Dedicated Oamaru nursing student wins top award

_{Uinita Tapa’atoutai honoured with Supreme award at the 2024 Pacific Achievement Awards.}

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.

_{All the 2024 finalists for the Supreme Award at the Pacific Achievement Awards.}

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.

_{Recieving her supreme award from Ara Director, Darren Mitchell.}

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."

Full list of Pacific Achievement Award Winners 2024: 

Level 2 Academic Achievement & Community Commitment: 

Marcus Elliott, James Mills 

Level 3 Academic Achievement & Community Commitment 

Tuamelie Vehikite, Epeli Nayacalevu, Luisa Tausili 

Level 4 Academic Achievement & Community Commitment: 

Kaden-Taua Tuisuga, Sue Asomua, Rusiate Russy Vatuniqere, Mareca Toga, Meleuini Tufui  

Diploma & Degree Level 5-7 Academic Achievement & Community Commitment 

Lydia Iosefo, Claire Lenitua, Malaea Mcfadyen, Krishna Naidu, Malia Soana Taake Havea, Mere Dimuri, Ameet Pillay, Vincent Lasei, Olmpic-Sesili-Nuuuli  Latu, Kupi Tuitama, Anau Taunga, Annalise Tuvaine Ioata, Tuivaka Talie, Gezeng  Yeki, Unaloto Artack, Uinita Tapa’atoutai, Lolohea Tai, Akanesi Kavainutuu, Penina Vaaelua, Alicia Esera 

Postgraduate Level 8-9 Academic Achievement & Community Commitment 

Leilana Wallace  

Elevation Pasifika Tutor of the Year:

Luisa Tausili, Olivia Smith 

Pacific Island Student of Ara (PISA): 

Unaloto Artack, Penina Vaaelua, Asena Tokalaulevu 

Pacific Supreme Award Finalists: 

Gezeng Yeki , Uinita  Tapa'atoutai, Unaloto Artack, Akanesi Kavainutuu, Penina Vaaelua. Winner: Uinita  Tapa'atoutai