ProCare has recognised two outstanding Pacific nursing graduates from Unitec Institute of Technology, awarding scholarships as part of its commitment to strengthening New Zealand’s future primary care workforce.
The ProCare Metua Bates-Faasisila Top Pacific Nurse Award recognises final year Bachelor of Nursing students who have achieved excellent academic results and shown a strong commitment to supporting Pacific health. This marks the fifth year of Pacific nursing students being recognised with scholarships from ProCare.
Gabrielle Lord, Nursing Director and General Manager of Clinical and Practice services at ProCare, says the award reflects ProCare’s commitment to supporting and encouraging more Pacific nurses into primary care careers.
“Working in primary care gives clinicians a unique and meaningful opportunity to directly support their communities through preventative and ongoing health care delivered close to home.
“Pacific nurses play an essential leadership role within their communities, helping people navigate the health system and access the care and support they need. We are proud to support emerging nursing leaders who are passionate about improving health outcomes for Pacific peoples.”
The 2026 recipients, Grace McCormick (Tongan/Niuean/Māori) and Michael Kapisi (Niuean), both from Auckland, were recognised at a special awards ceremony at the Pacific Centre in Mt Albert recently by Viv Pole, Head of Pacific Health at ProCare.
Grace, who received her award in absentia due to being overseas, says she has always been passionate about making a meaningful difference for Pacific communities struggling to access care.
“What inspired me to pursue nursing was that there continues to be a significant shortage of Pacific and Māori nurses in our healthcare system. I want to help drive positive change by providing culturally responsive care and advocating for equitable health change.”
Grace looks forward to continuing to build her knowledge and clinical experience, working towards Nurse Practitioner training.
Michael is also pursuing the Nurse Practitioner pathway, with the goal of working in primary care. When he received the award, he shared his hopes of contributing to a healthcare system that reflects the Pacific community and their culture.
“I would encourage more Pacific students to consider nursing as a career pathway, so that we can continue to see more Pacific faces represented in healthcare,” he says.
Lord says investing in Pacific nursing graduates is an important step towards building a workforce that is equitable, culturally connected, and responsive to community needs.
“Practices in the ProCare Network serve over 70,000 Pacific patients, so naturally, Pacific healthcare is a key priority for us. By supporting and investing in students who are working towards this same goal, we are helping to develop a workforce that has the skills, knowledge and perspective to provide our Pacific communities with the essential care they deserve.”
About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi.
As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to more than 640,000 patients across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz