After training and working as a carpenter, second year nursing student, Setu Te Hae, realised that he was on the wrong career path.
With a long-held interest in health and wellbeing due to his background in sport, Setu decided to give nursing a go.
“It was actually my dad, who works for Kaupapa Māori provider, Purapura
Whetu, who asked me if I was interested in health. I decided to give it a go and I’ve been really enjoying it.”
Born and raised in Christchurch, Setu’s parents are Samoan and Māori (Waikato-Tainui and Hauraki) and this heavily influences where he wants his career to lead.
“I’m most interested in Māori and Pacific health. I’ve got a soft spot for our community. We need to understand the importance of health and the lifestyles that we live. It comes down to breaking the cycle.
“It’s also about being a role-model and paving the way for young Māori and
Pasifika nurses to come through.”