Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of Bachelor of Nursing students and other healthcare professionals, recognising their dedication and the importance of investing in local healthcare education to improve community health services.

Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health was proud to host a prestigious graduation ceremony a week ago, celebrating the achievements of their dedicated health professionals.

The graduation marked the culmination of their recent investment in educating and developing the healthcare workforce, aimed at improving the quality of health services provided to the community through Te Marae Ora.

On Friday, December 6, 2024, the graduates, families and invited guests including Prime Minister Mark Brown and King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters, attended the event at Te Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium) Dome.

The first cohort of 12 Bachelor of Nursing students at Whitireia Community Polytechnic was named in honour of Dr Neti Tamarua. The retired nursing doctor has dedicated her life to the public health sector in the Cook Islands, Aotearoa, Australia and Fiji, with a special focus on the well-being of young people.

Dr Tamarua has been an advocate for Cook Islands nurses to go further in their studies with the end goal of returning home to be the next generation of highly skilled healthcare professionals.

Rosa Tavai Bob, who graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery, says the graduation day marked the end of an “incredible” 10-month journey.

“I’m filled with immense gratitude and pride as I reflect on the path that led me to this milestone,” shares Bob.

“First and foremost, I give all glory to God for being the Head of my life, guiding me through every challenge and blessing me with the strength to persevere. Without His grace, this achievement would not have been possible.”

Bob acknowledged her supportive family: parents, siblings, and their families, for their encouragement and love. She also thanked her many friends for their words of affirmation and constant check-ins, which kept her motivated along the way.

“A very special acknowledgment goes to my incredible partner, John P Tuara. You have truly been the backbone of our family and my biggest supporter throughout this journey. You’ve carried the weight of our responsibilities at home with so much grace, ensuring that our children felt loved and cared for even when I wasn’t around. Your patience, understanding, and constant encouragement have been my source of strength. I couldn’t have done this without you. This achievement is as much yours as it is mine.”

Bob dedicated her achievement to her children, Rupe Rima, Te-Ata Rima, and Eva-Grace Tuara.

“This award is for my children. Everything I do is for them to show them that hard work and perseverance can help them achieve their dreams. They are my greatest inspiration.”

Bob was also honoured to share her journey with a great team of colleagues.

“This is not just my success but ours, and I carry your love and support with me as I move forward. Here’s to the future and all the lives we will touch as midwives, and to more studies and grey hairs…”

She extended her heartfelt thanks to Te Marae Ora, the Fiji National University, the dedicated lecturers, clinical preceptors, and the amazing midwives – “you all played a vital role in shaping our journey. Your support, patience, and wisdom have left a lasting impact on me.”

Bachelor of Nursing graduate Elizabeth Kaiou felt “overwhelmed” on graduation day.

“Graduating, rewarded the three years of my journey, with one of those years in New Zealand alongside my cohort,” says Kaiou.

“It’s been a path filled with endless coffees, long days and nights, growth, and unforgettable experiences. The support and encouragement from my family carried me through the challenges.

“Being one of the pioneers of the programme made it even more special, knowing that my success was part of something bigger.”

Minister for Health Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown was “privileged and honoured” with the accomplishments of the graduates.

“As we are faced with the global shortage of health workforce, growing our health workforce is critical.”

Toki-Brown applauded the initiative taken by Te Marae Ora in partnership with Whitireia and USP Cook Islands, the Fiji National University, as well as universities in New Zealand for the flexibility in distance learning and in-country face-to-face teaching.

Speaking to the graduates, Toki-Brown said: “Undertaking most of your study in-country with final weeks or a year outside your workplace is a model that we embrace.:
Given the lessons learnt from Covid-19, the increasing risks and threats of climate change and the recent mpox outbreak in Africa, the current whooping cough outbreaks declared in New Zealand and Samoa, the ongoing education and training of our health workforce remains critical.

She reiterated the words of World Health Organisation regional director Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, who stated: “Let’s train people well so they can leave, but we must treat them well so they will not leave”.

Toki-Brown added: “As your minister, I say, we have trained you well so you can serve our people, and we will treat you well that you will never think of leaving.”

On Friday evening, Te Marae Ora hosted a dinner reception at The Edgewater Resort to honour their long-serving staff. The event also served as the Ministry’s end-of-year function.

Graduates

The Dr. Neti Tamarua Bachelor of Nursing graduates (Pacific Whitireia Community Polytechnic): Natalina Clyde (f); Travel Ford (m); Don Iosua (m); Elizabeth Kaiou; Jacob Tangua Kureta; Salote Loki (f); Arohanui Ramea (f); Mata Teiti (f); Mareta Tangatapoto (f); Jean Vaeau     (f); Euphemia Nga (f); Dalcynare Kirite (f). This programme was funded in partnership between the Cook Islands government, World Health Organisation, and The Pacific Community (SPC).

Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifrey (Fiji National University): Rosa Bob - registered nurse; Pokotea Guinea - registered nurse; Florence Mataio - nurse practitioner; Norma Tairi - registered nurse; Uriau Teaurere - registered nurse. This programme mirrored the midwifery curriculum in Fiji but was adapted for delivery in Rarotonga. WHO provided tuition fee funding for the students while the Cook Islands government covered other costs.

Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmology (Fiji National University): Toa Pole (m) nurse practitioner.

Certificate in Infection Protection Control (Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control): Viliama Maaka George - registered nurse.

Postgraduate Certificate in Field Epidemiology (Fiji National University): Maina Mataio - supervisor health information systems; Josephine Tania John     - senior health promotion officer; Roger Nehemia - senior health protection officer; Tereapii Nimerota - senior health protection officer; Norma Tairi – registered nurse. SPC fully funded this initiative, ensuring the development of skilled epidemiologists across the Pacific.              

Bachelor of Science in Health Protection (Auckland University of Technology): Taaki Geoffrey Moekapiti - senior health protection officer.

Bachelor of Applied Management with Distinction (Otago Polytechnic): Roger Nehemia - senior health protection officer.

Master of Science in Acute Medicine (University of South Wales): Dr. Vakaola Mafi, medical doctor.

Long serving staff

Some of the long serving Te Marae Ora employees are as follows.

Ngarikietini Keu started 29/03/1981 (43 years); Peia Ben started 21/12/1981 (43); Charlie Ave started 4/02/1982 (42); Ngatamariki Aerenga Kino started 8/03/1982 (42); Ngatokotoru Tereapii Vaeau started 10/03/1982 (42); Rangi Tangi started 16/05/1983 (41); Geoffrey Wuatai started 12/03/1984 (40); Matanoanoa Iroa Female started 28/03/1984 (40); Mataitirangi Tuakana started 27/05/1985 (39); Dr Frank Martin Obeda started 16/12/1985 (39); Louisa Tetava started 24/04/1986 (38); Te Okotai Areai Rere started 24/04/1986 (38); Edwina Tangaroa started 24/04/1986 (38); Josephine Tania Wilson John started 9/07/1986 (38); Mataiti Pitomaki started 15/07/1986 (38); Glassie Matata started 14/01/1987 (37); Rouruina Taraare started 5/09/1988 (36); Rongo Mata Ingaua started 23/01/1989 (35); Rufina Tutai started 23/01/1989 (35); Tapairu-Ariki Ngatuakana started 17/02/1989 (35); Metuaangai College started 13/04/1989 (35);