Balanced News: Whakamana Whānau programme boosts Māori and Pasifika health workforce

The Whakamana Whānau programme in Canterbury, New Zealand has been successful in getting Māori and Pasifika people into non-clinical roles in the healthcare workforce. The programme has now expanded across the country, with a focus on progressing participants into clinical roles such as registered nurses or technicians. Participants have reported increased confidence and support, and some have inspired their family and friends to join the programme. The programme has appointed 80 Māori and Pasifika into the healthcare workforce in Canterbury, with a retention rate of 93 percent. It is now being expanded nationally, with a goal of training 200-300 people over the next two years.