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The National Student Unit (NSU) is unique, and exists to serve the interests of all student members of NZNO. It is the only nursing student representative group in Aotearoa New Zealand, and is the major political voice for nursing students today.
The National Student Committee aims to be made up of:
- 2 student representatives from each school of nursing in Aotearoa New Zealand
- 1 Māori tauira (Te Runanga Tauira, TRT)
- 1 other student.
Student representatives on the National Student Committeemust be enrolled in an undergraduate nursing/midwifery course, or a programme leading to an initial New Zealand nursing/midwifery registration. Qualifiying courses include Enrolled Nursing.
Te Runanga Tauira (TRT) contribute a Māori student nursing perspective to the NSU Committee. This helps the National Student Committee to uphold the kaupapa and objectives of Te Rūnanga O Aotearoa, NZNO.
National Student Unit representatives link into wider NZNO structures in two ways:
- Local Organising Groups and Ngā Hapū
- Te Runanga Tauira Chair and Vice Chair represent the voice of Tauira through positions on Te Poari.
To learn more about how the National Student Committee works please see:
FREE NZNO membership for full-time students
Nursing students who can enjoy free NZNO Membership include:
- Graduate Entry Nursing Programmes leading to nursing registration
- Full-time students in the BN, midwifery or enrolled nurse programmes.
Advanced Choice of Employment (ACE)
ACE is the online application process for all NZ Nursing Graduates to apply for:
- Supported First Year of Practice (SFYP)
- Nurse Entry to Specialist Practice (NESP – Mental Health and Addiction Nursing) graduate programmes nationwide.
- Enrolled Nurse Supported into Practice Programme (ENSIPP)
If you have any queries about these programmes and/or the ACE application process, please contact your NZNO NSU Rep at your School of Nursing. Alternatively, call NZNO on 0800 28 38 48 to talk with your Professional Nursing Adviser.
For help and more information from ACE see:
National Nursing Student Survey
The 2025 survey covered six areas of interest and concern selected by the NSU Committee which were:
- Demographics
- Finances
- Clinical placement and education
- Cultural safety and support
- Future employment
- Health and wellbeing.
Previous survey results
Update for NZNO student members: The Voluntary Student Membership Act and how it will affect you
Whakaora i a tātau mahi!
Why is it important to retain your membership of your student association?
The Voluntary Student Membership Act (officially known as the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Act 2011) was passed by Parliament in 2011.
It had important implications for students and the support they could expect to get from students associations in future.
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