The Ministry of Health on New Zealand welcomes the launch of a new national partnership for the training and placement of Nurse Practitioners.

The University of Auckland has been selected to lead the new programme, having been awarded a new Ministry contract, in collaboration with University of Otago, Northland primary health entity Mahitahi Hauora, and Auckland Pacific health provider, The Fono.

The key partners will work closely with many other stakeholders across the sector including Nurse Practitioners New Zealand, Te Rau Ora and Te Ao Māramatanga.

While the training programme will include trainees from all clinical practice areas the programme will focus on those working primarily in mental health and/or an addictions role in primary mental health.

‘We want the placements to showcase Nurse Practitioners and Enrolled Nurses in primary mental health care settings and to increase access to mental health and addictions support for people in high needs populations,’ says Jane Bodkin, Clinical Chief Advisor in the Ministry’s Chief Nursing Office.