The New Zealand minister of Pacific Islands affairs, Georgina te Heuheu, says a new nursing degree, which incorporates Pacific values to complement clinical capability, is an investment in the wellbeing of Pacific communities.
Mrs te Heuheu was speaking at the launch of the Manukau Institute of Technology's Bachelor of Nursing Pacific programme.
She says Pacific health workforce development is also a government priority.
Mrs te Heuheu says with Pacific people experiencing poor health outcomes, it makes good sense to ensure better access to appropriate health services.
She says access was enhanced by a workforce skilled in both clinical capability and cultural sensitivity.
