NCNZ Cultural Safety & Māori Health in Nursing

Question 1

Under the Nursing Council of NZ competencies, which domain specifically addresses Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

Domain 4: Interprofessional Healthcare and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Answer

Domain 1: Professional Responsibility

Answer

Domain 2: Management of Nursing Care

Answer

Domain 3: Interpersonal Relationships

Question 2

A Māori patient is admitted to hospital and mentions she follows te reo Māori as her first language. What is the most appropriate nursing response?

Accepted Answer

Arrange a professional interpreter with Māori language competency and communicate in the patient's preferred language as much as possible

Answer

Inform the patient that English is the language of the hospital

Answer

Ask a Māori colleague to help informally without patient consent

Answer

Document that the patient speaks Māori and take no further action

Question 3

The Hui Process is a model developed for consultations with Māori patients. What does the first phase (Mihimihi/Whakawhanuangatanga) emphasise?

Accepted Answer

Establishing rapport and relationship before clinical agenda — greeting, introductions, acknowledging identity

Answer

Conducting the clinical assessment immediately

Answer

Discussing the treatment plan

Answer

Obtaining informed consent

Question 4

A nurse caring for a Māori patient notes that the patient appears withdrawn and avoids eye contact. What is the most appropriate interpretation?

Accepted Answer

In some Māori contexts, avoiding eye contact with authority figures may be a sign of respect, not disengagement — the nurse should not assume disinterest

Answer

The patient is uncooperative and should be referred to social work

Answer

The patient has depression and should be screened immediately

Answer

The patient does not understand what is happening and needs an interpreter

Question 5

Which of the following health outcomes demonstrates Māori health inequity in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Māori are approximately 2–3 times more likely to be hospitalised for ambulatory-sensitive conditions than non-Māori

Answer

Māori have lower rates of type 2 diabetes than non-Māori

Answer

Māori children have lower rates of respiratory illness than non-Māori children

Answer

Māori have equivalent cancer survival rates to non-Māori

Question 6

What is the role of a Māori health advocate (kaiāwhina) in supporting a Māori patient in hospital?

Accepted Answer

Provide cultural support, assist navigation of health services, facilitate whānau communication, and advocate for the patient's cultural needs

Answer

Provide nursing care under delegation from an RN

Answer

Interpret clinical information from a medical perspective

Answer

Manage the patient's medications and treatment plan