Some truly exceptional nurses and tauira have been recognised over the past seven years through these awards, and this year will be no different.
The Tapuhi Kaitiaki Awards are offered in two categories, each with a prize pool of $10,000.
The first category for nurse practitioner/nurse prescriber recognises Māori nurses who are on a professional development journey to advance their clinical practice and expertise. The second category, Māori nurse mātauranga, supports nurses and tauira to further their study and or develop an innovative way to help whānau, hapū and iwi to access and understand their medicines.
“We need a health system that supports services run by Māori for Māori in order to improve the health of our whānau, hapū and iwi. These awards are a crucial way to tautoko that aspiration, especially for our nurses who are studying to be nurse prescribers and nurse practitioners so they can serve their people where their medical access is limited,” NZNO kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku said.
“Māori nurses are not only dedicated professionals but great innovators. These awards provide a wonderful opportunity to showcase their day-to-day mahi for the betterment of their people, hei oranga motuhake mo ngā whānau, me ngā hapū, me ngā iwi katoa.”
She said the awards are a great example of how PHARMAC is working across the health system to strengthen relationships with Māori health professional groups and uphold the articles of Te Tiriti across all its work.
“We are honoured to be part of this initiative to celebrate and support the incredible contributions and aspirations of Māori in the health sector.”
Applications close on July 15. To apply click here