Abstract: A safe mental health nursing practice for Maori is defined as one that includes Maori ways of knowing. The author also notes that Maori mental health nurses must be given the ability to create their own practice to best meet their clients' needs.

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to detail the practical application of the Delphi technique as a culturally and clinically valid means of accessing expert opinion on the importance of clinical criteria. Reference is made to a bicultural New Zealand mental health nursing clinical indicator study that employed a three-round reactive Delphi survey. Equal proportions of Maori and non-Maori nurses (n = 20) and consumers (n = 10) rated the importance of 91 clinical indicator statements for the achievement of professional practice standards. Additional statements (n = 21) suggested by Delphi participants in round 1 were included in subsequent rounds. In round 2, participants explained the rating they applied to statements that had not reached consensus in round 1, and summarised responses were provided to participants in round 3. Consensus was considered to have been achieved if 85% of round 3 ratings lay within a 2-point bracket on the 5-point Likert-scale overall, or in one of the Maori nurse, non-Maori nurse, or consumer groups. A mean rating of 4.5 after round 3 was set as the importance threshold. Consensus occurred overall on 75 statements, and within groups on another 24. Most statements (n = 86) reached the importance benchmark. The authors conclude that when rigorous methods of participant selection, group composition, participant feedback, and determination of consensus and importance are employed, the Delphi technique is a reliable, cost-effective means of obtaining and prioritising experts' judgements.

Abstract: An analytical tool of Force Field Analysis was used to identify and describe forces influencing the development of innovative roles, including the nurse practitioner role, in primary health care nursing. At the commencement of the study an initial analysis of research, literature and policy identified forces driving or restraining the development of innovative roles. A mixed research method of surveys and focus group interviews with key stakeholders, namely nurses in innovative roles, general practitioners and nurse leaders, was then used to identify factors influencing development within the Northland District Health Board. Descriptive statistics and interpretative methods were used to analyse the data. A final analysis enabled a picture of forces influencing innovative role development to be presented. Driving forces reflected international trends and were strongly influenced by economics and a political imperative to reconfigure health care services towards a primary health focus. The Treaty of Waitangi was also a key influence. Driving forces had greatest impact on the development of new roles. Forces were identified as drives towards cost-effective evidence-based health care (effective services), equity for Maori, response to local needs and workforce reorganisation. The major forces restraining the development of innovative roles were reinforced by attitudes, customs and support systems. These forces were identified as poor professional identity and support, an outdated nursing image, inadequate education and training and slow transition from traditional practices and structures (tradition). These forces had a negative influence on support for innovative roles. Promotion of kaupapa Maori, involvement of the local community, local Maori and nursing in decision-making and promotion of a team culture have the potential to support further development of innovative roles. Political ideology and the Treaty of Waitangi will continue to be major influences directed through policy and the contracting and funding process.

Abstract: Research into the effects of dialysis treatment on Maori patients living in rural Northland has already brought changes to practice just one year after the research was completed. Li-Chin Shih completed a thesis entitled “Impact of Dialysis on Rurally Based Mäori Clients and Their Whänau” in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Nursing, The University of Auckland, 2009. This article in Kai Tiaki is based on this research.

Abstract: This research aims to design and test the feasibility of an intervention promoting smoking cessation, and reducing smoking relapse, among Māori nurses who smoke. It is being conducted in two phases. Phase one, a national web-based survey, conducted in December 2012, explored the views of Māori nurses (smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers) regarding smoking. This paper reports on the analysis of qualitative responses from 410 nurses and nursing students identifying as Māori who completed an online survey. Five themes were identified: beliefs about smoking; ?for our tamariki?; personal stories of quitting; dissatisfaction with current approaches; and plans for future strategies. The findings confirm that nurses who smoke may experience feelings of conflict, and regard their behaviour as inconsistent with their role as nurses and health promoters. Nurses who smoke must be supported to become, and to stay, smokefree. Tailored Māori-specific cessation initiatives are needed.

Abstract: Interviews a group of Maori women who have successfully ceased smoking and asks about influences and supportive interventions that helped them quit smoking. Analyses the data using Boyatzis' (1998) approach and identifies two primary themes providing insight for nurses working with Maori women smokers: transmission of whanau values; and factors crucial in influencing change.

Abstract: Explores the experiences of Maori mothers who have been abused by a son or daughter using a qualitative descriptive research design based on kaupapa Maori methodology. Conducts semi-structured interviews with five Maori mothers, recording their experiences of abuse by a child, and its impact on the whanau/family. Analyses the interview transcripts for common themes. Highlights the importance of nurses in facilitating whanau ora (family wellbeing).

Abstract: Reports the findings of a review of the literature that sought to identify key barriers for indigenous tertiary nursing students in NZ. Reveals the barriers to recruitment and retention of nursing students, and strategies to overcome them. Stresses the need for partnerships between academic institutes and indigenous communities to ensure the provision of a culturally-safe environment for Maori nursing students.