COINN 2019 - 10th Council of International Neonatal Nurses Conference

COINN 2019, New Zealand offers an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the contribution of families in the care of preterm and sick babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units globally, in a range of cultural contexts.
Around the world, the family unit is fundamental to the successful recovery of NICU babies, providing growth, strength, resilience and unity. In New Zealand, the original inhabitants of the land and indigenous people are called ‘Maori.’
In Maori culture, Mokopuna (descendants) are embraced within Whanau (family), Hapu (extended family) and Iwi (society).
According to Maori lore, Harakeke, a flax bush commonly used for weaving represents the concept of interdependency and unity of the Maori family and society. This is called Te Pa Harakeke. Te Pa Harakeke helps us understand the important links between family members and new-borns.
In Maori culture, Whanau (family) are a part of an interconnected world of tribe and a sub tribe of the living and the dead. Although Whanau members may live far apart or even overseas, their ties remain strong.
Te Pa Harakeke reminds us that all members of the family must take on the care of our babies, so they grow strong; Parents, Grandparents, Brothers & Sisters and Hapu (extended family).