Authors – Kerri Nuku & Anne Daniels
Co-Chairs, Nursing Research Aotearoa | Te Pou Rangahau Tapuhio Aotearoa
For more than 50 years, the Nursing Education and Research Foundation (NERF) has supported nurses, students and researchers to pursue opportunities that strengthen the profession and improve health outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Over that time, thousands of nurses have benefited from scholarships, grants and research funding that have helped them develop new skills, undertake postgraduate study, advance knowledge and contribute to better care for the people and communities they serve.
Today, we are entering a new chapter, as Nursing Research Aotearoa | Te Pou Rangahau Tapuhio Aotearoa.
As we transition to an independent charitable trust, we have an opportunity to reflect not only on our history, but on the future role we can play in supporting nursing, advancing research and contributing to a stronger, more equitable health system.
This transition is about more than a change in organisational arrangements. It is an opportunity to clarify our purpose, strengthen our impact and ensure we are well positioned to respond to the opportunities and challenges facing nursing in the decades ahead.
At its heart, Nursing Research Aotearoa remains committed to investing in nurses and nursing. What is evolving is our ambition for how that investment can help shape the future of health and healthcare in Aotearoa.
The growing importance of nursing research
Nurses are uniquely positioned within the health system.
We work across hospitals, primary care, community services, aged care, mental health, public health, education and research. We are often the professionals who spend the most time alongside patients, whānau and communities. We see the realities of healthcare every day – what is working well, where barriers exist, and where change is needed.
This perspective is invaluable.
Yet nursing research has not always received the visibility, recognition or investment it deserves.
We believe that needs to change.
Research is not simply an academic exercise. At its best, research helps us understand complex problems, evaluate new approaches, challenge assumptions and identify opportunities for improvement. It enables evidence-informed decision-making and supports innovation across the health system.
Importantly, nursing research brings a distinct lens. It focuses not only on clinical outcomes, but also on people’s experiences of care, workforce challenges, health equity, service delivery and the broader factors that influence health and wellbeing.
As healthcare continues to evolve, there is a growing need for research that explores new models of care, addresses health inequities, responds to workforce challenges and supports better outcomes for communities.
NERF sees an important role in supporting and promoting nursing research that can be translated into practice, influence policy and contribute to meaningful change.
We are particularly interested in research that helps shape the future role of nurses within the health system and explores innovative ways of improving health outcomes for individuals, whānau and communities.
Investing in the future nursing workforce
Research alone is not enough.
A strong health system depends on a strong nursing workforce.
Across Aotearoa, nurses are working in increasingly complex environments. Workforce shortages, changing population needs, increasing demand for services and persistent inequities continue to place pressure on the sector.
At the same time, there are significant opportunities.
Nurses are taking on expanded clinical, leadership, education and research roles. New models of care are emerging. Technology is changing how services are delivered. Expectations of the health system continue to evolve.
To respond effectively, we need a nursing workforce that is skilled, adaptable, well supported and equipped to lead.
That means investing in nurses at every stage of their careers.
It means supporting students entering the profession, enabling nurses to pursue further education and postgraduate study, creating pathways into research and leadership, and helping nurses develop the skills needed to respond to future challenges.
Our long-standing commitment to scholarships, grants and professional development remains central to our work because we know that investment in nurses is ultimately an investment in better health outcomes for all New Zealanders.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Mātauranga Māori and hauora Māori
As we look to the future, we are also reflecting on the role nursing research can play in advancing health equity and improving hauora Māori outcomes.
For Nursing Research Aotearoa | Te Pou Rangahau Tapuhio Aotearoa, Te Tiriti o Waitangi is not a standalone initiative. It is a foundation that informs how we approach governance, funding, research, partnerships and engagement.
We recognise that strengthening health outcomes requires a diversity of knowledge systems, perspectives and approaches. This includes recognising the value of Mātauranga Māori alongside other forms of knowledge and supporting kaupapa Māori approaches to research, education and workforce development.
Nursing has an important role to play in addressing inequities, responding to the social determinants of health and supporting models of care that are grounded in the aspirations and strengths of whānau and communities. Research is a critical part of that work.
We see significant opportunities to support Māori nurses, nurse researchers, kaiāwhina, students and leaders who are contributing new knowledge, advancing innovation and helping shape the future of healthcare in Aotearoa.
As an organisation, we are committed to ensuring that Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori and kaupapa Māori approaches are increasingly reflected throughout our work. This includes supporting Māori-led research, strengthening the Māori health workforce and contributing to improved hauora Māori outcomes through the investments and partnerships we make.
Importantly, we do not see this as a separate area of work. It is part of how we aspire to operate across all aspects of our activities and future direction.
Looking ahead
The health challenges facing Aotearoa are significant. So too are the opportunities.
We believe nurses have an essential role to play in shaping the future of healthcare. Their insights, expertise, leadership and research are critical to creating a health system that is equitable, innovative and responsive to the needs of all communities.
As we enter this next chapter, we remain committed to supporting that work.
Our vision is for a future where nurses are not only delivering care, but also generating knowledge, leading change, influencing policy and helping shape the future of health and healthcare in Aotearoa.
That future will be built through partnership, investment and a shared commitment to strengthening the profession.
We look forward to working alongside nurses, researchers, donors, partners and communities as we continue that journey.