Conch News - Pacific Health Voices

Samoan Nurses Association
President: Lemalu Taiivao Siniva Cruickshank
Talofa Lava from Samoa Nurses Association
The driving force behind the movement to establish a national body for Samoan nurses was the
relentless pursuit by Samoa trained nurses to have their qualifications and experience acknowledged
and recognized in NZ during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. These pioneering nurses had high hopes of
working as registered nurses in NZ.
Pioneers of the Samoa Nurses Association in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s
Using their personal resources and with the support of their families and their communities, they
worked hard to try and influence those in authority. It was within this context and environment that the
Samoan Nurses Association of New Zealand (SNANZ) was formed and developed.
1988 was the first inaugural national conference in Auckland, where Samoan Nurses came together
from Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland to form the National Samoan Nurses Association of NZ.
Samoa Nurses Association Conference in Wellington 2006
This continued to be an annual gathering for Samoan nurses, held at different regions from time to
time (.i.e. from Auckland to Wellington to Christchurch and according to National Executive’s Action
plans.)
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