24 - 25 November 2025 | Grand Millennium, Auckland

Nursing and the law

Stay up-to-date on the latest legal issues in nursing practice at the Nursing and the Law Conference

This year’s event provides an opportunity for New Zealand nursing professionals to gain essential knowledge on the current legal and regulatory environment that governs their practice.

This unique event will deliver insights into:

Evolving nursing practice and how it intersects with the law
Legal obligations nurses have to their patients and employers
Duty of care, accountability, and liability for nurses
Recent court decisions and legislative developments impacting nursing practice

Ensure you and your team are equipped with the latest legal knoweldge to practice safely and effectively.

Why you should be at this conference

Stay ahead of the curve: Gain insights into evolving nursing practice and how it intersects with the latest legal developments
Protect yourself and your patients: Ensure you understand your legal obligations, duty of care, and potential liabilities to practice safely
Sharpen your skills: Learn from legal experts, and gain practical knowledge to navigate complex legal issues in your daily practice
Boost your confidence: Gain peace of mind knowing you have the latest knoweldge to make informed decisions in your nursing career

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We are currently working on the programme and agenda.
If you would like to have input into our research programme please email xxxx@brightstar.co.nz

Supporting organisation

We’re super excited to have the College of Nurses Aotearoa as a supporting organisation for this conference.

If you’re a member of the College of College of Nurses Aotearoa get in touch with them to secure special pricing!

