A health scholarship has been a pivotal experience for Saya Karauna (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu), inspiring her to make a difference for Māori in rural communities through the health system.
Saya is a Braemar Charitable Trust Health Scholarship recipient in her third year studying a Bachelor of Health at the University of Waikato. She says she chose to study health because, “Māori are underrepresented in health. Being both Māori and Pākehā, I have seen both sides of the health system in Aotearoa and one size fits all, does not work for everyone”.
Her kaupapa, to work in communities and generate equitable health outcomes has been greatly enhanced through the scholarship.
“I have grown my understanding of health from an individual, communal, organisational and cultural perspective and I have grown my community connections. I now feel more confident in my ability to make a difference in the health system.”
The scholarship provided real-world experience in a health-focused position, enabling her to work in a health space “that tailors to the needs of Māori” and work alongside multiple health professionals, particularly in rural communities.
The Braemar Community Trust Health scholarship includes a month’s paid work experience at Braemar Hospital or a community partner. In Saya’s case, this involved interviewing health professionals including surgeons, community health providers, GPs, practice managers and patients.
She also spent an invaluable two weeks working with Raukura Hauora o Tainui who provide kaupapa Māori health services for the people of the Tainui rohe.
“This placement has solidified why I am studying what I am studying because I was able to witness firsthand the transformative power of research and community-led initiatives in healthcare.”
The opportunity has inspired Saya to follow a career in Māori health research, and she has been actively involving herself in different research projects within the University and out in the community.
“The most valuable part of my experience with Braemar Charitable Trust has been to build connections with people who are already in a space to effect positive change in the health system.”
Learning about the community-based initiatives the Trust is working on and contributing research to the Trust’s flagship Community Surgery Programme has given her insight into health research and different inequities in the health system.
“Whenever I am advising students on studying health, or careers in health, I have been able to draw on my experience with Braemar to provide an example of what community health research can look like, and how healthcare initiatives in the community, public sector, and private sector can interconnect.”
Saya says it’s important for future scholarship recipients actively engage with and learn from healthcare professionals during their placements.
“Each encounter offers valuable insights into the healthcare landscape and can inform your career trajectory - from CEOs, surgeons, nurses to community leaders. Building relationships in health is key. So don't be too shy to foster those relationships with people you meet along the way.”
Beyond her degree Saya, has her sights set on post-graduate studies in Māori health and Te Tohu Paetahi, a year-long total immersion te reo Māori programme at the University of Waikato.
Applications for the $10,000 Braemar Charitable Trust Scholarship in Health and two $10,000 Braemar Charitable Trust Bachelor of Nursing scholarships at the University of Waikato open in December. These scholarships support second year students who are from groups under-represented in health and who live and intend to work in the Waikato region.
Braemar Charitable Trust is the 100% owner of Braemar Hospital, based in Kirikiriroa Hamilton.
