Pacific Health Wayfinders
Learn more about our recruitment initiative designed to support Pacific secondary school students in their journey towards a future in health and medicine.
Pacific Health Wayfinders
Pacific Health Wayfinders (PHW) is a student recruitment initiative led by the Office of the Associate Dean for Pacific, Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga. Established in November 2021, the Pacific Health Wayfinders supports and guides students into health careers by helping them navigate entry into the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences (FMHS) undergraduate programmes.
Aligned with Vision 20:20, PHW have a long-term commitment to strengthening the Pacific health workforce. By increasing the number of Pacific health professionals, we can help improve health outcomes for Pacific communities across Aotearoa. Studying at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences provides students with the knowledge, skills, and networks to make a meaningful contribution to the future of Pacific health.
Our programme offers guidance on subject selection, pathway planning, and course advice to support a successful transition into university.
If you’re a high school student and of indigenous Pacific ancestry interested in Health Sciences, register below. Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on events and opportunities.
Book a School Visit or Workshop
Schools are invited to arrange a school workshop for Y9 to Y13 Pacific students interested in a career in Medicine and Health Sciences.
| Date | Audience | Event Details |
|---|---|---|
| March to November | Y9-Y10 students |
Early Discovery Schools can book a Pacific-focused workshop to inspire and explore health careers. |
| March to September | Y11 & Y12 students | Laying the Foundation Schools can book a session on subject selection, rank scores, and university preparation tips. |
| March to November | Y13 students and parents | Finding Your Path Book a 1:1 session with PHW for FMHS career pathways, scholarships, and MAPAS insights. |
| July to September | Y12-Y13 students | Pacific Academy After-School Tutor 7-week programme for Y12-13 students preparing for NCEA externals in Physics, Chemistry, Calculus, and Statistics. |
2025 Event Calendar
Open to all Year 11-13 Indigenous Pacific students interested in health careers! Experience hands-on learning, explore FMHS pathways, get a taste of university life, and learn about MAPAS and preparation tips.
| Date | Audience | Event Details |
|---|---|---|
| May 7 | Y11 students | Y11 Va'a Experience Students will explore health careers through interactive sessions on FMHS pathways and |
| May 8 | Y9-Y12 parents | Y9-12 Dream Big Parent Fono Parents will learn about FMHS, MAPAS, Pacific health needs, and supporting their child's university journey. |
| Jul 1-2 | Y12 students | Y12 Va'a Experience Students will have a two-day hands-on experience in Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Optometry, and Research, with hospital and lab tours and Year 13 prep tips. |
| Jul 8-9 | Y13 students | Y13 Getting Ready This two-day event helps Year 13s transition to university with application support, scholarships, MAPAS prep, accommodation tours, and the PHW Amazing Race Challenge. |
| Jul 10 | Y13 parents | Y13 Dream Big Parent Fono Parents of Year 13 students will learn how to support their child's university transition, including applications, scholarships, MAPAS, and challenges. |
University Open Days
| Date | Audience | Event Details |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 10 | Everyone | Manawa Mai Info Evening - Online The University of Auckland Online Info Evening provides students and parents with insights into university life, faculties, and courses. |
| Aug 30 | Everyone | Manawa Mai Open Day - On campus The University of Auckland Open Day lets students explore campus, faculties, resources, and degree options. |