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Address

Grand Millennium Auckland
71 Mayoral Drive, Cnr Vincent Street, Auckland 1010

Agenda

Agenda to be announced

8:30	Registration and Coffee
8:45	Mihi whakatau
9:00	Welcoming remarks from the Chair Kate Weston, Executive Director, College of Nurses Aotearoa
9:10	Legal essentials 2025: What’s new and what is next in nursing regulation Reviewing Key legal and regulatory updates affecting nurses in Aotearoa Highlighting the importance of legal literacy in nursing Outlining what is driving recent and upcoming legal change Understanding updates to the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights Simone Tune, Special Counsel, Duncan Cotterill
9:50	Policy in practice: What the latest healthcare reforms mean for Nurses Exploring the latest developments in healthcare policy, funding, and resource allocation Understanding the key healthcare reforms introduced by the Government and Te Whatu Ora, and their direct implications for nursing practice Examining workforce-related policies including funding for recruitment, retention, and professional development of nurses Exploring the impact of resource allocation decisions on staffing ratios, access to care, and community-based nursing services Highlighting equity-focused initiatives and their relevance to Māori, Pacific, and rural health services Kate Weston, Executive Director, College of Nurses Aotearoa
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Nursing Council update: Regulatory changes, priorities, and what’s ahead Providing an overview of recent updates from the Nursing Council of New Zealand, including regulatory changes and current areas of focus Highlighting key amendments to scopes of practice, registration requirements, and continuing competence frameworks Outlining developments in the Code of Conduct and how these shape expectations for professional behaviour and accountability Discussing data trends and insights from recent audits, complaints, and notifications and what nurses can learn from them Exploring strategic priorities such as workforce sustainability, cultural safety, and support for internationally qualified nurses Catherine Byrne, Chief Executive, Nursing Council of New Zealand Clare Prendergast, Deputy Registrar/Senior Legal Advisor, Nursing Council of New Zealand Nick Davis, Deputy Registrar/Senior Legal Advisor, Nursing Council of New Zealand
11:50	Honouring Te Tiriti in practice: Bringing Tiriti commitments to life in nursing Exploring the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundational document guiding equitable nursing care in Aotearoa Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of nurses under Te Tiriti, with a focus on the principles of partnership, protection, and participation Translating Tiriti commitments into daily practice, from patient interactions to policy implementation and service delivery Showcasing real-world examples of culturally safe care, whānau-centred models, and equity-driven clinical leadership Understanding the Nursing Council’s expectations regarding cultural safety, reflective practice, and accountability Discussing systemic challenges and enablers to delivering on Tiriti obligations within mainstream healthcare environments Kerri Nuku, Kaiwhakahaere, New Zealand Nurses Organisation
12:20	Lunch break and networking
13:20	Driving excellence: Quality, safety & productivity in nursing practice Patient Safety - the past, present and future - the evolution of patient safety and major safety milestones within healthcare Staff well-being and psychological safety - explore the critical role of staff mental health, burnout, and creating psychologically safe environments Organisational and safety culture and its impact on care delivery - how leadership, professional subcultures, and attitudes influence patient safety outcomes. The impact of clinical error on healthcare professionals -discuss the emotional and professional impact that clinical error has on health professionals Research findings and practice recommendations- Share key evidence-based findings and recommendations for improving safety and Emma Moore, Clinical Quality and Risk Officer, Canopy Healthcare
14:00	Safe nurse staffing levels: Protecting patients and supporting the workforce Defining what constitutes safe nurse staffing in different care settings, including acute, primary, aged care, and mental health services Reviewing evidence linking staffing levels to patient outcomes, safety incidents, and nurse wellbeing Exploring the consequences of chronic understaffing, including moral distress, burnout, and workforce attrition Highlighting current policies, standards, and guidelines in Aotearoa that guide safe staffing practices Showcasing local and international case studies where safe staffing models have led to measurable improvements in care delivery Discussing tools and technologies that help monitor staffing levels and acuity in real time Identifying barriers to achieving safe staffing and exploring strategies to overcome them through leadership, advocacy, and collaboration Anne Daniels, President, New Zealand Nurses Organisation
14:40	Wounded in the line of care: When ethical distress meets legal risk in nursing Defining moral injury in the context of nursing and distinguishing it from burnout and routine occupational stress Exploring real-world scenarios where moral injury arises, such as unsafe staffing, delayed care, ethical conflicts, or systemic failings Examining how moral injury can intersect with legal accountability, including complaints, investigations, and professional conduct reviews Understanding employer duties under health and safety and employment law to mitigate risks that contribute to moral injury Discussing whistleblower protections and the legal rights of nurses who speak up about unsafe or unethical practices Highlighting case examples where moral injury played a role in legal proceedings or contributed to systemic review Guidance on managing ethical distress while protecting professional integrity and reducing legal exposure
15:20	Afternoon break
15:40	Panel discussion: How can we balance duty of care with resource constraints and ensure the delivery of high-quality care? Exploring the ethical and professional responsibilities of nurses to provide safe, person-centred care even in high-pressure, resource-limited environments Examining the realities of staffing shortages, budget limitations, and system strain across various care settings in Aotearoa Discussing how nurses and health leaders navigate the tension between clinical standards and operational constraints Highlighting practical strategies for maintaining care quality, including prioritisation frameworks, delegation practices, and interprofessional teamwork Understanding the legal implications of compromised care and how nurses can protect themselves while advocating for patients Sharing examples of innovation and leadership where high-quality care was sustained despite significant challenges Karyn Sangster, Director of Nursing , Turuki Health Care
16:20	WorkSafe, work well: Meeting legal standards for nurse mental health Defining psychosocial risks in nursing, including high workload, emotional strain, moral distress, shift work, and exposure to trauma Exploring the impact of unmanaged psychosocial risk on nurse wellbeing, team dynamics, and patient safety Outlining the legal obligations of employers under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to protect mental health and create psychologically safe workplaces Understanding the role of WorkSafe New Zealand and the expectations for healthcare organisations in managing mental health risks at work Reviewing key concepts such as reasonably practicable steps, hazard identification, and risk management in the context of mental wellbeing Highlighting organisational strategies to meet compliance and support nurse wellbeing, such as workload monitoring, clinical supervision, peer support, and safe rostering Presenting case examples where poor psychosocial risk management led to harm, complaints, or regulatory action and how these were addressed Practical tools and discussion on fostering a culture of care, accountability, and psychological safety in nursing teams Representative from NZOHNA
17:00	Summary remarks from the Chair & networking drinks

