Nursing informatics in new zealand: from history to strategy

As technological advances saw computers become more common, nurses in New Zealand were inspired to look for ways to harness the use of computers and other technologies to aid patient care and their practice. This paper traces the history of the development of nursing informatics in New Zealand from the earliest days in the 1980s through to the present, when nurses have leadership roles in informatics and are represented at the highest levels in national decision making, thereby influencing the development of national strategies. Nurses have developed a strong informatics profile through working collaboratively with other organizations, yet ensuring that the interests of nurses are maintained. In addition, the support from international nursing informatics pioneers and New Zealand nurses contribution to the international nursing informatics community is highlighted.