NCNZ Cultural Safety and Te Tiriti

Question 1

What does 'cultural safety' mean in New Zealand nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Practice that recognises and respects the cultural identity of patients, with the patient determining whether care is culturally safe

Answer

Cultural safety in NZ nursing means the nurse recognises and respects each patient's cultural identity and is aware of their own cultural biases. Importantly, it is the patient — not the nurse — who determines whether the care received was culturally safe.

Question 2

What is the difference between cultural safety and cultural competence in NZ nursing?

Accepted Answer

Cultural competence is knowledge about cultures; cultural safety goes further to examine power imbalances and the patient's experience

Answer

Cultural competence involves acquiring knowledge and skills about different cultures, while cultural safety goes further by examining power relationships, institutional discrimination, and the impact of colonisation, with the patient's experience being the measure of safety.

Question 3

What are the three principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi that are applied in NZ healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Partnership, Participation, and Protection

Answer

The three principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi applied in NZ healthcare are: Partnership (working together with Māori), Participation (involving Māori in all levels of healthcare), and Protection (safeguarding Māori health interests and cultural practices).

Question 4

What is the concept of whānau in NZ Māori healthcare and why is it important for nurses?

Accepted Answer

Extended family — nurses should recognise whānau involvement in healthcare decisions as integral to Māori wellbeing

Answer

Whānau (extended family) is central to Māori wellbeing and health outcomes. NZ nurses should recognise and support whānau involvement in healthcare decisions, care planning, and support, rather than limiting engagement to the individual patient alone.

Question 5

What is the significance of Te Whare Tapa Whā model in NZ nursing?

Accepted Answer

A Māori health model with four dimensions: taha wairua (spiritual), taha hinengaro (mental), taha tinana (physical), and taha whānau (family)

Answer

Te Whare Tapa Whā, developed by Sir Mason Durie, uses the metaphor of a four-walled house to represent four dimensions of health: taha wairua (spiritual), taha hinengaro (mental/emotional), taha tinana (physical), and taha whānau (family). All four must be in balance for wellbeing.

NCNZ Practice Test

NCNZ Practice Test

NCNZ Cultural Safety and Te Tiriti