8:45	Registration and Coffee
9:00	Welcoming remarks from the Chair
9:10	Nursing workforce development and transformation: Towards a sustainable nursing workforce Analysing the current state of the nursing workforce in Aotearoa, including demographic trends, skill shortages, and sector-specific challenges Exploring drivers of workforce transformation such as population health needs, changing models of care, technology integration, and health equity imperatives Reviewing national strategies and initiatives to strengthen nursing workforce capacity, including education pathways, retention programmes, and international recruitment Highlighting innovative models of workforce development, such as nurse-led services, advanced practice roles, and interprofessional collaboration Discussing the importance of cultural capability, equity, and diversity in building a workforce that reflects and serves all communities Addressing barriers to sustainability, including burnout, workforce exit, funding limitations, and geographic disparities Presenting successful examples of workforce transformation and development in different care settings across Aotearoa
9:50	Nurse Prescribing Today: Updates, opportunities, and regulatory shifts Providing an overview of current nurse prescribing roles in Aotearoa Highlighting recent policy updates and regulatory changes from the Nursing Council of New Zealand and other relevant authorities Discussing the clinical, professional, and patient care benefits of nurse prescribing, particularly in primary care, mental health, and rural settings Examining challenges in implementation, such as access to training, scope clarity, and collaboration with other health professionals Showcasing successful models and case studies where nurse prescribing has improved access, efficiency, and health equity Outlining key legal, ethical, and accountability considerations for nurse prescribers under current legislation
10:40	Morning break
11:10	Strengthening primary Care: The expanding responsibilities of nurse practitioners Examining the current role of nurse practitioners in New Zealand’s primary care system, including their scope, autonomy, and areas of practice Exploring how NPs are helping to address primary care challenges, such as GP shortages, increasing chronic disease burden, and access inequities in rural and underserved communities Highlighting recent regulatory, funding, and policy developments that support the expansion of NP responsibilities Showcasing examples of NP-led clinics and integrated care models where NPs are leading innovations in care delivery and improving outcomes Discussing the value of interprofessional collaboration and how NPs are strengthening multidisciplinary teams and care coordination Addressing barriers to full Nurse Practice utilisation, including scope limitations, public awareness, funding constraints, and workforce planning
11:50	End-of-Life choice in practice: Legal responsibilities and ethical boundaries for nurses Overview of the End-of-Life Choice Act and discussing the key provisions, eligibility criteria, and implications for healthcare professionals in Aotearoa Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of nurses under Te Tiriti, with a focus on the principles of partnership, protection, and participation Understanding legal obligations when involved in end-of-life care decisions Discussing the importance of informed consent, documentation, and communication in supporting lawful, compassionate, and ethical practice Exploring ethical tensions nurses may face Andrea Lawrence, Specialty Nurse, Tōtara hospice Susan Fryer, Director of Nursing, Tōtara hospice
12:30	Lunch break and networking
13:30	Digital nursing: Embracing AI for safer, smarter, more efficient care Introducing the concept of digital nursing and how AI tools are beginning to transform clinical workflows, patient care, and administrative tasks in Aotearoa Exploring real-world use cases of AI in nursing and highlighting how AI can enhance patient safety through error reduction, earlier detection of deterioration, and improved access to timely information Demonstrating how AI supports smarter care delivery, enabling nurses to focus more on direct patient interaction and less on repetitive tasks Outlining the legal and ethical considerations for nurses when using AI-enabled tools, including privacy, informed consent, transparency, and scope of practice Reviewing current Nursing Council of NZ expectations, digital competencies, and restrictions on the use of generative AI in clinical documentation Discussing implementation challenges, such as digital literacy, system integration, equity in access, and the need for human oversight Karen Day, Senior Lecturer, Health Informatics, University of Auckland
14:00	Who’s responsible? Clarifying accountability and delegation in nursing teams Defining accountability and delegation in nursing practice Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of registered nurses, enrolled nurses, nurse practitioners, and healthcare assistants within team-based care Exploring the legal and professional implications of delegation decisions, including liability, documentation, and clinical oversight Understanding when and how to delegate safely, using decision-making frameworks and real-world case examples Identifying common challenges such as unclear role boundaries, communication breakdowns, or inappropriate delegation in high-pressure settings Discussing accountability in shared care models, including multidisciplinary teams and community-based care Reviewing recent updates or changes in delegation guidance, policy, and scope-related expectations in Aotearoa Nick Laing, Partner , Duncan Cotterill
14:40	Privacy and confidentiality in practice: What nurses need to know Defining privacy and confidentiality in the context of nursing practice, and why they are foundational to ethical, legal, and professional care Reviewing relevant legislation in Aotearoa Clarifying nurses’ responsibilities when handling, sharing, or storing patient health information, both in person and digitally Exploring common risks and breaches, such as overheard conversations, improper documentation practices, and misuse of digital systems Understanding consent and disclosure protocols, including when information can or must be shared legally Highlighting confidentiality in complex settings, such as working with whānau, young people, mental health, and end-of-life care Providing strategies to uphold confidentiality in busy or high-pressure environments, including clinical handovers, use of mobile devices, and electronic records Discussing disciplinary and legal consequences of privacy breaches for individual nurses and healthcare organisations Wendy Beverley, Special Counsel, Dentons
15:20	Summary remarks from the Chair and end of Conference

