Kia Puāwai - 2026 Māori and Pasifika Education Fund now open

Poipoia te kākano, kia puāwai.
Nurture the seed and it will blossom.

Pinnacle is excited to reopen Kia Puāwai (our Māori and Pasifika Education Fund) for 2026. This fund, with a value of $15,000 (up to $5,000 each for up to three people), has been created to tautoko the continuous development and career progression of our Māori and now Pasifika, workforce. 

We acknowledge disparities in the health system and strive to uphold principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

Read about the 2025 recipients, and the inaugural recipient of Kia Puāwai. 

Pūtea moni / Available funding

$5,000 – for Pinnacle practice network Māori kaimahi.

$5,000 – for Pinnacle MHN Māori kaimahi.

$5,000 – Pasifika kaimahi (open to both Pinnacle MHN and the practice network). 

E māraurau ana koe? Are you eligible?

To be eligible for Kia Puāwai, the following criteria need to be met.

Eligible applicants need to:

1. identify as Māori or Pasifika
2. have been continuously employed by Pinnacle or a Pinnacle general practice for 12 months or more
3. be employed on a permanent basis (0.5FTE and above)
4. be able to produce an application with an external education provider when requested
5. apply for funding or part funding in the year of study/ further development is being undertaken
6. be endorsed by your current manager.

We are open and supportive of applications that align with Te Whare Tapa Whā. 

Ngā kawatau a Pinnacle / Pinnacle expectations

• You remain committed to the programme of study by completing all components of the course.
• You make a conscious effort to perform the course work to the best of your ability.
• You can ensure that by undertaking study it does not impact on your ability to perform in your current role.
• You notify Pinnacle as soon as possible if you are unable to complete the course work or you’re having difficulties with the course content.
• You remain employed with your employer during the funded study period. 

Ka pēhea koe te tono? How to apply

Applications for this intake closed Thursday 11 December 2025. You will be notified if your application has been shortlisted within two weeks of the application close date. 

Pātai? Questions?

If you have any pātai about Kia Puāwai, please feel welcome to contact Rawiri Blundell (details below). The Pinnacle people and culture team will receive the applications and manage the process.