ProCare in partnership with the Unitec Institute of Technology, is pleased to announce the winner of the top Pacific nurse award for 2021 - Imelda Rokoua.

When speaking about her reasons for becoming a nurse, Rokoua says: “I knew I could do more for my patients and care for them as a ‘whole’ person and be able to make a difference in their lives - my nursing journey has not been an easy road, but it is well worth it. I’m delighted to have won this award.”

ProCare’s prize in nursing was established in 2019 to recognise high-achieving Pacific nursing students, encourage interest in primary care and support the wider community.

Viv Pole, Senior Advisor – Pacific Health at ProCare says: “This is a fantastic award which I understand to be the only Pacific nursing award that Unitec and MIT have offered to support their Pacific students. Congratulations to Imelda for this wonderful achievement.”

Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare says: “We’re delighted to recognise Imelda’s achievements with this award and the important role nurses have in our community.”

This award is an extension of ProCare’s Top Pacific and Māori Medical Award – in partnership with The University of Auckland, which has been in place since 2003.

Read more about how ProCare supports Pacific communities here