Bachelor of Nursing Maori – Fills a Niche Market.
In July 2009 Whitireia Community Polytechnic will become one of only two educational institutes to offer a Bachelor of
Nursing (Māori). Whitireia is already a leading provider of undergraduate and postgraduate health programmes, including
a Bachelor of Nursing (mainstream) and a Bachelor of Nursing (Pacific).
The original nursing programmes were developed in response to community need and it is clear from the amount of
graduates that success in these programmes has grown quickly over the years. The allocated places in nursing training
fill quickly. Employers choose Whitireia nursing graduates because they are well grounded, ready to work, approachable
and hard working.
Recognition of the demand for a specific programme of this nature has more recently been acknowledged with the
development of government strategies and policies that are attempting to improve the currently low status of Māori
health.
The aim of this programme is to ensure the provision of a qualification that prepares graduates to address the health
needs of Māori. The programme acknowledges the distinct skill-set required by Māori nurses and this is reflected in the
curriculum design and the teaching, learning and support environment. Having graduates able to work with equal
competence in both worlds will make a significant contribution to not only Māori health but also New Zealand’s health
systems.
“We support and develop excellence in our programmes” says Whitireia Chief Executive Don Campbell. “Our health
programmes have an exemplary record of delivering work ready, in-demand graduates. From humble beginnings we have forged
the best nursing degrees in the country.”
The Bachelor of Nursing (Māori) will begin in July 2009 and is a three year Degree. With a brand new multi-million
dollar Health Facility, students will learn from the best and gain a top-notch qualification, in a word-class facility.
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