Programme addresses shortage of Maori nurses

28 February 2007

Collaborative training programme addresses shortage of Maori nurses in Counties Manukau

Manukau Institute of Technology is addressing the need for more Maori primary health care nurses in the Counties Manukau region in a new collaborative training programme.

The institute has been selected as the training provider in an initiative led by Te Kupenga O Hoturoa, the Maori primary health organisation for Counties Manukau.

The Pu Ora Matatini programme aims to train at least 100 Maori nurses over the next decade to work in primary health care within the region, and is the result of collaboration between Te Kupenga O Hoturoa, MIT, the Ministry of Social Development and Work and Income.

The first intake of 23 students started their studies at MIT this month and will complete a one-year pre-degree course at MIT’s School of Foundation Studies before commencing the three-year Bachelor of Nursing degree at the institute’s Department of Nursing and Health Studies.

According to head of MIT’s Department of Nursing and Health Studies, Debbie Penlington, the programme addresses the need for Maori nurses in Counties Manukau.

“The number of Maori nurses is very low in proportion to the total Maori population in this region. This initiative will help address the need for Maori registered nurses in Counties Manukau.”

Maori nurse leader at Te Kupenga O Hoturoa, Dolly Rewha agrees: “Maori make up 20% of the population in Counties Manukau, but only 5% of the total workforce of registered nurses across the whole of New Zealand. These statistics show how low the proportion of Maori nurses is to the total Maori population in this region.”

Capable and competent Maori registered nurses are essential to providing culturally safe and appropriate care to Maori and their whanau – particularly those who access primary health care, says Dolly. “The provision of such care impacts on the improvement of wellbeing for Maori in the region.”

The programme also aims to provide employment opportunities in public health, while tuition fees are covered by the Ministry of Social Development, which also provides support services to the students during their studies, along with Te Kupenga O Hoturoa.

ENDS

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