This year we funded two University of Waikato Bachelor of Health and two Bachelor of Nursing Scholarships. These scholarships are for second year students who are studying and planning to stay in the Waikato region, upon graduation. Saya Karauna is the first of this years' scholarship recipients. Saya is a proud descendant of both Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi and was born here in Kirikiroa and is studying towards a Bachelor of Health majoring in Population Health. In her application, Saya said she "was drawn to how the Bachelor of Health degree focuses heavily on Māori culture and community Hauora which are passions of mine and what I seek to have a future career in. As a young Māori wahine, I believe I have an opportunity and responsibility to make a difference in the health system. I am so grateful for Braemar Charitable Trust's support towards my studies. With the knowledge I will learn, I will be able to make a difference first-hand in the health system for Māori".
Being both Māori and Pākehā, Saya explained she has seen " two sides to the health system in Aotearoa. Believing Māori are under-represented in the health (workforce)". Saya aspires to work within Māori health organisations that focus on equity in health outcomes for Māori, and intends to work in healthcare in the wider Waikato DHB region while furthering her Māori and indigenous studies. As Saya is connecting deeply with her Māori culture, she intends on furthering her te reo Māori, before stepping into a future Māori health role.
Trust Manager, Paula Baker, said " In addition to her excellent grades, the panel were impressed with Saya's commitment to improving health outcomes and clear passion for community hauora and her focus on equity. I am sure Saya will make the most of her scholarship opportunity with us and through her 4-week paid summer internship, will gain valuable skills, experience and networks."
Saya says she is "thankful for the opportunities and support that Braemar Charitable Trust provides to students like myself whose future ambitions are to provide more equitable outcomes for those underrepresented in health".
We are pleased to welcome Saya to the Braemar family and look forward helping her achieve her future career aspirations.
