A group of emerging Maori health practitioners and students of the medical profession have been presented awards and scholarships from the Associate Minister of Health.
Tariana Turia congratulated the five recipients of the 2013 John McLeod Scholarships and Te Apa Mareikura Awards held at the national museum Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington on Wednesday night.
Mrs Turia said the awards recognise the work and absolute commitment to reduce disparities that still exist in the community between Maori and non-Maori.
She said while the recipients have achieved academic success and medical qualifications, they are also grounded in the issues that affect whanau, hapu and iwi.
The John McLeod winners are: Marise Kerehi Stuart of Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Ngapuhi; and Coralie Takuira Dargaville of Te Rarawa and Ngapuhi.
The Te Apa Mareikura Award winners are: Peetikuia (Peeti) Wainui of Ngariki Kaiputahi, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Ngati Porou, Ngai Tuhoe and Ngati Pikiao; Roy Hoerara who belongs to Ngati Porou and Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa; and Ngahieki Sonia-Marie (Sonia) Stewart who affiliates to Te Whanau a Apanui, Te Whakatohea, Ngai Tuhoe and Maniapoto-Waikato.
The Ministry of Health funds the Hauora Maori Scholarships with the aim of building Maori workforce capacity in the health sector.
