Graduates push the boundaries of learning in the name of health equity
A contingent of nine amazing wāhine from Tui Ora were proud to be officially awarded their tohu on Friday after months of dedicated study. Kara Makiri, Justina Anderson, Madison Schiamanski, Dineka Young, and Tamara Rangi completed their Level 5 Diploma in Whānau Ora, while Te Waipounamu Patu, Carmen O'Carroll, Leanne Matuku, and Zanita Taylor came away with a Level 6 qualification in Māori Public Health after the ceremony in Tāmaki Makaurau. Ngareo Akariri also graduated with Level 6 but was unable to attend the ceremony.
The qualification gives graduates the tools and understanding to lead, promote, and enhance the continued development of Māori Public Health initiatives which aim to reduce Māori health inequities.
“We all feel very strongly about continuing to fill our kete in our learning, understanding and ability to progress Māori health outcomes for the whānau and communities we care for," says Leanne, Whānau Ora Programme
Lead at Tui Ora.
"The course has been designed through a te ao Māori lens, which means it aligns with our tikanga as Māori, and our mahi with our people," adds Zanita, Kaitiaki Pae Ora/Whānau Ora. "It would be a very different experience
doing a similar mainstream line of study."
The graduation ceremony was a moving and uplifting experience, with haka and waiata being performed to tautoko each cohort as they took to the stage in their robes to formally receive their diplomas.
And for many of the group, they have no intention of stopping in their study journey yet – although the course providers need to catch up with them!
"We are the first group to have completed the Level 6 qualification and so our next step is a degree – but they haven't developed the course yet," says Leanne. "We are just waiting on the email to say we can enrol and we will be away again. "