Scholarships support more Māori into health careers
2018 Dame Te Ātairangikaahu Nursing Scholarship recipients (left to right) Te Rina Joseph, Rihipeti Te Atatu Magner, Courtney Kahura and Christina Poihaere Whare.
Four Wintec students have been awarded Dame Te Ātairangikaahu Nursing Scholarships, to assist their journey towards a successful nursing or midwifery career.
Now in its 11th year, the scholarship aims to encourage more Māori into health whilst also recognising Dame Te Ātairangikaahu’s great leadership and care for the welfare of her people.
This year’s recipients are Te Rina Joseph, Christina Poihaere Whare, Courtney Kahura and Rihipeti Te Atatu Magner.
“These four Māori wahine are all outstanding academically and destined to become leaders in their chosen field of nursing or midwifery,” says Wintec director Māori, Hera White.
“We are proud to support more Māori into a career in health and wish them all the best for their remaining studies and their future careers.”
Te Rina Joseph is a second year Bachelor of Midwifery student who, prior to studying, worked for seven years at Tamariki Ora as a kaiāwhina and childbirth educator where she facilitated kaupapa Māori antenatal programmes, incorporating traditional Māori birthing techniques. She is also a proud Mum to her three sons.
“Dame Te Ātairangikaahu was a role model to many, including myself, wanting nothing but the best for Māori. It is an honour to receive a scholarship in her name and have it support my midwifery journey,” says Te Rina who is of Waikato-Tainui descent.
Fellow recipient, Christine Poihaere Whare is studying Wintec’s 18-month Diploma of Enrolled Nursing course. She decided to study nursing later in life after looking after a family member with cancer. With four sons, Christine also wanted to show her family that it’s never too late to study.
“This scholarship means the world to me and my family. It makes me more determined to get this tohu not only for my whānau but also my people. The financial support helps me worry less and lets me focus on my studies,” says Christine who is of Ngāti Wairere descent.
Also receiving scholarships are third year Bachelor of Midwifery student Courtney Kahura who is of Ngāti Hauā descent and Rihipeti Te Atatu Magner, a second year Bachelor of Nursing student of Ngāti Maniapoto descent.
Each scholarship recipient receives up to $6,000 towards the cost of their tuition for up to three years. This year the scholarships are funded by Wintec and the Kōhanga Reo National Trust.
Find out more about scholarship opportunities at Wintec.
Find out more about Māori and Pasifika at Wintec.
