Nurses want the same rights granted to doctors by the National-led government, in allowing them to elect a proportion of the members of their governing body.
Health Minister Tony Ryall told senior doctors last week that he will regulate to ensure they can elect a third of the Medical Council.
At present, all members of the council are appointed by the Government.
The Nurses Organisation says that is important, because the Medical Council influences both public safety and the professional competence of doctors.
The organisation says allowing nurses to directly elect some members of the Nursing Council could strengthen their confidence in the governing body.
Nurses say they lost the right to nominate four members of the Nursing Council in 1996 and they want it restored.
