Pukawakawa training programme encourages more graduating doctors to Te Tai Tokerau
This week, we bid farewell to another group of fifth and sixth-year medical students of the Pukawakawa training programme with a pōwhiri at Terenga Paroa Marae in Whangārei.
The University of Auckland's Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (formally Northland DHB) established the ground-breaking partnership in 2007.
In the 17th year, Pukawakawa, the regional-rural programme at the University of Auckland, is a training initiative to encourage more graduating doctors to Northland, giving them valuable experience in regional and rural healthcare.
Pukawakawa placements are highly sought after, with 24 students selected based on their interest in regional or rural medicine.
"Pukawakawa and the people of Te Tai Tokerau place a Korowai over us at the beginning of the year," offered Associate Dean (Rural) in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Dr Kyle Eggleton.
"The students have reached the threshold, and we are extremely grateful for the care and attention given by so many teachers, including Dr Jenny Walker, Te Poutokomanawa Māori Health Directorate, rural GPs and kaimahi at the district hospitals.
"As the students enter a new career phase, they will often think and be grateful for the aroha given to them during their time in Northland."
Speakers took turns acknowledging Kaumatua Te Ihi Tito, who sadly passed away on 23 August. Kaumātua Te Ihi attended every Pukawakawa welcome and farewell and often laid down a challenge, asking the students to find themselves a partner in the North so they could settle here and work in our hospitals.
Sixth-year student Jessie Parr, who grew up in Parua Bay, left to study at the University of Auckland Medical School.
"In my heart, I couldn't wait to return home to Northland. I feel that I've really flourished here as a student, and I am so pleased to be remaining in Northland next year to work as house officer."
Dr Jenny Walker, Chief Medical Officer, noted that the Pukawakawa programme vision is that medical students who participate in the programme forge relationships and a heartfelt desire to return and practice medicine in the North.
"There are many exciting opportunities throughout the health sector in Te Tai Tokerau, particularly in rural medicine and primary care."
Sixth-year student Thomas Swinburn spoke on behalf of his cohort and described his time in Te Tai Tokerau as a time to connect, a place to discover, and a place to grow.
"I felt as though people were interested in me as a growing professional and as a person," offered Thomas.
"We were challenged to think about how we will be a safe harbour for the people, which resonated with me. Being immersed in the tikanga of this rohe has helped to build my kete of cultural competency, cultural safety, and Hauora Māori.
"Like a three-legged stool, it is important that we are strong in all three of these elements going forward."
The vision is that everyone in Northland is healthy—He Hauora Mo Te Tai Tokerau—a Healthier Northland. Our shared values guide us: Tāngata i te tuatahi—People First, Whakaute (tuku mana)—Respect, Manaaki—Caring, Whakawhitiwhiti Kōrero —Communication, and Te Hiranga—Excellence.
"I want to say that I have really enjoyed my Whakawhiti kōrero or communication with every student we have had this year," the Academic Coordinator for the University of Auckland Northland Clinical site, Dr Aniva Lawrence, said.
"I encourage each of you to strive for Te Hiringa in whatever your pursuits are in the future. We rely on the next generation of leaders and health workforce to support those of us who are ageing and challenge our systems for the betterment of future generations in Te Tai Tokerau."
Inaugural Te Ihi Te Tai Tokerau Memorial Award
This year, Te Ihi's whānau presented the inaugural Te Ihi Memorial Te Tai Tokerau award to two students who, throughout the year, had reflected our values - 6th-year student Jessie Parr and 5th-year Pukawakawa student Savanah Wijohn. 
"I would like to acknowledge and thank Te Ihi's family for his lifelong service.
“So, to finish with a relevant Niuean proverb to celebrate Niuean language week, "te ke mau ti fakamatalahi ko au koe". Stand up and be proud."
Photo: L-R - Dr Aniva Lawrence, Tania O’Connell (Kaumatua Te Ihi Tito’s daughter) and 6th-year student Jessie Parr
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