer access to valuable networking opportunities, educational resources, and the collective knowledge of experienced colleagues, all of which are essential for my professional growth and confidence in the field.

Being part of this community would also help me stay updated with best practices and ongoing developments in emergency nursing, ensuring I provide a high standard of care.

The event was very rewarding, and it was the hard mahi of CENNZ’s national and conference committee that made it happen.

NZNO emergency nurse Natasha Hemopo-Kemp (right) and professional nurse advisor Suzanne Rolls at the conference.

I’d like to give a shout out to the sponsors and exhibitors who showcased the latest technology and clinical products. Hopefully, we will see some of these innovations in our emergency departments in the near future.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to the scholars and speakers who generously shared their research and insights, contributing to our collective growth.

Their ongoing support for CENNZ is invaluable, and together, we continue to strengthen the emergency nursing community.

Regretfully, I did not make it to the glitter and grit cocktail evening, but I am sure everyone had a great time. I’ll blame it on aging, though it’s probably more about needing an early night after such an inspiring and full-on day.

I strongly encourage Pasifika emergency nurses to join CENNZ and make use of this valuable platform for their own professional development.

I look forward to reconnecting with everyone at future events — see you all in 2028.

Until then, may we continue to support each other and advance emergency nursing together.

Sione ‘Ulufonua

Registered nurse

Auckland

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