Māori take many different paths to becoming Fellows, and Te Waka Hauora and the Māori Health Committee (MHC) are here to support you throughout your journey.

We offer pastoral care, guidance, and a range of initiatives to strengthen your training experience, professional growth, and wellbeing. Whether you’re just beginning your training journey or already in advanced training, our programs and resources are tailored to help you thrive in your career as a physician while fostering cultural connection and leadership capability.

Ki Uta Ki Tai: Māori Trainee Journey

Ki Uta Ki Tai reflects the holistic support we provide throughout your training – from the beginning of your medical journey to fellowship. This framework underpins all of our initiatives, ensuring that Māori trainees and fellows are supported academically, professionally, and culturally.

View the Trainee journey map – Ki Uta, Ki Tai (PDF)

Indigenous Scholarships & Prizes

We have a range of scholarships that support medical graduates and current RACP trainees who identify as Māori on their chosen career path to becoming a physician.

See Indigenous Scholarships & Prizes and Education Development Grants for more information on how to apply.

Indigenous Leadership Fund

The Indigenous Leadership Fund provides funding support to eligible trainees and Fellows for activities that contribute to leadership, cultural and professional development. This includes but is not limited to conference attendance and relevant courses.

Coaching program

Māori trainees are invited to participate in confidential one-on-one coaching through Shepherd Psychology. This support is provided independently from the College, with coaching tailored to individual goals and able to focus on wellbeing, performance, or work-life balance. Sessions can be conducted online or in person, and the programme is fully funded by the College.

Current format includes:

• Initial kōrero to set goals
• 1 x 90-minute session and up to 2 additional 60-minute sessions

Contact:
Dr Matthew Shepherd | matt@shepherdpsychology.com | 027 218 0912

Māori mentoring program

The mentoring program pairs Māori trainees with an experienced Māori Fellow. This fosters tuākana–teina relationships, providing guidance, advice, and support. Contact Te Waka Hauora to learn about how you can get involved.

Events and networking opportunities

Annual Trainee Wānanga: Connect with Māori trainees across the College to learn, share experiences, and strengthen peer and professional networks. 13–14 August 2026, Wellington | Te Whanganui a Tara.

• Auckland – Tuesday 12 May
• Tauranga – Tuesday 30 June
• Christchurch – Tuesday 28 July
• Wellington – Tuesday 25 August
• Hamilton – Tuesday 22 September
• Northland – Tuesday 17 November

Complimentary physician briefcase

We have briefcases with equipment available to Māori trainees eligible for the Divisional Clinical Exam or other relevant clinical assessments. Contact Te Waka Hauora at hauoramaori@racp.org.nz to request your briefcase.

Fee Initiative 

The Fee Initiative removes annual training and exam registration fees for trainees not employed by Te Whatu Ora throughout Basic and Advanced Training. Contact Te Waka Hauora at hauoramaori@racp.org.nz if you have any pātai on eligibility.

Flexible Training Policy

Our Flexible Training Policy improves equity, wellbeing and inclusion in training, and ensures focus on educational outcomes is maintained.

Staying in touch

Hauora Māori Pānui

Stay connected with us through the Hauora Māori Pānui eBulletin. It’s our way of keeping you informed about what’s happening in Māori health, education, practice, advocacy, and research.

Are you a Māori member?

Ensure your MyRACP is updated to reflect your Māori whakapapa. This helps the Te Waka Hauora identify and connect with you, and ensures you receive tailored communications and updates, including our quarterly pānui Te Waka Hauora can be contacted anytime via  hauoramaori@racp.org.nz.

Resources

Thinking about joining us? Learn more about how we can support you on your journey.          

• Hauora Māori Brochure (PDF)
• Te Waka Hauora
• Māori Health Committee
• Māori commitment page