New postgrad course aims to make a 'giant leap' for Pacific communities

A new postgraduate course aspires to make a "giant leap" for Pacific communities through upskilling Pacific "helping professionals."

The University of Auckland's Improving wellbeing outcomes for Pacific families course will develop applicants' understanding of healthcare challenges facing Pacific communities.

Pacific Associate Dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Administration (FMHS), Sir Collin Tukuitonga says the stand-alone course is a key part of supporting Pacific peoples in Aotearoa.

“We’re aiming to make a giant leap for the Pacific community," Tukuitonga says.

"Inviting them to come back into tertiary education, or for some it will be their first tertiary experience, and working toward a university qualification.”

Tukuitonga says it complements existing postgraduate offerings in Pacific Health or other related fields at the University for students wishing to continue their tertiary journey.

The level eight course, which navigates the Whānau Ora model in Aotearoa NZ health and the social service, is primarily online where students only need to attend up to three days on campus.

This hybrid approach of both in-person and online learning was a conscious decision as it allows flexibility for family, work, and community commitments.

Tukuitonga says the University recognised enticing Pacific peoples into tertiary study meant meeting the community "where they were".

A new strategic partnership between the Pasifika Medical Association Group and the University’s FMHS has included the development of the Knowledge Hub: An entity to enable Pacific People to live longer, better lives in New Zealand and the region.

A key aim of the Knowledge Hub is “to contribute to health workforce best practice for practitioners in health and social outcomes, policy development, and health communication.”

The two-and-a-half-month course will be run over both University semesters with the first intake starting 26 February 2024.

Applications for the February course are open.