Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
28 seconds ago
EIT Bachelor of Nursing graduate Jaedi Davies (Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngāti Porou) is giving back to her East Coast community through her work with iwi-based health provider Ngāti Porou Oranga.
Motivated by her 11-year-old son’s medical challenges and a desire to serve her iwi, Jaedi returned home to pursue nursing, completing her degree a year before her 40th birthday.
EIT Bachelor of Nursing graduate Jaedi Davies (Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngāti Porou) is helping deliver healthcare on the East Coast through her role with iwi-based provider Ngāti Porou Oranga.
“I’ve been around the healthcare system for a while with my son who has been medically unwell pretty much his whole life. It was kind of a no-brainer. I wanted to give back to my iwi and show my children that no matter where you live or what obstacles you face, you can achieve your goals.”
After finishing high school in Tairāwhiti, Jaedi joined the army before moving to Australia. The 39-year-old mother of two moved back home in 2019.
She began her studies at EIT Tairāwhiti in 2022 with the NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation before enrolling in the three-year Bachelor of Nursing.
Despite disruptions, including the lingering effects of COVID-19 and the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, Jaedi found strong support from EIT staff and her classmates.
“The tutors were really helpful. They gave me options, but I chose to persevere through it all.”
Jaedi says the highlight of her studies was not just graduating but doing so alongside her classmates.
“We all started together in year one and walked across the stage together. That was really special.”
Her final-year placement with Ngāti Porou Oranga led directly to her current role.
Now part of the New Entry to Practice (NETP) programme, she helps deliver healthcare in Ngāti Porou.
“We live so rural, and we don’t have a lot of clinicians. It’s about encouraging the next generation to come through and take over from those who won’t be here forever.”
EIT Senior Nursing Lecturer Adrianna Grogan said: “From her commencement on the Bachelor of Nursing programme Jaedi Davies (JD) demonstrated true passion and an absolute commitment to becoming a registered nurse”.
“JD lived up the East Coast and would travel daily in all sorts of weather to attend class. She was committed to her studies and a great supporter of the other students in her class. Throughout her clinical placements, JD received high praise from preceptors especially for her commitment to Māori patients.
“I am immensely proud of JD and what she has achieved and to know she is back working with her iwi is so special.”
