Pacific Return to Nursing Programme at MIT

Speech to participants of Pacific Return to Nursing Programme, Manukau Institute of Technology, Otara Road, Manukau City

 
Taloha ni, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Ni sa bula vinaka, Namaste, Kia orana koutou katoatoa, Ia Orana, Gud de tru olgeta, Talofa, Kia ora tatau and Warm Pacific Greetings to you all this morning.

I would like to thank Anne Fitisemanu, Project Manager for Pacific Workforce Development at Counties Manukau District Health Board (DHB) for inviting me here today. It is absolutely wonderful to be here as the Pacific Return to Nursing Programme here at Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) is a programme I have heard lots about – and have wanted to visit for sometime.

Introduction
This is a very important programme and a fantastic example of successful workplace training, encouraging a highly skilled Pacific workforce.

It is heartening to be among people who have so much potential, and who are committed to learning.

Your commitment to upskilling is extremely impressive, and something this government is strongly encouraging. This year's budget significantly increased the funding for this kind of learning, with an extra $168 million over four years invested to increase the literacy, language and numeracy skills of people in the workforce.

The Pacific Return to Nursing Programme is part of the government's Upskilling Partnership Programme, and MIT and Counties Manukau DHB must be congratulated for forming this collaborative partnership.

Participants Involvement
You are all trained nurses. I understand that in this room we have nurses who were trained in Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Kiribati and Tuvalu.

It makes sense that you are provided with a flexible and supportive learning environment to improve your English skills, enabling you to meet Nursing Council requirements to practice in New Zealand.

We want you to be able to work in your chosen profession of nursing. This benefits you, and also the country as a whole as the supply of skilled and qualified people is limited.

What is also particularly important is that we have more Pacific people in the health sector. Having more Pacific nurses will bring far-reaching benefits to Counties Manukau and the health sector as a whole.

A key aim of our government is to improve the health status of Pacific peoples by reducing and eliminating health inequalities affecting our communities. Growth in the number of people involved in the Pacific health workforce who are able to offer advice and support to our Pacific people and communities is vital in achieving this.

I am told that attendance for your Saturday classes is high, reflecting your enthusiasm and determination. It is definitely not easy to be involved in this programme as I know the demands of work and busy family lives do not go away. I also know it is difficult to sit tests in a language that is not your native tongue.

Link to Plans
Your efforts to fully use your nursing training and experience are also fulfilling the aims of the Pacific Economic Action Plan and the Pacific Women's Economic Development Plan (and we have copies of these plans available here today).

Through these plans the Labour government is committed to lifting the economic potential and prosperity of Pacific peoples in New Zealand. They focus on developing a highly skilled and versatile Pacific workforce, with particular focus on more quality programmes to support Pacific women in the further development of their skills and career pathways.

This programme and your commitment to upskilling epitomises what we are trying to achieve through the plans. I know what you are undertaking is so important – for you, your families, our Pacific communities and New Zealand.

I am excited as you are our Pacific leaders of the future. As a community, we need to work together collectively to up our game. We want our Pacific people to gain high level skills, which leads to long term sustainable and gainful employment. You are doing this and by your example can encourage others in our Pacific communities to follow your pathways.

Conclusion
It is wonderful to seeing learning happening together – together we can support each other, motivate each other and be strong together. I know you have bright and exciting futures ahead of you. I congratulate you for taking up the challenge to be involved in this programme. You truly are an inspiration and should be very proud of your achievements.

I wish you every success in your studies and careers.

Soifua ma ia manuia.