Nursing Professional Development Recognition Programme

Nadine Gray, National Chief Nurse. Health New Zealand

Professional development and the recognition of nurses are essential pillars of a strong, responsive, and compassionate healthcare system. Nurses committed to lifelong learning and professional growth ensures the delivery of safe, evidence-based, person and whānau centred care in an evolving healthcare landscape.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, nursing practice is grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, upholding our commitment to health equity, cultural safety, diversity and inclusion, and the advancement of Māori health and wellbeing.

Investing in the professional development of our nurses empowers them to expand their knowledge, refine their skills, and respond effectively to the diverse needs of our communities. Continuous education, mentorship, and leadership opportunities enable nurses to grow in confidence and capability while contributing to improved health outcomes for all New Zealanders, particularly our most vulnerable populations.

Equally important is the recognition of nurses’ contributions. Acknowledging their expertise fosters a culture of respect, belonging, and excellence. Meaningful recognition honours not only individual achievement but also collective responsibility, partnership, and service to whānau, hāpori, hapū, and iwi.

The refreshed PDRP, affirms a shared commitment to professional growth, health equity, and excellence in nursing practice. By recognising the invaluable contributions of nurses, we strengthen the profession and support a future where nurses are culturally responsive, empowered to innovate and transform healthcare delivery, and valued for the vital role they play in the New Zealand health care system.

PDRP has been simplified and aligned to the new Nursing Council of New Zealand Standards of Competence.  The PDRP Handbook contains the most up‑to‑date information and everything you need to know about preparing your portfolio.

Nurses who identify as Māori and are seeking recognition of dual competency may choose to enrol in Huarahi whakatū.

Huarahi Whakatū is a PDRP designed by, with, and for Māori registered nurses. It recognises the philosophy of dual competency, integrating both clinical competence drawn from Nursing Council standards, and cultural competence grounded in Te Ao Māori. 

Delivered through a kaupapa Māori framework, the programme affirms Māori nurses’ practice, identity, and pūrākau (narrative), and is supported by Māori clinical and cultural governance.

Health NZ encourages Māori nurses to engage with Huarahi Whakatū as a recognised and culturally grounded pathway that acknowledges cultural identity, and supports clinical excellence, and professional growth.

Huarahi Whakatū, Aotearoa’s only dual-competence Indigenous PDRP. Designed by Māori, with Māori, and for Māori nurses, Huarahi Whakatū recognises that cultural and clinical excellence are essential to safe, effective nursing practice.

Find out more:

• Visit the Te Rau Ora website: Te Rau Ora - Huarahi Whakatū PDRP (external link)
• Email: HuarahiWhakatu@terauora.com 

This section provides access to templates to complete a paper-based portfolio, and links to ePortfolio.

Paper-Based Porfolio

Applicants must complete all four templates and send them to the local PDRP Co-ordinator. Check with your local coordinator for submission instructions.

Supporting Documents

These documents contain further information to support you to complete your portfolio.

ePortfolio access

How to access and submit your PDRP

1. Log in to Ko Awatea LEARN or healthLearn
   Ko Awatea LEARN (external link)
   healthLearn (external link)
2. Use Find Learning to search for PDRP
3. Click the ePortfolio link to access your district’s ePortfolio site

Detailed instructions for completing and submitting your application are available within:

• ePortfolio sites
• Template pages
• PDRP course pages

If you have any questions, please contact your local PDRP using the link provided on in the PDRP contacts.