Grace Tairua

Ngāti Kahungunu, Tainui

Grace Tairua is a wife and mother of four girls, currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Nursing at Wintec, with one semester remaining.  In her future nursing career, she plans to focus on Māori health in a GP setting, serving her community in Raahui Pookeka and working collaboratively to improve the health of Māori whānau. 

Grace grew up witnessing her mother constantly suffering from health problems and then spending the first year of her second child's life in and out of the hospital. During this time, she saw firsthand the vital role nurses play within the community and decided to acquire the skills needed to contribute to the community through the healthcare system.

Throughout her studies, Grace has been part of the Tihei Mauri Ora stream, which focuses on improving Māori health outcomes in the community by integrating Māori customs and protocols. This stream provides additional support through a manaaki care model rooted in Māori culture.

Grace believes it is important to have Māori Healthcare Professionals caring for Māori and have pathways encouraging more Māori to pursue nursing. In her future career, she plans to work alongside Māori families and advocate for their health and well-being. She also hopes to support children and be a health advocate for tamariki.

Profile By

Updated 11 November 2024

He Rangatira Our Leaders

Maraea Mokaraka

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Tainui, Te Arawa, Ngā Puhi

Maraea Mokaraka is passionate about whānau transformation and building healthy communities.

Kirsty Maxwell-Crawford

Tapuika; Ngāi Tai

Kirsty has worked in Māori health service delivery and national workforce development for over 20 years. 

Donna Blair

Ngāi Tahu

Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu

Wikepa Keelan

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungungu, Rongomaiwahine

 He is a stabilising presence, a reference point, a rock. He has mastered the delicate balance of impelling and empowering people to stand on their own two feet, not only when things are going well but also during the most difficult moments in life.