New Tapuhi Kaitiaki awards support the development of Māori nurses

PHARMAC and Te Pōari o Te Rūnanga o Āotearoa and their Tiriti partner Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Āotearoa (NZNO) are pleased to announce the inaugural recipients of the Tapuhi Katiaki Awards.
 
The Tapuhi Kaitiaki Awards, held at the Indigenous Nurses conference on 11 August 2018, acknowledge the huge value that Māori nurses add to the health professional workforce. The awards recognise Māori nurses who are furthering their studies, clinical practice and professional development while continuing to support the wellbeing of whānau, hapū and iwi.
 
“Māori nurses play a unique role in the health sector in that they are both clinically and culturally competent health professionals,” says Kerri Nuku, Kaiwhakahaere, Te Rūnanga o Aotearoa, NZNO.
 
Alison Hill, Director of Engagement and Implementation at PHARMAC, says that one of PHARMAC’s goals is to eliminate inequities in access to medicines by 2025, and improving Māori health outcomes is a key area of focus.
 
“Māori health professionals have a pivotal role in helping Māori understand and access the medicines they need,” says Ms Hill.
 
“We were really pleased with the quality of the applications, which painted a vivid picture of the deep understanding and strong commitment these nurses have to serving their communities through their profession.
 
“I was impressed to see how much these nurses fit into their daily lives, juggling their studies, tamariki, home and professional lives.
 
“We’ve enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Te Rūnanga, and we want to continue to support the development of Māori nurses.
 
“I was honoured to present the awards to the nine recipients and to learn more about the journey each of them is on. They have each demonstrated strong connections and dedication to their whakapapa and community, while continuing to strive towards excellence in their studies or professional practice.”
 
Recipients of the 2018 Tapuhi Kaitiaki awards each received $2000 to $2500.