Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury
From Oamaru to Ara, Tapa’atoutai’s resilience, community leadership, and commitment to healthcare education embody the essence of Pacific values.
Uinita (Nita) Tapa’atoutai has won the Supreme Award at the Ara Institute of Canterbury end of year Pacific Achievement Awards.
The second-year nursing student, and mother of five received the accolade at a gala event in Christchurch on Thursday night.
Tapa’atoutai was quick to thank her wider community, “This win is not bestowed onto me alone, as it was not an individual success but success of a collective. I dedicate this achievement to my Pacific community and my wider communities, families and whanau.”
Uinita began her study journey in 2022, graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Management from Otago Polytechnic but she soon found her calling was in nursing. She commenced her Level 4 Pre Health with Ara Timaru and is just finishing up her second year in the Bachelor of Nursing programme .
“During my years at Tonga High School, I was supported to grow my knowledge and enhance my love for science,” she said. “My life experiences have enhanced my motivation to pursue a career in the nursing profession. Looking at our Pacific statistics, I want to work be among those who make positive impact on people’s lives and to improve health outcomes for Aotearoa,” she said. Ara Director of Pacific Achievement, Sua Tauti, said, “Despite numerous challenges, including long daily commutes from Oamaru to the Ara Timaru Campus, Uinita has shown unwavering commitment and successfully completed year two.
In addition to her studies, Tapa’atoutai supports Pacific community organisations in Oamaru, works part-time at Oamaru Hospital, provides Tongan translation support, assists with heart health checks, and encourages Pacific students to pursue healthcare careers.
Her immense contribution to community as well as her studies contributed to her taking out the Supreme award among a group of five finalists.
“Her resilience, dedication, and community spirit are truly admirable,” said Tauti
Tapa’atoutai said “Learning is a never-ending process, whatever your dream and your passion you can make it possible. Believe in yourself and all that you are, know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle. Stay motivated and positive.”
In 2023 Tapa’aoutai was the recipient of a Ministry for Pacific Peoples funding grant and her dedication to study over recent years has seen her notch up an impressive list of qualifications: Level Three Health and Wellbeing Community Service and a Level Four Community Facilitation apprenticeship through Careerforce, a Bachelor of Applied Management through Otago Polytechnic, a Certificate of Proficiency in Pacific Nutrition from Auckland University online and finally Ara’s Level Four Pre Health online, gaining her entry to Ara’s Bachelor Nursing Programme. The Ara Pacific Supreme Award is about showcasing Pacific values which includes Tautua (Service), Vanua (Connection to Land and Community), Fakaalofa (Compassion and Love), all which Tapa’atoutai has gone above and beyond to display.
Tapa’atoutai said she was while she was overwhelmed to receive it, the award only motivated her to keep going. “I want to work to give back to my village, my community and my family. Every day is a challenge, but I always remind myself, I must go through the worst to get to the best. As a Tongan woman I have responsibilities to look after and give my utmost for my family, village and community and all those who supported me throughout my journey.”
