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Kia Puāwai: 2024/25 recipients

6 November 2025

In June we presented Kia Puāwai awards to three recipients from across our network and community.

Kayla Wairingiringi Luke, Ce’Nedra Akarere Hutu Henry, and Leesa Kataraina King, each received $5,000 to support further study while they continue contributing to better health outcomes.

Kia Puāwai is Pinnacle’s Māori and Pasifika education fund. It provides practical support for study and professional development so learning translates into better health outcomes for whānau. Applications for the 2026 Kia Puāwai scholarships open on Thursday 6 November.

“The primary care workforce does not yet reflect our Māori and Pasifika communities, and general practice enrolment is lower for these groups. The cost of further study is a significant barrier. Through Kia Puāwai we reduce that barrier so kaimahi can advance and communities see improved access, continuity, and outcomes. When kaimahi bring their knowledge into practices and primary care settings, it also builds understanding and a sense of safety for whānau.”
- Rāwiri Blundell, GM Māori Health and Equity, Pinnacle

Our 2024/25 recipients

Kayla Wairingiringi Luke, Ngāti Ruanui Healthcare, Hāwera, is a school-based health nurse and senior nurse educator, studying a Master of Health Service Management at Massey University. Kayla works with rangatahi and with the nurses who support them. Her focus is leadership, systems thinking, and fair use of resources so whānau centred care becomes the norm across multidisciplinary teams.

Photo (top of page) at the Taranaki presentation - Kayla Wairingiringi Luke with, from Pinnacle (L-R): Glen Katu and Koro Samuels (Pou Tikanga), Tama Tamatea (district manager, Taranaki), Charlie Poihipi (programme manager, Māori health and equity), Jess Knight (nursing lead, Taranaki) and Rāwiri Blundell (GM Māori health and equity).

Kayla graduating from her Master of Health Service Management, May 2026.

Ce’Nedra Akarere Hutu Henry is a health educator at South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services, Tokoroa, and is also studying a Bachelor of Health (Health Promotion) at Te Wānanga o Waikato / University of Waikato. Ce’Nedra is turning community insight into evidence-based action, designing, delivering, and evaluating initiatives that reduce health disparities for Pasifika families in South Waikato.

Photo (top of page) at the Waikato presentation - Ce’Nedra Henry with, from Pinnacle (L-R): Rāwiri Blundell, Charlie Poihipi and Koro Samuels.

Leesa Kataraina King, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao is a registered nurse and Piripoho community nurse, studying a Master of Māori and Indigenous Studies at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. Leesa is developing Pūmanawa Kapakapa, a culturally grounded supervision model to support Māori nurses’ growth, safety, and connection, strengthening care where it is most needed.

These scholarships were awarded across Māori and Pasifika streams.