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Nancy Kinross
Senior Lecturer, from 1975.
Reader (Associate Professor) and Head of Department of Nursing Studies, from 1982.
Professor, from 1985.QualificationsNursing Diploma, Christchurch School of Nursing, 1950s.
BA, Canterbury University College, 1959.
MSc, University of California, Berkely, 1960s.
PhD, Massey University, 1981.About
Professor Emeritus Nancy (Nan) Joan Kinross was a trailblazer in New Zealand nursing, whose influence shaped the evolution of nursing education and practice, and later extended into wide-ranging contributions to community health and disability support.
Born in 1926, Kinross began her tertiary journey in medical school in 1946, but soon chose to pursue nursing, enrolling at the Christchurch School of Nursing. Valuing innovation and lateral thinking, she graduated top of the dominion in the national nursing exams, receiving the Nightingale Medal for her year.
In 1953, driven by a desire to deepen her theoretical and practical knowledge, she began university study in English, education and philosophy. She completed a Bachelor of Arts at Canterbury University in 1959, followed by a Fulbright Scholarship to the University of California, San Francisco, where she earned a Master of Science in Nursing.
Returning to Aotearoa New Zealand, Kinross served as supervising matron at Southland Hospital, overseeing a large network of rural hospitals and district nursing services, including Stewart Island. Her leadership and vision were soon recognised nationally. In 1963, alongside three colleagues, she co-authored the curriculum for the Postgraduate School of Nursing in Wellington in just ten days. In 1967, she was appointed Assistant Director of the Division of Nursing in the Department of Health, serving until 1973.
In 1974, Kinross, together with Norma Chick, introduced the first university-level nursing courses at Massey University. The programme was revolutionary - centred on research, theory and client- and whānau-focused practice - and laid the groundwork for nurse practitioner roles in New Zealand. It marked a key shift from hospital-based to tertiary education for nurses.
Kinross completed her PhD at Massey in 1981 and, in 1985, became the university’s inaugural Professor of Nursing - One of the first three women to be appointed to a Chair at Massey University. Two years later, she transitioned to the Department of Management Systems to teach the Diploma in Health Administration, mentoring a generation of health professionals and leaders.
After her retirement in 1991, Kinross remained deeply committed to public service. In 1992, she co-founded the Palmerston North-based MASH Trust, which began with two staff and has grown to support over 1700 disabled people, employing more than 500 across the lower North Island. She served the Trust as board member, chair, and later patron.
A tireless advocate, she also chaired the Ethics Committee of the Health Research Council, contributed to national women’s health policy development, and was a Fellow and long-time Censor of the College of Nurses Aotearoa (NZ) from its inception in 1992 until 2021.
Professor Kinross is remembered not only for her formidable intellect and pioneering leadership in nursing education, but also for her service to community health, her dedication to equity and access, and her personal warmth. She was known for her direct communication, resilience, and generous hospitality - often welcoming friends and students into her home, garden, and life.
She left an indelible legacy in nursing, health education, and community service in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her work laid the foundation for generations of nurses and healthcare professionals to come.
Published itemsShe was a prolific author of journal articles.Some monographs include:
- Kinross, Nancy J., "A nurse in an urban community : a process study" (Palmerston North, New Zealand: Department of Nursing Studies, Massey University, 1987).
- Thomson, Murna, Nancy Kinross and Norma Chick; with Maureen Corry, Jan Dowland, "People in hospital: a surgical ward" (Palmerston North, New Zealand: Nursing Studies Unit, Massey University, 1977).
- Kinross, Nancy J. and I.A. Joblin; with D. Garrett, C. Hamilton and A. Williams, "Ward sister interaction in a public hospital: a field study" (Palmerston North, New Zealand: Department of University Extension, Massey University, 1974).Awards and honoursFulbright Scholarship, 1960s.
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), 1993.
Lifetime Achievement Award, MidCentral Health, 2005.
Civic Honours Award, 2018.Sources
"Kinross, Dr Professor Nancy". Nursing ChampioNZ. 25 August, 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
"Nan Kinross: Trailblazer and disruptor". Kaitiaki Nursing New Zealand. 1 June 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
Janine Rankin, "Nursing pioneer and community champion Nan Kinross remembered". Stuff. 5 June 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
"UCOL names Council Honours recipients". UCOL. 1 March 2019. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
"Civic awards citation for Professor Emeritus Nancy (Nan) Joan Kinross CBE" Palmerston North City Council. 30 October 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
Nancy J. Kinross, "A study of individual and organizational variables in relation to charge nurse behaviour". 1981. Theses and Dissertations. Massey Research Online. Massey University Library. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
"Trailblazing women at Massey". Exhibitions. Tāmiro. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
ContributorMassey University Archives
