Media Release
From: Multicultural New Zealand (MNZ) 
15 October 2024

Media Release: Multicultural New Zealand Supports Minister Reti on Waikato 
Hospital Language Policy

Pancha Narayanan, President of the Multicultural New Zealand, welcomes Health 
Minister Shane Reti’s stance on the use of non-English languages in Waikato Hospital. 
Multicultural New Zealand supports Minister Reti’s stand that nurses speaking in 
multiple languages can enhance patient care, particularly in New Zealand’s multicultural 
society. 

Pancha Narayanan praised the Minister's acknowledgment of diversity and 
inclusiveness, noting that "linguistic diversity is a strength, not a barrier." He added, “We 
recognise the importance of patient safety and clear communication but believe that 
cultural competency, including the ability to converse in various languages, plays an 
essential role in healthcare. Multilingual staff not only ease communication but also 
provide comfort and build trust with patients from diverse backgrounds.” 

The Multicultural New Zealand offers its assistance to Waikato Hospital's management to 
support effective cultural communication strategies. "We are committed to helping 
enhance their understanding of the significance of language and cultural awareness in 
healthcare delivery. By collaborating, we can help develop policies that ensure patient 
safety without compromising inclusivity,” Pancha Narayanan said. 

Pancha Narayanan further stressed that New Zealand's official languages, Te Reo Māori 
and New Zealand Sign Language, should also be embraced in clinical settings. "We 
advocate for an approach that acknowledges New Zealand's multiculturalism and 
multilingualism while ensuring clinical safety. Our community is ready to assist with 
cultural training and support to foster an inclusive environment for both staff and 
patients."