Tainui – Ngāti Maru / Tamavua (Sakoca), Fiji

Ka nui te mihi ki a koutou. Ko Katie tōku ingoa.

I whakapapa to Ngāi Te Rangi in Tauranga Moana and Clann MacGilleEathain (Clan McLean) in the Scottish highlands.

I completed my BA and BA(Hons I) in Biological Anthropology at Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland. I previously worked at Waipapa Taumata Rau as the Lead Tutor for Māori Health and a Mentor for the Tuākana program, helping Māori and Pasifika tauira reach their potential and succeed in tertiary study.

I am passionate about facilitating Māori and Pasifika success in tertiary education – particularly in the health arena. Increasing the number of Māori and Pasifika in the health workforce is integral to remedying the differential health outcomes for our MPI communities across Aotearoa.

Mauri ora ki a tātou katoa; nō Te Puku o Te Ika a Māui Tikitiki a Taranga ahau, ko Mikaere tōku ingoa.

I am the new Te Ara Oranga Health Workforce Hauora Navigator, with a passion for supporting our people through their studies and into meaningful mahi. Taonga pūoro (traditional Māori musical instruments) are a particular love of mine, especially their use in a wider health context, both traditionally and currently. I’m excited to get started in this space, share what I know and learn a lot along the way.

Look for the tall guy wearing a taonga or two, and you’ll be sure to find me!

Kia Ora! I’m Ngahuia, no Hauraki ahau ingari ko Tamaki Makaurau toku kainga. I’m thrilled to introduce myself as Te Ara Oranga’s Health Workforce Assistant.

It’s not my first time being here, I’ve also studied business administration at MIT! Growing up immersed in my culture, I’ve always been passionate about helping and getting involved with Maori and Pasifika communities, especially with the youth as they are our future. To me, education is an important journey everyone should have the opportunity to go through.

I am an administrative assistant here to provide support to my team and ensure our ākonga receive the assistance they need to succeed.

Malo e lelei

I have dedicated myself to MIT for 8 years as a Senior Student Advisor, and have now transitioned smoothly into my new role as Te Ara Oranga Health Workforce Transition Coordinator.

I am excited to be a part of the TAO team and have a passion to work closely with our students. The experience and knowledge I bring has blessed me with the confidence to participate in any situation that our students face, which will hopefully add value to their academic endeavours.

Let’s go!!

Kia ora and Si oto ofa!

I’m Sione Finaulahi and I have the privilege of being one of your Te Ara Oranga Health Workforce Academic Mentors. My villages in Tonga are Longolongo, Kolomotu’a and Lomaiviti and Lau in Fiji.

I studied a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Ancient History and Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland. I have a passion for the ancient world and Pacific history and hope that in the future I can help to work in bridging the gap between these two fields in Academia.

During my studies I have also been fortunate enough to be part of the Tuakana Teaching Team which opened my eyes to the chasms of inequity that can be present.

I’m excited to be part of the team here and hope my presence lends to the success of students and staff alike.

Kia ora! Ko Jude tōku ingoa.

I am originally from Nigeria and have a background in microbiology and public health.

Before joining Manukau Institute of Technology, I worked in academic and student mentoring roles supporting learners from diverse backgrounds to reach their academic and personal goals.

I am passionate about creating a learning environment where Māori and Pasifika ākonga feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

I believe that strengthening pathways into the health workforce is key to achieving equitable health outcomes and uplifting our communities across Aotearoa.