SCHOLARSHIP HELPS WIREMU AIM HIGH

Dr Wiremu MacFater’s desire to learn has seen him complete a medical degree and begin work on a doctorate, as well as hold aspirations to become a specialist Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon.

His dedication and commitment to his academic studies have been supported by the Te Āti Hau Trust previously – and this year he has received the High Achievers Scholarship, worth $2000, which will be put towards his university fees.

Wiremu (Te Āti Hau, Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Ruanui) is currently in the fi nal year of his Doctor of Philosophy (phD) post-graduate degree, which has involved carrying out research on how to improve post-operative pain and functional recovery after major abdominal surgery.

“I am honoured and humbled by the Trust’s belief in me and its willingness to invest in my career,” he says. “You never forget the support you get from your whānau and uri as you chase your aspirations. I also feel there is an obligation there now, in a good way, for me to go back and serve them in some way. I don’t know what it is yet but I know an opportunity will come.”

His main motivation behind completing a pHD was to be able to learn how to conduct clinical research, so he can carry out his own studies in the future.

“One of my main career goals is to work in some of those peripheral hospitals, outside of the big main centres which often dictate the protocol, and research how the health care systems we have in place

are working for communities in need,” says Wiremu.

“I want to be able to produce good evidence-based studies that will help to ensure people in these areas are served by an eff ective and culturally appropriate process that delivers health equity.”

Married to Moana with a threemonth baby girl, Wiremu also has his sights set fi rmly on becoming a ENT surgeon, undaunted by the seven years of training it takes, and is also keen to become affi liated to an academic institution as a research associate.

“Yes, lots of aspirations,” he agrees. “I am proud to be in a position where I can be a bit of a role model for young Māori because hopefully, if they see what I am doing and achieving, they will feel they can aim high too.”

“It’s very important that as a people we have trailblazers who can lead the way for others, who can show our rangitahi that they can do anything they set their minds to if they have the determination to succeed.

“The Te Āti Hau Trust is playing a very signifi cant role in enabling that to happen by providing the support it does, helping us to build the skills and expertise our communities need.” Shar Amner, Chair of the Te Āti Hau Trust, says the ongoing support Wiremu has received is an indication of the pride it feels when scholarship and grant recipients perform well.

“It is important that what Wiremu has achieved already is acknowledged and celebrated and this scholarship towards his continued study is one way of doing that,” he adds.

“Seeing our uri go out and shine in specialised fi elds on a global scale brings mana and joy to us all as iwi and whānau.”

“The Trust’s kaupapa is enabling and supporting the aspirations of our shareholders and their benefi ciaries so we encourage our young scholars to apply for support.”

“ It is important that what Wiremu has achieved already is acknowledged and celebrated and this scholarship towards his continued study is one way of doing that.”

Shar Amner