Nursing Council Chief Executive Catherine Byrne has resigned, becoming the latest departure in an executive exodus that the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) directly blames on a Government board overhaul. Council staff were informed of the resignation, according to an NZNO statement.
Leadership Departures at the Nursing Council
Byrne’s departure follows three recent exits from the executive team, which include the chief nursing education advisor and two legal advisors, according to NZNO statement details. NZNO director Kerri Nuku stated that the council’s executive team is leaving in droves, attributing the turnover directly to the minister’s actions.
According to the union, Health Minister Simeon Brown has replaced eight board members since late last year despite four of those members wanting to stay on. Of the four remaining board members, two internationally qualified nurses resigned in protest, while two others did not seek reappointment.
Ministerial Over-Reach and Cultural Safety Concerns
Nuku stated that Minister Brown went after the Nursing Council because the regulatory body believed that improving Māori health outcomes through culturally safe care benefits all of Aotearoa New Zealand. The union leader also pointed out that similar concerns have been raised regarding governance changes at the Medical Council.
According to a statement provided to 1News by a spokesperson for Minister Brown, the minister was advised of the chief executive’s resignation under the no-surprises policy. The spokesperson added that the minister thanks Catherine Byrne for her service and wishes her well, noting that employment matters remain an operational issue for the Nursing Council.
What May Happen Next for the Regulatory Body
The Nursing Council has been approached for comment regarding the ongoing leadership transitions and the future of its executive team.