Mālō e lelei, my name is Tauafu Fonua Havili. I'm a New Zealand-born Tongan, and I’ve been working for Te Whatu Ora since 2008, when I was just a young chicken!
I started as a Cultural Support Worker and progressed to being a Pacific Cultural Advisor at Auckland City Hospital. I’ve always aspired to work within my Pasifika community and my background is in community work, so 16 years ago, this role was a natural fit.
My background is also in Human Sciences and learning about culture to enhance my role in serving Pacific people. The journey has taught me a great deal, personally and professionally.
A year or two ago, my colleagues encouraged me to study nursing; I was invited to participate in conferences for Pasifika nurses, and I even gave a presentation.
My interest in nursing grew, and if I reflect back to 29 years ago when I was in high school, it was always my mother's wish for me to become a nurse. From a young age, I was the interpreter and carer for my elderly family members, especially my parents. Whenever we visited the doctor or hospital, I was the mediator between the hospital staff and my family. That aspiration, planted years ago, has now come full circle.
Thankfully, my Rise scholarship has given me an opportunity I don’t think I would have found elsewhere. I didn’t know about the scholarship until my manager suggested it, saying I would be supported while I studied. It has been a huge sacrifice; I went from working full-time for nearly 17 years to committing to part-time work while studying full-time. I enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing Pacific at MIT, which incorporates Pacific worldviews into the mainstream Bachelor of Nursing. The Rise scholarship has helped me tremendously. As we all know, times are tough, and switching to part-time work has given me a whole new perspective.
When I worked full-time, I was proud to provide for my family, support my extended family and my husband’s family, and fulfill my community obligations. At the beginning of the year, I remember wondering how I would afford a laptop costing over $1,000, along with stationery and nursing equipment.
When I received the news that my scholarship application had been successful, it lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity that Rise supporters have given me.
With my combined network of support, I feel relieved and even more determined not to disappoint those who stand behind me; especially my husband, my son, my parents, my extended family, and my work family. My work family has contributed immensely to my success, not only in my professional development, but also in my personal growth.
After my three-year journey to becoming a registered nurse, I aspire to graduate into a leadership role where I can advocate for better Pasifika health outcomes. I hope to incorporate my cultural knowledge, from both my upbringing and my academic journey, into my nursing career.
I just want to say: Malo ‘aupito (thank you).
I know how difficult it is to secure scholarships these days, but receiving a full-year Rise scholarship shows just how much the hospital, the Foundation, and Rise supporters value our nursing workforce. I am very, very thankful. I believe that God sets plans in motion, but it’s up to us to make those plans succeed. When we plant seeds, we can later reap the harvest and use those blessings to help our community, our families, and those under our care.
Malo ‘aupito.
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Your support will help Auckland City Hospital’s teams do even more for patients and whānau in their care, beyond what government funding can provide.
