30 years of responding to the need for mental health and addiction nursing at Whitireia and WelTec

Whitireia and WelTec are celebrating a 30-year milestone for their New Entry to Specialist Practice: mental health and addiction nursing programme (NESP). The one-year programme combines theory, supported clinical experience, clinical preceptorship and supervision and has been a hugely influential part in supporting communities all the way from Hawkes Bay to Nelson and everywhere in between.

Over the last three decades NESP has grown exponentially. This no doubt is due to the increasing understanding of mental health and the complex clinical expertise that is required to support the needs of the individuals, as well as their whānau and wider community.

Carmel Haggerty, Head of School for Health and Wellbeing at Whitireia and WelTec, has been involved with the programme since its inception in 1995. "Over the time that I have been involved, NESP has seen many changes with the programme including having it going from a Graduate Diploma to a Postgraduate Certificate, growing from its initial medical model of delivery to a more nursing focused, context-based learning programme," says Carmel Haggerty.

The programme’s flexible, distance-learning structure allows ākonga to work full-time while studying, with regular block courses on campus to consolidate learning and foster connection. This approach has enabled graduates to step into a wide variety of roles, making a tangible difference across the sector.

Waimarama Durie (Ngāti Kauwhata, Rangitāne, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Raukawa), a 2018 NESP graduate, is a leading example of the varied and impactful careers enabled by the programme. Waimarama’s journey has included roles such as Clinical Nurse Specialist at Mt Eden Corrections Facility, Improving Mental Health Practitioner at Rimutaka Prison, Māori Nurse Educator at Te Rau Ora leading the Huarahi Whakatū PDRP and Āporei (Principal Advisor) at Te Whatu Ora. She credits NESP for equipping her with the skills and confidence to make a real difference, connecting her with like-minded peers, and broadening her approach to holistic, Kaupapa Māori-informed care.

"One of the most beneficial aspects was working in the field while studying, bringing real-world experiences back to the classroom to learn and grow with peers and teachers," says Waimarama Durie. "The programme broadened my perspective and encouraged me to seek holistic approaches and integrate Kaupapa Māori into my practice."

The programme’s success is a testament to its ongoing responsiveness. Course leaders and tutors are constantly reviewing and updating course content to reflect the latest best practices, Ministry guidelines, and community feedback. A strong emphasis is also placed on the wellbeing of ākonga, who often juggle study commitments while working in challenging environments. This support ensures graduates are not only clinically skilled, but also resilient, culturally competent, and ready to meet the evolving needs of the people they serve.

Catherine Fuller, Principal Academic Staff Member at Whitireia and WelTec, says "there will always be a need for nurses working in clinical areas, but really the opportunities that come out of this course are as diverse as the workforce at the time and the skills involved are transferable to all industries."

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