Scholarships to support Pacific health students with tertiary study and support for Pacific trained nurses were initiatives announced last week by the Associate Minister for Health Barbara Edmonds as part of the investment into the Pacific Health workforce.
Minister Edmonds says growing and developing the Pacific health workforce is key to improving Pacific health outcomes in Aotearoa.
“Through the Health Workforce plan released this week, we’re laying the foundation for creating training opportunities, new pathways and providing additional support for Pacific peoples.
“We need to support a health workforce that reflects our diverse communities. Having more of our Pacific community in the health sector will improve our ability to address barriers to care, build stronger relationships with services and improve outcomes for our families.”
$1.5 million will go towards Pacific students through the annual Te Whatu Ora Pacific Health Scholarship programme. 220 tertiary scholarships have been awarded to students studying health and disability-related courses including medicine, dentistry, nursing, midwifery, and allied health. The scholarship funds contribute directly to students’ tuition fees.
The Government is also funding 35 students to undertake a new Graduate Diploma programme in Pacific Nursing at Te Pūkenga, Whitireia. The tertiary course offers an alternative pathway for nurses trained in the Pacific to apply for New Zealand nursing registration and practising certificate so they can
work in Aotearoa. Student’s fees and course-related costs will be covered for the duration of the programme.
Minister Edmonds says, “we know much of the work lies ahead of us. However, through the Health Workforce plan and our targeted initiatives, we’re providing an opportunity for change that will benefit future generations of Pacific peoples.”
