Education: New Māori pharmacist looking to make an impact

‘Aka: Pounamu Keepa (right) & pāpā Tuhakia Keepa performing at Taranaki Tū Mai at the end of November.

Pounamu Keepa hopes a familiar face behind the pharmacy counter will help improve the trust between whānau Māori and the health system.

After four years of study, Pounamu has graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Otago at the graduation ceremony held in Ōtepoti.

His degree allows him to practice as a registered pharmacist, responsible for the distribution of medication to prevent, treat and cure disease.

“A career in health has always been my goal, and throughout my years as a pharmacy student, I have identified areas in the healthcare system that I can improve and change to suit our w’ānau better,” Pounamu says.

“Lots of our w’ānau are dealing with lots of different health challenges. They’re prescribed all these medications but sometimes don’t understand the importance of taking them or how they work.

“Things like having a kōrero with w’ānau and spending a couple of minutes with them to explain how they work and how the medication helps them will only help them to understand. Hopefully with that, they’ll be more likely to stick to their treatment plan.

Pounamu Keepa

“I’m hopeful that a familiar face will improve the trust that w’ānau have with the health system.”

Being a Māori pharmacist will be “pretty special”. he says.

“It’s not often you see a Māori behind the counter at a pharmacy. I’m hopeful that a familiar face will improve the trust of whānau Māori with the health system and medication.”

Pounamu said that university can be challenging, especially in Dunedin being away from your family and the lack of brown faces.

“You feel sort of out of place as a Te Reo Māori speaking, brown face. It’s important to quickly get a good group together, and hold space for one another.

“It’s mean to see plenty of Māori in health professional programmes. I’m looking forward to seeing tauira Māori out practicing in the hospital wards, dentists and pharmacies.”

Pounamu’s commitment to his study was recognised this year when he was awarded the Ngāti Ruanui education grant, the Paraninihi Ki Waitōtara (PKW) undergraduate scholarship and Te Arawa Whānau Ora’s Ngaroma (Mala) Grant Memorial Scholarship.

The PKW scholarship was awarded based on Te Reo Māori fluency, previous academic performance, and the ability to write and structure essays.

Pounamu ranked highest out of all applicants for the 2023 year.

“I’m always grateful for the support my people invest into me. The last year has been tough with rent increases, and kai down in Dunedin is expensive as.

“Without the support of the various scholarships, I definitely wouldn’t have been able to fufill my aspiration of a career in health.”

Pounamu plans to take a gap year in Denmark, before starting his career in pharmacy later next year.