New cadetship aims to boost next generation of Pacific healthcare professionals

At the start of November 2024, the first of two cohorts for the Pacific Health Science Academies Cadetship pilot, commenced. This is a four-week programme which had 27 students in each cohort, with the second starting in January 2025. This initiative is aimed to inspire and grow the next generation of Pacific healthcare professionals.

The pilot programme is for students who have been part of the Pacific Health Science Academies programme (external link) (aka the Future is Open to Us [FOU] programme), completed Year 13, reside in the South Auckland area and intend to study a health-related tertiary qualification.

There to welcome the students with excitement was General Manager of Pacific Health Development Doana Fatuleai, who said when the initiative was brought up with services managers, they were eager to encourage their journey into healthcare.

“We are diverse in culture and language, and I know the difference it can make for patients to see our people in healthcare roles.

“We need to increase our workforce. We need you. We want you, and we welcome you.”

One of those students who is grateful for the opportunity is Iosefatu Tapuai from Otara’s Tangaroa College.

Before starting the Cadetship, Iosefatu had planned to study biomedical engineering. However, he was placed with the Pharmacy service and now plans to complete Health Science First Year at the University of Otago to pursue a pharmacy or medical degree. Iosefatu heard about the programme from a friend and was eager to apply. 

“As a kid, my mother would always be in and out of the hospital relying on pills to be strong every day, I’d be extremely curious as to why these helped her and what properties they had.

“I am interested in things such as biochemistry and improving medicinal health for people.”

Iosefatu says the Cadetship will contribute to his CV as work experience and is excited to gain as much knowledge and preparation as possible before he goes to university next year.

Over each of the four weeks, students are assigned to 17 participating services, with one week spent in the Orderlies service at Middlemore Hospital. During which time they will shadow various healthcare workers in the many different roles within the respective services.

The aim is to provide students with meaningful workforce exposure in the healthcare/clinical settings, develop essential skills as a health worker and understanding of Pacific cultural competency in the health context. 

This initiative, led by the Pacific Health FOU (external link) team is funded by Middlemore Foundation and Hynds Foundation, in collaboration with Counties Manukau Allied Health and the National Pacific Workforce. This initiative can help promote Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – Counties Manukau as a great place to work and a pool for talent development and community engagement.