Kia Ora Hauora National

This National Blood Donor Week, NZ Blood Service is reminding us that Māori and Pasifika blood is not just needed… it’s uniquely important 🩸💟

While most people know about blood groups like A, B, AB and O, there are actually dozens of blood subtypes inherited through whakapapa and genetics. One very rare blood type, Jk3, is found more commonly in Māori and Pasifika donors, but right now, there are only 20 known donors in Aotearoa.

“Māori and Pasifika blood is quite unique,” says NZBS National Manager Marketing & Communications Asuka Burge. “Your blood type is inherited from your parents – this means you are more likely to share the same blood subtype as someone from the same ethnic background.” 🗣️ Yup, that means Māori and Pasifika donors can play a huge role in helping save lives within our own communities 🌿

Giving blood might seem small, but for someone else, it could mean everything 💟🩸Visit nzblood.co.nz for more info & to check if you're eligible 🫶

📝 Statistics: NZ Blood | Te Ratonga Toto O Aotearoa

Representation in healthcare goes far beyond “just seeing more Māori” 👀

It impacts how safe people feel, whether they trust the system, how comfortable they are asking for help, and ultimately, health outcomes for our people 💟

When Māori are reflected throughout the health workforce, our communities are more likely to feel seen, understood, and supported 🌿✊

We love to see it! 👏 Wellspring Medical Centre in Taupō has become the first practice outside Pinnacle's original pilot sites to fully adopt the Tikanga in Practice programme - weaving tikanga into everyday care so whānau Māori feel welcomed, respected, and safe. 💛

Read more:

www.nzdoctor.co.nz

Nurses and health champions were recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours - including Irihapeti Bullmore (Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Kāi Tahu, Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi) for her kaupapa Māori mahi with kaumātua, Janice Kuka (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi) for 40+ years championing Māori health, and Ros Corban (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri) for over 60 years of nursing. 👏

A well-deserved acknowledgment of the people turning up for our whānau every day. 💜

Read more 👉

Nursing, health stars prominent in 2026 King’s Birthday honours – Kaitiaki Nursing New Zealand News Nursing, health stars prominent in 2026 King’s Birthday honours By Kaitiaki co-editors June 3, 2026 Compassion, knowledge, mana — this year’s King’s Birthday Honours recognised extraordinary lives in nursing and health. Irihapeti Bullmore, one of this year's Honours recipients, pictured...

Be honest… how’s semester really going? 😭

Whether you're thriving or surviving... just know that making it this far still counts 💟🌿And if you need anyone to talk to, Kia Ora Hauora is here for you 🫶

In a study slump right now? 😭 You don’t need to fix everything at once. Start small, change your space, and just get one thing done. Momentum > motivation every time.

Let's goooooo 💪

Before colonisation, Māori didn't smoke. But when to***co was brought over in the 1700s... things changed for us. Quickly. Don't know how smoking and to***co related illness affect Māori? 🤔 Let's take a look at the facts:

Smokefree NZ reports that:
🚭 14.7% of Māori adults smoke daily (around 95,000 people)
🚭 Māori are 2.6x more likely to smoke than non-Māori
🚭 Smoking is still one of the biggest reasons for the life expectancy gap between Māori and non-Māori

We also know it’s not as simple as “just quit”. Smoking can be tied to stress, routine, and life itself. Hey, there's no judgement here.

But change is happening. And if you’re stepping into a career in health, you’re part of that shift. Supporting whānau, sharing knowledge, and helping create an auahi kore future, one step at a time 🌿🌬️

Hey it's us again, your hauora pathway bestie 🫶 Just some lil reminders from us to you ✍️ You got this! 🌿

Register with Kia Ora Hauora and join a community that’s got your back 💟 https://register.kiaorahauora.co.nz/ 🔗