The number of Maori graduating from nursing programmes has risen.
The Nursing Council says Maori make up 7% of overall registered nurses. Chief executive Carolyn Reed says it is good to see that the ratio of Maori graduating from nursing programmes is nearly double that at 13%.
She says the result is down to a deliberate strategy to get more Maori into nursing, through tailored programmes such as the Whitireia Polytechnic course for Maori.
She says Maori might be more likely to seek help or talk to a Maori nurse or doctor who understands their thinking patterns and hopes the rise will improve health outcomes.
Carolyn Reed says the next step is to get those nurses registered and employed.
