Aroha Ruha-Hiraka

Kia ū ki tō Tuakiri; Stay True to Your Identity 

Te reo Māori me ōna tikanga forms the foundation of Aroha's role as a Registered Nurse. Passionate about Te Ao Māori, she upholds these values, integrating all her knowledge into her professional practice, her whānau, and the many other roles she embraces. 

After graduating seven years ago with a Bachelor of Health Sciences Māori Nursing degree from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, Aroha has stayed committed to supporting better health outcomes for Māori. She is currently co-leading a kaupapa Māori nurse-led clinic in Kawerau.

She explains, "We oversee our clinical team and the delivery of primary healthcare services underpinned by te reo and tikanga. These include consultations exclusively in te reo Māori for whānau who request it, the distribution of rongoā Māori in the clinic, Hapū wānanga incorporating traditional Māori birthing practices, and Whānau Pēpi programmes that reconnect whānau to their cultural identity." 

Aroha believes these alternative healing options are what can help support achieving toiora (optimal wellness) for Māori. In 2018, she was named the joint winner of the National Young Nurse of the Year Award, recognised as a significant role model for rangatahi (youth) and aspiring nurses, particularly Māori nurses. She says, “When I received the award, I was just really proud to be Māori, and the advice I would give to other aspiring Māori nurses is – Kia ū ki tō tuakiri (stay true to your identity).” 

As a confident, strong wahine Māori, Aroha's self-awareness and sense of belonging are testament to her whānau and upbringing. Te reo Māori is her first language, and she talks about the different experiences her reo has provided.

“I've been able to use my reo on different platforms and at events. I’ve co-hosted regional and secondary kapa haka, Manu Kōrero, and various other kaupapa.  

 "I was also a kaihaka (performer) in the Mataatua Tāwharautia production with Tame Iti and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. It was a privilege to perform alongside many other talented kaihaka in a powerful production that integrated traditional and classical elements, delving into the stories of the Mataatua Waka and its people."  

"Another highlight for me was presenting our Māori Model of Health, founded by my māmā Peta Ruha, to a diverse group of healthcare professionals in te reo Māori. I also support kaupapa for iwi/hapū wherever I can. These experiences allow me to be unapologetically myself; Māori." 

It comes as no surprise that Aroha performs alongside some of the best kaihaka (Māori performers) in the world. Tauira-mai-Tawhiti Kapa Haka ropū from Te Whānau-a-Apanui placed at the Mātaatua Regionals 2024, securing them a spot at Te Matatini Nationals 2025.  

 "To prepare for Te Matatini next year, I’ll be attending practices, driven by my love for haka. It isn’t about performing; for me, it’s a vessel that keeps our reo and kōrero tawhito alive through waiata and haka. I’ve been with Tauira for five years, so I've participated in five campaigns with the ropū." 

Looking ahead, Aroha is planning to do an internship next year, aspiring to become a Nurse Practitioner in primary health care.  

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