Marae visit for new doctors
Six junior doctors were immersed in Ma¯ori culture on Monday at the Arowhenua Marae to help inform their practice.
It is the third year the South Canterbury District Health Board and Te Ru¯ nanga o Arowhenua have collaborated to introduce the doctors fresh out of university to the Ma¯ori community and its culture.
They were welcomed to the marae with a po¯whiri (welcoming ceremony), and waiata (song), kairanga (ceremonial caller), whaiko¯rero (speech), and whakawhanaungatanga (establish relationships) as well as enjoyed some kai (food) provided by their hosts.
SCDHB director of Ma¯ori health Joseph Tyro (Nga¯i Tahu, Te A¯ ti Haunui-a-Pa¯pa¯rangi, Nga¯ti Rangi) said their welcome onto the marae and their overnight stay also helped them to understand the history of the area.
He said it was important for the doctors to learn about Ma¯ori health which had been integrated into the tertiary providers’ curriculum over the past 10 years.
‘‘When doctors have a good understanding of Ma¯ori health they provide better quality engagement and service and good quality healthcare.’’
It was important to grow and nurture relationships with the SCDHB and the community, Tyro said.
One of the junior doctors, former Craighead Diocesan School student Emily Copland, said while it was a bit like coming home for her, she had never been on Arowhenua Marae before despite growing up in Timaru.
‘‘I’m up for the challenge. It’s special as I was in Timaru from the age of about 9 and did not get the opportunity to come to the marae. I’m looking forward to the fully immersive experience.’’
She said Ma¯ori were overrepresented in poor health outcomes and she thought evidence-based practice would encourage more Ma¯ori and their whanau to access healthcare.
Eva Symes from Auckland thought it was ‘‘pretty special’’ to get an individual welcome.
SCDHB associate director of Ma¯ori health Kera Baker (Nga¯i Tahu, Kati Huirapa) said she was proud to be hosting the new doctors.
’’You can’t get any closer to people than through the marae.’’