ProCare, in partnership with the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT), was proud to recognise Pacific Nurse graduates at the MIT Pasifika Thanksgiving Celebration held on Thursday,15 May 2025.
ProCare sponsored the Top Pacific Nurse Award, which recognises exceptional Pacific nursing students and aims to promote careers in primary care nursing, as well as encourage ongoing service to Pacific communities. This year, the award was split across three categories – Leadership, Academic, and Clinical Excellence. A huge congratulations to our winners for 2025:
• Luisa To’omata – Leadership Award
• Clarisse Brighouse – Clinical Excellence Award
• Susana Va’afusuaga – Academia Award.
Each recipient has a unique journey to becoming a nurse. Read on for their stories:
Luisa To’omata – Leadership Award winner
Family background: My parents migrated from Samoa to New Zealand in 1986 in pursuit of better opportunities for our family. We come from the beautiful villages of Samauga and Iva in Savai’i. I am the only daughter in a family of three children, with two brothers. My upbringing in a Samoan household taught me the importance of faith, humility, service, and respect - values that continue to guide both my personal life and professional journey.
Success and highlights of my studies: A major milestone in my life has been becoming the first in my family to graduate with a nursing degree. This accomplishment reflects the hopes and prayers of my parents, and it motivates me to keep striving for excellence. I was inspired to pursue nursing after witnessing the language, cultural, and socioeconomic barriers Pacific people often face in the healthcare system, leaving many without the medical attention they need. I wanted to change this narrative and be a source of healing for the Pacific community!
Career pathway: In the short term, I am committed to gaining further clinical experience within primary health care, with a specific focus on Pacific health. My goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner, where I am equipped to provide advanced, culturally responsive care, and champion health equity. I envision myself as part of a new generation of Pacific health professionals who lead with cultural integrity and clinical excellence.
In the medium term, I aspire to be involved in community-based health initiatives, youth education, and health promotion. My aim is to contribute to sustainable, long-term improvements in health outcomes for Pacific peoples through advocacy, education, and community empowerment.
Words of encouragement for Pacific students: To all Pacific students - your culture is your strength. Never underestimate the power of your story. It is normal to face challenges, but always remember your “why” when working to overcome them. Be proud of where you come from, stay connected to your roots, and know that you are creating pathways for future generations. Keep going - you are seen, you are needed, and you are more than capable.
Anything else you wish to add: I would like to acknowledge my parents, whose sacrifices, prayers, and hard work have lain the foundation for everything I’ve achieved. My journey is not just my own - my family, my village, and my Pacific community are all a key part of it. I am committed to giving back to them and becoming the kind of nurse who brings hope, understanding, and transformation to those I serve.
Clarisse Brighouse – Clinical Excellence Award winner
Family background: My ancestral villages in Samoa on my father’s side are Vailoa, Lepa, Sataua, and Siufaga. My ancestral roots on my mother’s side in Niue is the village of Alofi. I am one of nine siblings. I was born in Faga’alu American Samoa, and lived in Apia for some of my childhood. I was raised in a blended family, as both my parents remarried - but despite these life challenges, my mother always worked hard to keep our family bond strong. My grandparents worked hard to help raise us so that my parents could focus on their career and growth.
My mother has been an inspirational Pasifika role model in the community and has led by example with a strong work ethic. My husband, children, family, and village have supported me in becoming the strong individual I am today.
Success and highlights of my studies: What inspired me to do nursing was my passion for helping others, especially our Pasifika and vulnerable communities. My passion to be a Pacific nurse stems from a deep love for my community, a commitment to service, and a passion for promoting health and wellbeing. I am inspired to make a difference, honour our cultural heritage, and contribute to building healthier, stronger Pacific communities.
Career pathway: My long-term goal is to do my postgraduate degree in critical care and specialise in ED. I strive to be part of the movement in delivering culturally appropriate care and advocating for health equity among all those who are vulnerable. As a Pacific Islander, I believe I have the gift of resilience and strength that contributes to overcoming hardships, and this supports my journey in excelling at my career.
Words of encouragement for Pacific students: Good work ethic will always reward you in the end. Representing Pasifika is about caring for one another and is more than just a duty – it’s a way of life and who we are. I strive to practice what I preach by looking after my own health and wellbeing, and leading by example. Additionally, in everything you do, never forget who you are and always share your Pacific qualities, because this is our superpower!
Susana Va’afusuaga - Academia Award winner
Family Background: My villages are Tuana’i and Falease’ela. My Samoan grandparents arrived in New Zealand in the 50’s. My English grandmother was a nurse as well as my mother.
I chose to become a nurse as while growing up, my family cared for my grandfather, grandmother, and my uncle, who all had complex health conditions. Seeing the alofa my family poured into their care made me grateful that my loved ones received this, and I wanted others to experience the same level of care.
Success and highlights of my studies: I began my nursing degree during the COVID-19 pandemic, all while preparing for single motherhood. Despite the personal challenges I faced, including balancing study and parenthood, I found strength in learning about Pacific-centred care and doing well in my papers. I met wonderful friends, connected with successful Pacific healthcare professionals that inspired my journey, and found more passion for nursing with every clinical placement I did.
Career pathway: I am passionate about primary health, especially improving health literacy for Pacific and Māori communities. My short term goal is to become a Nurse Specialist and eventually a Nurse Practitioner. I’m also interested in health policy and developing community services that address the socioeconomic needs of Pacific people.
Words of encouragement for Pacific students: Be your biggest cheerleader. Own your strengths – because no one else will notice them if you don’t first! Always do your best, and trust that God will do the rest. When you’ve given your all, even if things don’t go as planned, know that God will close the wrong doors and open the right ones.
