Maori students learn about a career in health

Senior Maori students from Northland secondary schools will visit Whangarei Hospital on Monday, 14 July, to learn about the wide range of careers available in the health sector.

Eighteen Year 13 students from eight schools, selected because they have an interest in health, will tour the hospital and hear from inspirational speakers.

The visit is part of the Whakapiki Ake COACH (Career Options After Certificate in Health Sciences) programme, a joint initiative between Northland District Health Board, the Ministry of Health, the University of Auckland and schools, now in its fifth year. The programme aims to encourage young Maori in to health-related careers, increasing Maori participation in the sector.

Speakers will include medical students currently taking part in the Pūkawakawa (Northland Regional-Rural Medical) programme. Under this programme, senior medical students from the University of Auckland spend a year living and working in Northland, developing an understanding of the health needs of rural districts.

Also speaking is Serena-Mei Wihongi, who took part in the Whakapiki Ake scheme in 2006 and is now studying for a Bachelor of Health Science in medical imaging. Serena-Mei, from Mangakahia, aims to qualify as a radiographer in 2010 and is doing her clinical training at Whangarei Hospital.

The students will also visit wards and departments in the hospital - including the Intensive Care Unit, imaging department, dental services, health promotion and physiotherapy department - where they will meet staff who will speak to them about the career opportunities available within the health service.

Students from the following schools will be participating: Bay of Islands College; Dargaville High School; Kaitaia College; Kamo High School; Okaihau College; Te Wharekura o Te Rawhiti Roa; Whangarei Boys High; Whangarei Girls High.



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For further information, please contact:

Clare Blackburn, Communications Manager

Northland District Health Board 

Phone (09) 430 4101 ext 3315