New Foundation launches Māori health leadership scholarships

14 February 2011

Exciting new opportunities will be created through the Henry Rongomau Bennett Foundation that is launched today, says Professor Sir Mason Durie, Chair of the Henry Rongomau Bennett Foundation.

“The Henry Rongomau Bennett Foundation (Leadership in Māori Health) named in memory of the first Māori psychiatrist, will drive Māori clinical, management and governance leadership in the health sector,” says Professor Sir Mason Durie.

Launched today by Hon. Tariana Turia in Rotorua, the Henry Rongomau Bennett Foundation will expand on the successful Henry Rongomau Bennett Memorial Scholarships programme run by Te Rau Matatini, established in 2001, which has successfully supported 219 students graduate in clinical health fields.

“The Bob Henare Awards celebrate his life achievements in the health sector. The inaugural Bob Henare Award recipient is Natasha Cully for excellence and innovation in best practice by rangatahi Māori in the mental health sector, said Kirsty Maxwell-Crawford Te Rau Matatini Chief Executive.

“The Harry Pitman Excellence and Innovation Awards acknowledge his contribution in the health sector. The Award is for those excellence, innovation and best practice in addiction. The inaugural Harry Pitman Award recipient in 2011 is Rawiri Pene.

“We have also awarded 29 undergraduate and 29 postgraduate Henry Rongomau Memorial Scholarships for 2011.

“The Indigenous International Exchange programme will provide valuable opportunities for Māori to gain additional international experience working in indigenous health in Australia in 2011, and Hawai’I in 2012.

“In the past leadership planning has been haphazard and unsupported. We must be deliberate and purposeful in planning and developing Māori leadership in the health sector, so those future leaders can meet the challenges in Māori health and contribute to the wider sector,” Kirsty Maxwell Crawford said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media