Speakers

Speakers to be announced

Anne Daniels

President

New Zealand Nurses Organisation

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Simone Tune

Special Counsel

Duncan Cotterill

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Simone is a specialist medico-legal lawyer with 25 years of experience across health, criminal, and public law. She has conducted over 50 jury trials and spent the last decade as in-house legal counsel at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. Her expertise includes guardianship, life support withdrawal, treatment orders, coronial matters, privacy, and informed consent. Simone also advises on public health, disclosure under the Health Information Privacy Code, and represents health professionals in complaints and disciplinary proceedings

Emma Moore

Clinical Quality and Risk Officer

Canopy Healthcare

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Emma is a registered nurse with over 20 year’s experience. Over the last decade, Emma has specialised in clinical leadership, quality, risk, and patient and staff safety.She holds a Master of Health Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Leadership and Management. Her thesis examined the impact of clinical errors on health professionals, reflecting her ongoing commitment to staff wellbeing and psychological safety. Emma’s professional focus includes strengthening clinical governance, supporting clinician wellbeing, and addressing the complexities of healthcare error. She is driven by a vision of health systems that ensure both safe care and a supportive compassionate environment for those that work within it.

Wendy Beverley

Special Counsel

Dentons

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Wendy is a Special Counsel at Dentons, specialising in health law. A former ICU and emergency nurse, she has held senior management roles in a major DHB and served as a delegate for the International Red Cross. Wendy brings a unique perspective to medico-legal issues including privacy and use of health information, managing concerns relating to a practitioner’s competence, conduct or fitness to practise, advising on patient rights, responding to complaints and HDC and Coroners investigations, consent, mental health, and regulatory matters. With extensive in-house experience, she also delivers practical workshops on privacy, managing health and safety concerns, and legal challenges in healthcare settings.

Nick Davis

Deputy Registrar/Senior Legal Advisor

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Nick Davis is the Deputy Registrar for the Council and oversees the fitness to practise functions for the Council (including the conduct, competence and health processes). Nick also provides policy and general legal advice to the Council. Nick was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 2007 and has worked in private legal practice specialising in civil, criminal and family litigation before joining the Nursing Council in 2015. He provides legal advice to the Professional Conduct Committees, Health and Competence Committees as well as the Registrant Quality Committee.

Clare Prendergast

Deputy Registrar/Senior Legal Advisor

Nursing Council of New Zealand

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Clare Prendergast manages the legal team and provides general legal advice to the Council. Clare registered as a nurse in 1977 after completing the Wellington Hospital programme. She completed a law degree while continuing to work part time at Wellington Hospital. Clare commenced work as a legal editor for Brookers in 1992 and has worked at the Nursing Council since 1995. She is a contributing author to Health Care and the Law and the Fundamentals of Nursing 3e on the Evolve website. She has managed the Health and Conduct areas since 2012.

Catherine Byrne

Chief Executive/Registrar

Nursing Council of New Zealand

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Catherine Byrne is the Chief Executive and Registrar of the Nursing Council of New Zealand, leading the statutory authority responsible for the regulation of over 85,000 nurses. Catherine is an experienced regulatory leader with a deep commitment to public protection, equity, and culturally responsive leadership. Catherine is known for her strategic vision, values-based leadership, integrity and her ability to lead through complexity and reform. Catherine has championed regulatory change that reflects the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to strengthen relationships with Māori and ensure cultural safety is embedded across professional standards, education and fitness to practise systems.

Karyn Sangster

Director of Nursing

Turuki Health Care

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I started my nursing career at Middlemore Hospital where I worked for a long time. During this tenure I held a variety of clinical and leadership positions across the hospital and community. I am a past chair of Nurse Executive Aotearoa and a Fellow of the College of Nurses Aotearoa. I was part of the development team for Registered Nurse Prescribing in Community Health which was piloted in 2017 at Counties and Family Planning and is now rolled out across 7 programs nationwide. In 2021 was seconded to NCNZ as Principal Nurse Advisor RN prescribing for 12 months and since this time have remained as a contractor. Completing NP audits and providing leadership and support to the RN prescribing in community health operational group. I am also a member of the Expert Advisory Group for RN prescribers. Since October 2023 she has been Director of Nursing at Turuki Health Care, an NGO providing primary and community services across Auckland.

