The Nursing Council's chief executive has resigned in the latest of several departures the nurses' union blames on an overhaul of the council's board by the Government.
Council staff were reportedly told earlier today that Catherine Byrne had resigned as chief executive, according to a statement from the Nurses Organisation.
Director Kerri Nuku said Byrne was a respected nurse leader who had "steered" the council through changes including new nursing standards and Te Tiriti-led cultural competency guidance.
"Her departure follows three other recent departures from the council's executive team: the chief nursing education advisor and two legal advisors," Nuku said in the statement.
"The council's executive are leaving in droves. This is the direct result of the minister's gutting of the council's board."
Since late last year, Health Minister Simeon Brown has replaced eight board members despite four of them wanting to stay on, the union said.
Of the remaining four, two internationally qualified nurses resigned in protest, and two did not seek reappointment, according to the statement.
"Simeon Brown has now gone after the Nursing Council because it rightly believed that improving the health outcomes of Māori through culturally safe care was better for all of Aotearoa New Zealand," Nuku said.
Concerns have also been raised about governance changes at the Medical Council.
A spokesperson for Brown said in a statement to 1News: "The minister was advised of the Nursing Council chief executive’s resignation under the no surprises policy.
"The minister thanks Catherine Byrne for her service in the role and wishes her well.
"Employment matters are an operational issue for the Nursing Council.”
The Nursing Council has been approached for comment.
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