The first graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing Māori Matariki cohort were celebrated at Waiwhetū Marae today, marking an important milestone for Māori nursing education and hauora in Aotearoa.
Initiated by Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa as a study and work model, and delivered through Whitireia and WelTec, the Matariki cohort was created to increase Māori representation in the health workforce and improve outcomes for whānau and communities. The inaugural cohort completed their studies through marae-based wānanga, learning grounded in Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Tapuhi, while staying connected to their whānau and community.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating cohort, Rongomai Luke-Royal reflected on the importance of increasing Māori representation in healthcare and the role the Bachelor of Nursing Māori Matariki cohort has played in creating that pathway.
"Māori are often overrepresented as patients in our hospitals yet underrepresented among the clinicians caring for them. We need more Māori nurses not only caring for our people but helping lead and shape healthcare so we can improve outcomes for whānau."
Rongomai said the programme enabled ākonga from a wide range of backgrounds to pursue nursing while balancing work, whānau and other commitments in a supportive kaupapa Māori environment. "Many of us came into this programme as parents, grandparents, partners and workers. We all had different responsibilities, but we shared the same goal of becoming nurses, and the Bachelor of Nursing Māori Matariki cohort made that possible."
For many graduates, reaching the finish line represents more than a personal achievement. Rongomai strongly believes that "this degree doesn't just change our lives. It changes the future of our whānau and what our children and mokopuna will believe is possible. We leave not only with a qualification, but with the opportunity to serve our communities and make a difference."
Whitireia and WelTec Operations Lead Dr Leanne Ivil said seeing the graduates celebrate their achievement today was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when nursing education is shaped around the strengths and aspirations of Māori learners.
"The Bachelor of Nursing Māori Matariki cohort is about far more than gaining a qualification. It's about creating pathways for Māori to succeed as Māori and preparing nurses who will make a lasting difference for whānau and communities."
Pictured: 2026 Bachelor of Nursing Matariki Cohort Graduates with Miri Luke, Wirangi Luke, Dr Leanne Ivil and Jeanette Grace (front row L-R).