Kate Weston

Executive Director

College of Nurses Aotearoa (NZ)

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Kate Weston has extensive nursing leadership experience, with a career spanning four decades, including management, nursing leadership and professional nursing advisory roles. Kate has recently been appointed as the Executive Director of the College of Nurses Aotearoa, a Professional Organization that provides leadership and support to nurses, advocating for the health and wellbeing of Aotearoa. The strategic aim of the organisation is to Stand for Nurses – supporting nurses to be able to meet the challenges of the current healthcare environment, by advancing professional issues for nurses. Kate’s clinical background has been primarily women’s and children’s health, including community, primary and secondary services in the health and disability sectors.

Karen Day

Senior Lecturer, Health Informatics

University of Auckland

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Kerri Nuku

Kaiwhakahaere

New Zealand Nurses Organisation

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Kerri Nuku, an Indigenous nursing leader of Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāi Tai descent, is a Registered Nurse and Midwife with experience across primary, community, and hospital care. As Kaiwhakahaere of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, she champions the rights of Māori and Indigenous nurses both nationally and internationally. Kerri is a strategic advocate for Indigenous, women’s, and workers’ rights, contributing to inquiries on Mana Wāhine, Oranga Tamariki, and pay parity. Her global work includes presenting at the UN and contributing to human rights reports. She is a recipient of the International Human Rights and Nursing Award and recognised among 100 Māori Leaders.

Nick Laing

Partner

Duncan Cotterill

Read bio

Nick is a medico-legal expert. Nick acts for health service providers and health practitioners alike in health practitioner discipline and negligence claims (including before the Coroner, Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, Health and Disability Commissioner, Privacy Commissioner and Ombudsmen). Nick also regularly advises on medico-legal aspects including duty of care, patient consent, privacy and treatment issues, and applied aspects of intensivist treatment.

Individual tickets

$ 999 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 15 August, 2025.

$1899

$ 1299 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 3 October, 2025.

$1899

$ 1599 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 24 October, 2025.

$ 1899 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 24 November, 2025.

Group tickets

$ 1099 price per person + gst

Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid ticket, payment by 24 October, 2025.

$ 1299 price per person + gst

Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid ticket, payment by 24 November, 2025.

$ 999 price per person + gst

Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid ticket, payment by 24 November, 2025.

$ 1199 price per person + gst

Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid ticket, payment by 24 November, 2025.

Registration Conditions

Ticket Terms
All prices are in New Zealand dollars ($NZD)
A surcharge of 2.5% + GST applies to credit card payments on top of the total amount.
Pre-Sale Tickets are valid only for the specific event for which they were purchased and cannot be transferred to other events. To remain valid, Super Saver and Early Bird tickets must be paid by date quoted.
Group ticket options are valid for registrations from the same organisation, booked at the same time.
By selecting any special pricing offer for classes of organisation, sector, or individuals or using any promotion code, you are asserting to the organiser your right to claim any such pricing offer, and acknowledge the organiser’s right to audit such claim and, if in the opinion of the organiser using its sole discretion the conditions for special pricing are not met, reject any registration.

For full terms & conditions, please visit https://www.brightstar.co.nz/terms-and-conditions

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Tagged 24-25 November 2025, Nursing & the law

24 - 25 November 2025 | Grand Millennium, Auckland

Nursing and the law

Stay up-to-date on the latest legal issues in nursing practice at the Nursing and the Law Conference

Why you should be at this conference

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Supporting organisation

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Agenda

Speakers

Anne Daniels

Simone Tune

Emma Moore

Wendy Beverley

Nick Davis

Clare Prendergast

Catherine Byrne

Karyn Sangster

Kate Weston

Karen Day

Kerri Nuku

Nick Laing

Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Silver sponsors

Exhibitors

Don't miss out on the connections and credibility boost!

Individual tickets

PRE SALE

Super Saver

Early Bird

Full Price

Group tickets

Multi-buy 3+ TicketsEarly Bird

Multi-buy 3+ Tickets Last Minute

Multi-buy 5+ TicketsEarly Bird

Multi-buy 5+ TicketsLast Minute

Registration Conditions

Make an enquiry

General Contact

Want to know more?

Multi-buy 3+ Tickets
Early Bird

Multi-buy 3+ Tickets
Last Minute

Multi-buy 5+ Tickets
Early Bird

Multi-buy 5+ Tickets
Last Minute