Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
33 seconds ago
EIT Bachelor of Nursing graduate Tiara Grayndler-Hollis’ journey to becoming a hospice nurse in Tairāwhiti was inspired by the two men who meant the most to her: her ‘papa’ and her father.
The 30-year-old mother of three (Ngāti Porou, Whakatōhea) began studying at EIT Tairāwhiti in 2022 after her ‘papa’ Hugh Grayndler, who she cared for, passed away the year prior.
Tiara Grayndler-Hollis (Ngāti Porou, Whakatōhea) graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing at EIT Tairāwhiti and is now working at Hospice Tairāwhiti.
“While caring for him, he mentioned that he wished I was his nurse,” Tiara said.
“When I lost him, I didn’t know what I was going to do because my days consisted of dropping my kids off and then going to him, caring for him and going home. So, I decided to study nursing to honour him.”
Midway through her studies, Tiara’s father Rob Hollis was diagnosed with cancer. She brought him home to care for him while continuing her degree.
“The team at EIT were incredible. They really supported me through that time. I was caring for Dad and still trying to study, and they made it possible.”
Her father passed away in March 2024.
It was during this time that Tiara was introduced to the work of Hospice Tairāwhiti. Her father was under their care, and the experience left a lasting impression.
“Seeing how the hospice team cared for Dad and our whānau really touched me. I saw another side of nursing, and it made me realise hospice was where my heart was. My ‘papa’ inspired me to become a nurse, and my dad guided me to hospice.”
She completed her final placement with the hospice team and made it clear that it was the only place she wanted to work.
“I told them I’d only put hospice down on my NETP (Nursing Entry to Practice Programme) application. I was lucky to have already built a connection with the team while they were caring for my dad.”
Now working as a hospice nurse, Tiara says the role allows her to continue honouring her ‘papa’ and father.
“I still feel connected to them here. I just enjoy being out there helping whānau towards the end of life, making sure their symptoms are controlled and they are not suffering.”
She was also able to put her skills to use towards the end of her uncle’s (Henry Hollis) life earlier this year.
“It felt like I was honouring my dad again.”
Before nursing, Tiara had considered a very different path. After finishing high school, she studied travel and tourism with dreams of becoming a flight attendant. Plans to join the Air Force with her cousin were then put on hold when she became a mother.
During her time at EIT, Tiara explored different areas of nursing, including geriatric nursing and mental health. A placement at Te Waharoa, a service grounded in te ao Māori, left a strong impression. But it was her father’s hospice journey that ultimately shaped her direction.
She now balances her work with raising her three children, aged eight, seven and five.
“I love what I do. The hours fit around my kids, and I get to make a difference every day. It is a privilege.”
Reflecting on her studies, Tiara says EIT Tairāwhiti’s small classes and supportive environment made all the difference.
“It’s such a whānau-based place. The tutors are understanding and genuinely care about your family life. If you have tamariki, EIT Tairāwhiti is definitely the place to study.”
EIT Senior Nursing Lecturer Adrianna Grogan said: “Tiara’s life experiences with the losses of whānau prior to beginning the Bachelor of Nursing programme and during the programme have shaped the registered nurse she is today”.
“Through challenging situations, Tiara remained committed and focused on her studies and her ultimate goal of becoming a registered nurse. It was with great pride that I watched Tiara walk across the stage at her graduation, carrying her father’s photo and knowing that when you are committed to what you are doing, you can achieve your dream.”