Proud to serve for three more years – excited by our collective potential

This afternoon’s announcement by NZNO Chief Executive Memo Musa that I have been re-elected unopposed for a second term as President came as a great surprise. A fuller and more considered statement on the election results (see below) must wait, but I offer some initial comments.

The 2018 leadership elections came at a time of adversity both in the health sector and in our organisation. Over the next three years, I aim to ensure that the momentum driven by members and harnessed above all by the #HealthNeedsNursing campaign also flows into the renewal of NZNO as an organisation which is open and responsive to members.

With courage we can journey past adversity to secure renewal and change. This goal is expressed in the statement (no longer needed, but available here) which I submitted for Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand and the candidate profile booklet.

It is regrettable that the lack of an election has deprived future NZNO leaders of the opportunity to campaign and make themselves known to the wider membership. However, it is my great hope that many will consider putting themselves forward in the next elections for the NZNO Board of Directors.

First and foremost I thank every member who over my first term has shared their aspirations for our organisation with me. Let us work on those now together.

I also wish to thank my campaign team who generously gave me their belief and support.

I thank outgoing Vice-President Rosemary Minto, who did not stand for re-election, for her contribution to NZNO over these three years. Rosemary’s broad experience in governance roles has enriched Board discussion and strengthened our decision-making.

I greatly look forward to working more closely with Cheryl Hanham, who will take office at the NZNO AGM in September. NZNO has a Vice-President Elect of unsurpassed dedication to members and to the nursing profession.

I relish the opportunity to continue working with Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku, Tumu Whakarae Titihuia Pakeho and Te Rūnanga o Aotearoa NZNO to strengthen bicultural relationships right across our organisation.

And for myself, I am proud to serve for three more years.