Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has announced the opening of the Te Pitomata Grants, a fund developed to support Māori student success and completion across various health career programmes.

Selah Hart, National Director Hauora Māori Services at Health New Zealand says this is one of several workforce initiatives to support students to leverage their potential and ensure a workforce that aligns with the needs of whānau.

Last year the fund provided critical support to 1218 Māori students.

“Grants like Te Pitomata help alleviate burdens that may otherwise get in the way of their studies and helps build a diverse and culturally competent workforce that truly reflects the communities we serve,” says Selah.

“This is about supporting the next generation of our health workforce to achieve their dreams and realise their potential,” says Selah.

The grants can contribute to tuition fees, course related costs and living cost for eligible students of Māori descent.  Students must be currently enrolled in health-related studies, accredited by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or through a provider supporting the education of future Rongoā Māori practitioners.

Applications are accepted across the following hauora categories:

  • Clinical Undergraduate 
    • Midwifery 
    • Nursing 
    • Medical (including dentistry) 
    • Allied Health, Scientific & Technical, including but not limited to: 
      • Social Work 
      • Pharmacy 
      • Oral Health Therapy 
      • Anaesthetic Tech 
      • Radiation Therapy 
      • Acupuncture 
      • Counselling 
      • Psychology
  • Rongoā Māori
  • Clinical Postgraduate 

Apply for a Te Pitomata Grant

The closing date for applications - 12pm, 27 March 2025. For any queries about Te Pitomata Grants email tepitomatagrants@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz