Suliana and Maureen are two Pasifika tauira on a journey to become carers through Health and Wellbeing training with Ignite, part of Skills Group. They’ve taken their first steps towards making a difference in their communities, and their stories show how this pathway can lead to meaningful mahi and secure, rewarding careers.

Suliana (far left) and some of her classmates studying her Level 3 Health and Wellbeing at Skills Ignite.

Both women share a passion for helping others, but their journeys are unique. Suliana is from Nuku’alofa in Tonga and has lived in Pukekohe for some time with her father and daughter. She says, “My sister encouraged me to take Level 3 Healthcare.

“I found it really interesting. I enjoy studying healthcare, and so now I’m doing Level 4.  It will help me to find a job so I can help my family”.

Maureen is a Fijian Indian, and her decision was a careful one. She has a background as a professional chef and is a mother to a young child. Looking ahead, she wanted to focus on job security. “I decided to try out the Health and Wellbeing course. It was exactly what I needed.”

Maureen (second left) successfully completed her Level 3 in Health and Wellbeing and is now studying Level 4 at Skills Ignite.

Support helps make starting easier

Maureen didn’t know what to expect when she started the 22-week course. With encouragement from her tutors, she quickly found her feet.  “I haven’t studied for a long time, but my tutor was really good. She was supportive, and she was always there when we needed it.

“Of course, studying while working was mentally challenging because I had to switch from being in ‘mummy mode’ to studying. But everyone around was ready to encourage you to succeed.

“The scholarship from MPTT covered my fees, which was a great relief. The money made such a difference because it’s hard being a parent and working part-time while also studying.”

Also, the MPTT people really encourage and help us to do the course and even to find jobs as well,” explains Maureen.

Suliana cares deeply about supporting her aiga and matua’a while building skills she can use in her community. Like Maureen, she’s a mother, but the programme felt accessible because it was designed to fit around other commitments, and with Māori and Pasifika in mind.

Placements make training hands-on and meaningful

Maureen and Suliana quickly found out that training in health and well-being isn’t just about sitting in a classroom; it’s hands-on. Tauira spend time in placements where they work directly with people who need care. They also benefit from working alongside more experienced workers.

“It was different every day, and it was challenging, but I enjoyed it,” says Maureen. Suliana agrees.

“I’ve really enjoyed my placement. At the moment, I’m working in the dementia unit. I’m learning a lot from the staff that I’m working with. And I especially enjoy listening to the residents’ stories as I help them.

I’ve spent a lot of time talking to the clients here. One told me he’s from Samoa.

He said that as a Pasifika person, it’s important to see other Pasifika as carers. We know how to treat them the Pacific way.

Cultural connection strengthens caring roles

Maureen agrees that welcoming more cultures into the caring professions is vital.

“In the MPTT programme, I feel like everybody is treated as equal, not like a foreigner. You don’t feel pushed aside, and that’s a really good thing. People feel appreciated for all the different cultural backgrounds they come from. In fact, every culture is celebrated.

Tauira look ahead to rewarding futures in healthcare

Both Suliana and Maureen have big plans for the future. Suliana wants to work in aged care to support matua’a in her community, specifically as a caregiver helping elderly people in a rest home facility. For her, caring for older people is a way of honouring her whakapapa/ha’a and strengthening connections across generations.

Maureen hopes to work in a hospital setting. She enjoys the pace and challenge, as do her fellow workers. “You feel appreciated but also appreciate other people’s patience.”

Both women say other Māori and Pasifika should consider the opportunities in healthcare. Their advice is simple: take the first step.

“You just need to care. Your role is comforting and making sure people know someone is there for them, which is a big thing. It is very rewarding, but it takes a special person,” says Maureen.

Suliana also wishes more people would make the most of the opportunity to enter the field.

“I just want them to get into healthcare and experience it. It is a good career for us, Pasifika, to take part in.”

Suliana and Maureen’s journeys show how Health and Wellbeing training can lead to rewarding mahi that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Explore scholarships or enrolment options through MPTT or Ignite today. You could be the next person making an impact in your community.