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1.3 Oral presentations – Theme 3: Leadership and Policy

Tracks
Track 3
Thursday, October 30, 2025
11:05 AM - 11:55 AM
Avon Room, Christchurch Town Hall

Speaker

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Ms Maureen Kelly
Doctor Of Health Science Candidate
University of Canterbury

Does mentorship matter? Hearing the stories of New Zealand heads of nursing.

11:05 AM - 11:15 AM

Biography

Maureen Kelly currently works part-time as a nurse education contractor for curriculum writing, programme and course development in New Zealand, Australia and Kiribati, programme review, external degree monitoring and supporting nursing students during their clinical learning experience. She is Doctor of Health Science candidate at the University of Canterbury undertaking ‘An exploration of the career experiences of heads of nursing in the New Zealand context: A narrative inquiry.’ Maureen is a registered nurse with 42 years’ experience in nursing, healthcare management, tertiary education, and nursing regulation. She is passionate about nursing and health education and the opportunities it can bring for school leavers and mature learners. Maureen is skilled in facilitating learning, curriculum development, programme management and interacting with stakeholders at all levels within, and external to, organisations she has been employed by.
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Ms Patricia Gauci
Lecturer
Western Sydney University

Gender discrimination in nursing: “He stood there in an auditorium full of educated women and called us girls”

11:15 AM - 11:25 AM

Biography

Patricia Gauci is a Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Western Sydney University, where she teaches in the undergraduate nursing program. Patricia have been teaching nursing students for fifteen years and has over 25 years acute care clinical experience. Currently pursuing a PhD, her research focuses on women in nursing and workplace gender discrimination, with a particular emphasis on feminist methodology.
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Ms Renee Flynn
Clinical and Education Manager
Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association

Leading rural health reform – enabling nurse leadership in policy and practice

11:25 AM - 11:35 AM

Biography

Renee Flynn brings over 25 years of extensive experience to her role as the Clinical and Education Manager in the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association student nurse placement program. Holding a Master of Nursing (Education), Renee is a registered nurse committed to fostering a highly skilled educational environment for Bachelor of Nursing, Masters of Nursing, Return to Practice and Diploma of Nursing students. She has served as a Nurse Lecturer for both Bachelor of Nursing and Diploma of Nursing programs within the Higher Education industry. With a rich background in healthcare and education, Renee plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational experiences and clinical placements of aspiring nursing professionals.
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Ms Patrice Murray
Nursing Advisor
Health and Community Services Directorate

ACT's small but mighty Nurse Practitioner legislative reforms

11:35 AM - 11:45 AM

Biography

Patrice has worked across operational and government contexts, with over 15 years of knowledge and experience. Patrice understands the complexities of healthcare systems and strategic policy where she applies this to her role as an Assistant Director of Nursing, Nursing Advisor, Office of the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Health and Community Services Directorate, ACT Government. Patrice’s career journey highlights her commitment to advocating and driving strategic initiatives and advice to government on health policy and reform to shape nursing in the ACT. Her work is instrumental in advancing scope of practice reforms, particularly in the work around jurisdictional legislative barriers impacting Nurse Practitioners to work to their full scope of practice in the ACT. Patrice is passionate about a future where there is a more responsive, empowered, and sustainable health workforce.

Session chair

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Cathy Andrew
Executive Dean
University of Canterbury

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