PASIFIKA
KATHLEEN MAKI MIDWIFERY LECTURER, ARA INSTITUTE OF CANTERBURY (TAHITI, COOK ISLANDS) RUTH CHISHOLM, REGISTERED MIDWIFE (NGĀTI POROU, TONGA)
Pasifika perspectives through a South Island lens We are seeing the convergence of a number of significant social issues that compel us to evaluate the foundational philosophies underpinning our profession and determine whether they still hold true in a modern world. One such tohu to emerge from these changing
and Māori stakeholder fono, in Ōtautahi. This
that is a blessing on its own. I feel less of an
times is Te Ara ō Hine – Tapu Ora; the first
fono brought together midwives, Māori and
outcast and embraced for who I am.”
initiative of its kind by the Ministry of Health
Pasifika leaders from both inside and outside of
to establish funding for the provision of
Ara, researchers, representatives of key groups,
- Chontelle, 3rd year student, Ara Institute of
targeted support for Māori and Pasifika tauira
elders from Māori and Pasifika communities,
in undergraduate midwifery programmes. It is
learning and engagement services for Māori
clear to us that whatever the support structure
and Pacific students, leaders in the health
design outcome, it’s most crucial that tauira
sector, new graduate midwives and current
feel as though they have received practical and
students. Passionate discussions were held, and
targeted support.
aspirations were clearly defined regarding how
Since its implementation earlier this year, the initiative has provided an opportunity for collaboration between the various midwifery education institutions, as well as the chance to consult with past and present Māori and Pasifika students about what supports they believe will be most valuable in sustaining and retaining tauira within midwifery programmes.
this group could support this kaupapa. Just as importantly, whānaungatanga was facilitated
collectively contribute to the undergraduate midwifery journeys. Finally, the tohu that is Te Ara ō Hine – Tapu case for developing a midwifery curriculum that honours te Tiriti - an essential and fundamental
assist them - the resounding response is that
objective of this initiative.
helped us, as Pasifika midwives, to identify the agencies, organisations, and groups worth connecting with, whose expertise and resources are needed if we are to adopt a wrap-around support network for tauira. Subsequent to the student consultation, on 6 July 2021, Ara held the first combined Pasifika
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challenges that this virus has presented for our North Island midwives and their communities. From our takiwā down here in the south, to yours, we wish you kaha and aroha as we Kia manuia. square
representative group could individually and
appropriate ways they believe this funding can
The shared whakaaro from students has
It has been perplexing to observe from afar the
prepare to face our own challenges.
complexities they currently face - and the most
contributing to their overall success.
Covid-19 case has arrived in the South Island.
as well as an understanding of how each
Ora, has reminded us of the urgency of the
with each pillar playing a distinct role in
Sadly but expectedly, as we write this, the first
amongst our Māori and Pacific students,
As these students have considered the
students want a range of different supports,
Canterbury.
“Until the degree, I did not understand the importance of my heritage and how much it meant to me. I never understood why I felt misplaced until I was shown where I fit - within the Pasifika community. I am on the journey of learning about my heritage, who I am, and how to bring this into midwifery. My heart feels whole, and I feel at home when I work with Pasifika women. I have so much to learn, but this degree has connected me to my roots. My family in Fiji know who I am now, and we talk...
