Photo caption: University of Canterbury Bachelor of Science student Ofa Kitekeiaho
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) Bachelor of Science student Ofa Kitekeiaho says growing up in a Pacific community exposed her to barriers in accessing community-specific healthcare.
“I know we have good health care in New Zealand,” Kitekeiaho says, “but coming from a Pasifika background, I’ve seen first-hand the impact that systemic barriers have on our communities – from health literacy to cultural safety in the health system. That inspired me to contribute to change,” Kitekeiaho says.
In her final year of study, majoring in Public Health and minoring in Psychology, Kitekeiaho wanted to understand the reality of working in public health.
“I wanted some experience and understanding of what a public health role would look like for me.”
UC Work Integrated Learning Lecturer Dr Kylie Taffard says the internship experience is a powerful tool. “It allowed Ofa to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Beyond that bridge, Ofa described a powerful experience that provided a sense of clarity and commitment to her chosen pathway.”
Motivated to gain real-world experience, Kitekeiaho enrolled in the PACE internship programme.
“The PACE course helped me to connect with an organisation that could help me apply my classroom learning in a practical environment and gave me credits towards my degree.”
Through the programme, she was connected to a new internship opportunity with Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust, a charitable organisation aimed at helping people with neurological disorders experience hope and connection through outdoor adventure.
“As a small charity, the value we gain by working with the PACE internship programme is significant. Interns bring fresh perspectives and a can-do attitude that helps us tackle large projects,” Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust Manager and Trustee Nick Allen says.
Supporting the development of a youth-led adventure programme, Kitekeiaho contributed to literature reviews, survey design and data analysis, researching user needs and priorities.
“One thing that really stood out to me was the amount of work that goes into getting funding, as well as the amount of support and work that goes into a programme like this.”
Kitekeiaho says the internship presented new challenges but also meaningful opportunities to put UC’s values into practice.
“There were things that I hadn’t learnt in class and new perspectives that created challenges, but my studies at UC really set me up well for understanding equity, wellbeing and community development, which really supported me in the role.
“My biggest opportunity was the ability to create something meaningful. The work contributes to people in the programme being able to step outside of their comfort zone and aim for their adventure goals. I’m really excited that the internship and the research is going to continue” she says.
As a remote role, Kitekeiaho says the internship offered her great flexibility to be able to continue with her studies and experience remote working.
“I felt really well supported by both Nick, his team and the PACE team, but it also helped me identify that I would like to work in a workplace-based environment.
Kitekeiaho’s next step is an on-site internship with the Pegasus Health Cardiovascular unit.
“It’s experiences like this that reminds me of why I choose public health – because everyone deserves the opportunity to live well, be seen, and be supported.”
“It has also really helped to identify where to next once I finish my degree this year. I’m excited about the possibility of a Melbourne-based master’s programme and in the long-term, I’d love to work in health policy or research that centers the voices of underrepresented communities, especially Pasifika youth.”
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