In 2022-23, a total of 3230 students enrolled in registered nurse training but only 435 of them were Māori, and even less than that have graduated. Economic pressures are a leading factor in why so many Māori do not complete their nursing studies.
Beca was the 2024 recipient of the Māori Nurse Mātauranga Award, offered by PHARMAC in conjunction with Te Runanga o Aotearoa NZNO, which is open to Māori trainee nurses who wish to further their study in community focused activities and development or would like to develop an innovative way to assist whānau, hapū and iwi to access and understand their medicines.
“Receiving the Pātaka Whaioranga Tapuhi Kaitiaki Award meant the world to me and my whānau. It lifted a huge weight off our shoulders,” Beca said.
‘This tautoko gave me the push I needed to keep going. Without the constant financial pressure.’
“My partner and I no longer had to stress about putting kai on the table or how we were going to afford transport to placement. That relief brought so much peace to our home, and it reminded me of the strength that comes from awhi and manaakitanga.”
Beca hails from Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa and Rongomaiwahine.
She said the award allowed her to focus more on her studies without the worry of making ends meet.
“This tautoko gave me the push I needed to keep going. Without the constant financial pressure, I was able to fully focus on my studies and cross that finish line.
“It removed a barrier that so many of us face and gave me the space to thrive, not just survive.”
Today, Beca is working as a registered nurse with Hutt Union Health Centre.
“I’m proud to be here today as someone who can awhi our people with care that is grounded in our tikanga and wairua. This award helped me become someone my whānau and community can look to and be proud of.”
Beca said nursing had “transformed” her.
‘Our tūpuna didn’t walk before us for nothing – keep striving, keep rising, and remember who you are.’
“It has grown my confidence and shown me just how much strength and patience I carry within myself. It’s shaped me into a confident, capable wahine Māori who knows her worth and walks with purpose, knowing that every day I’m making a difference in people’s lives.”
Beca is also passionate about collective action.
“It’s made me want to be more involved, to stand alongside other Māori nurses and contribute to a collective future where our voices are strong and our presence is seen, heard, and felt in every corner of the health-care system.”
“My aspiration for Māori nurses is that we keep thriving. That we take up space in all areas of health and keep walking with mana. Our presence matters, and we have so much to give – not just as nurses but as Māori nurses.”
Her message for Māori nursing students was to back themselves.
“Back yourself. As Māori, we have so much potential within us – sometimes all it takes is one brave jump. Yes, there are barriers, but they can be broken. We are capable.
“Our tūpuna didn’t walk before us for nothing – keep striving, keep rising, and remember who you are.”