Next Ma¯ ori health scholarships open

Second round of applications for secondary students

The second tranche of applications for MidCentral DHB’s Ma¯ ori Scholarship programme opens on June 1. The scholarship programme includes two intakes each year.

Scholarships are available for secondary school students preparing to attend tertiary education, or those currently undertaking an undergraduate and post-graduate course.

The scholarships aim is to support increased Ma¯ori representation among MidCentral Health’s workforce including primary, community, hospital and specialist services by reducing the financial barrier to studying for Ma¯ori students. The scholarship offers partial funding covering study fees for those in tertiary education.

The scholarship programme is one of several programmes of work introduced to increase the number of kaimahi Ma¯ ori coming into the MidCentral Health workforce.

MidCentral DHB Ma¯ori Health general manager

Tracee Te Huia said it’s important the DHB is capable of delivering engaging and culturally safe services to Ma¯ori to ensure greater outcomes for Ma¯ori. She believes the scholarships will go a long way to supporting Ma¯ori students aspiring to work in health — community or hospital.

“The Ma¯ori workforce has increased to just over 10 per cent of the total staff within the DHB over the past six months. We aspire to reach a workforce that reflects our community population percentage, which is around 20 per cent. We are also considering how we partner to grow the Ma¯ori workforce for Iwi and community”.

“The scholarship is available to Ma¯ori who are currently secondary school students preparing to attend tertiary education, or those currently undertaking an undergraduate and postgraduate course. We’re not just making way for new graduates; we need leaders and managers in the sector as well.”

Since the first tranche,

MidCentral DHB has partnered with the Ma¯ori Education Trust and Pu¯horo STEMM Academy to increase accessibility to health careers for Ma¯ori. Successful applicants not only receive the financial scholarship but will also be supported throughout their studies. Recipients can attend regular hui where they can meet, ko¯rero and network.

“If we are serious about improving Ma¯ori health we need more qualified Ma¯ori in every part of the sector. We need those who are well connected into our communities and are able to engage effectively to deliver quality services. Having a strong workforce development plan that drives for a flourishing and competent Ma¯ori workforce will ensure our future is in good hands.”

Applications open on June 1 until July 13. To find out more, head to Pae Ora Paiaka Whaiora Hauora Ma¯ori Scholarships (midcentraldhb.govt. nz)