Nurses gather over human rights in Tauranga

Helen Tuck, a registered nurse at Tauranga Hospital, is among NZNO members gathering at a convention in Tauranga today. Photo/file

Nurses from around the Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti region are gathering in Tauranga today.

The New Zealand Nurses' Organisation regional conventions is taking place at Eagle Ridge on Ohauiti Rd, with speakers from the Salvation Army, Te Tuinga Whānau Trust and Mercy Ships.

Long-time organisation member and delegate nurse Helen Tuck has been involved in organising the event which has a strong human rights theme.

"We sought speakers with experience of working with people and whānau who need better access to health care and dealing with the impact of poverty on health and wellbeing," Tuck said.

"We have author of Kapai the Kiwi, Tommy Wilson, who is talking about mental health and homelessness and we also have Nikki Mellsop from the Salvation Army speaking on these issues.

"We are delighted to have a speaker to inform us about the work of Mercy Ships which, bring healthcare by ship to the poorest areas of the world. I am very much looking forward to hearing about initiatives that are focused on the right to health care," she said.