This inaugural meeting brought together 14 of the 17 nurse practitioners (NPs) supporting people experiencing mental health or addiction
problems, and disabled people. Held in Auckland at the Te Pou office on 17 October, this meeting provided a useful opportunity for the NPs to discuss their roles. A common theme from the meeting was role ambiguity, and whether the role was essentially a medical-like role or a nursing role with added responsibilities. Was it an autonomous role or a role that was a doctor substitute?

The meeting highlighted the value in NPs coming together to discuss their work, showing there remains inconsistency around the country in the way in which the role is being developed. The meeting finished with agreement that they would all meet again in six months to continue the professional development of mental health nurse practitioners.