Pilot programme opens health pathways for Māori ākonga at Ara

_{Ākonga were given a tour of the simulation floor at Manawa campus}    

Rangatahi Māori from across Waitaha stepped into simulated hospital wards, tried on imaging gear, and connected with Māori health professionals on Wednesday as part of Ara Institute of Canterbury’s new pilot programme Ara Rewa.

Designed for Year 11 to 13 students - and their career advisors - the one-day initiative offered a hands-on introduction to careers in nursing, midwifery, and medical imaging. With just 30 places available, the programme focused on personalised, targeted support.

Ara Rewa is a kaupapa-driven initiative created to support Māori students at a critical decision-making stage.
It connects tauira (learners) with Māori staff, graduates, and health professionals, building confidence, cultural connection, and career readiness through immersive, interactive experiences.

The day began with whakawhanaungatanga activities at Te Puna Wānaka on Ara’s City campus, followed by a series of health-focused tasters at the Manawa campus.

Highlights included nursing and midwifery workshops led by Ara tutors where tauira were taught the basics from hospital-grade handwashing to taking pulse rates and temperatures. A lunch session allowed time for kōrero with Māori students currently enrolled in health programmes, before the students were walked through Ara’s medical imaging suite.

Students also learned about the holistic support services available at Ara, including funding options, wellbeing resources, and academic support tailored to Māori learners.

Blair Kaad, Ara’s Manager of Community and Outreach Marketing, says the pilot reflected Ara’s commitment to empowering rangatahi Māori and strengthening their pathways into the health workforce.

“This is a chance to take a close-up look at the health sector in action - without sirens or emergencies,” he said. “We’re proud to pilot this kaupapa and hopeful it’s just the beginning. There’s real potential to expand this model into other areas of study at Ara.”

Career advisors attending alongside students gained insights into the application process and resources available to support tauira in their transition to tertiary study.

Te Kura Tuarua o Horomaka (Hillmorton High School) Careers assistant Michelle Blake said it had been a valuable experience.

“It’s been a cool opportunity for these students get out of their comfort zones, mingle with others and see what Ara offers in terms of study and support,” she said. “Especially for those who are unsure what a study environment like this is like,” she said.

Participants said they appreciated the opportunity to explore health careers and meet others on similar journeys in a friendly and relaxed way.
Pikiarero Harris a Year 11 tauira from Te Kura Tuarua o Horomaka said while a health career had been in the back of her mind for a long time, the event had helped her “delve deeper” into study options. Hikurangi Piner, a Year 12 tauira at Te Pā o Rākaihautū said the event enabled students to get a feel for Ara and provided a good “taster” for those interested in a health pathway.

Ara Rewa is just the beginning, with potential to spark a new wave of kaupapa-driven outreach across Ara.