Navigating a pathway to a career in Neo-natal Nursing Macey Austin
Macey Austin had a strong interest in a Neo-natal Nursing career while at secondary school. Why Ora helped her to navigate her pathway ahead and with the support of Why Ora during 2024 Macey continued her impressive efforts to achieve her aspirations.
Macey first engaged with Why Ora in 2023 while in Year 12 at New Plymouth Girls’ High School. Already aspiring to become a Neo-natal Nurse, Macey needed to pass secondary science subjects and sought support from our Kaiārahi to stay on track.
That year Macey completed NCEA Level 2 Sciences in Biology and Chemistry, attended two Why Ora Rapuara Hauora workshops, M.A.S.H. (a kaupapa Māori programme held at the University of Auckland) and engaged in a Why Ora Mātaki Shadowing work experience day with Hapū Wānanga ki Taranaki, a Taranaki based antenatal education initiative.
At the start of 2024, Macey reviewed her goals for the year, supported by our Kaiārahi. These included better using her study time and being more focused on priorities.
Macey continued school, attended C.O.A.C.H. (Creating opportunities for a career in Health, for Year 13 students at Auckland University), two more Why Ora Rapuara Hauora Workshops and also accepted an opportunity to speak at our 2024 Why Ora Hui Whānau.
Keen to learn Te Reo Māori, Macey then decided to enrol in immersion studies in Waikato, in 2025, prior to enrolling in a Bachelor of Nursing. As study away from home involves significant lifestyle changes, our Kaiārahi worked with Macey to explore ideas for adjusting to change and coping with the demands of university study. Macey started study in 2025 and Why Ora will continue to support her as her pathway evolves.
“Heading into C.O.A.C.H. I was set on becoming a neo-natal nurse, we had a kōrero with a doctor and hearing what they had to say made me really think about becoming one. However, I am still set on becoming a neo-natal nurse. This kaupapa allowed me to take advantage of every opportunity provided during my time in Tāmaki Makaurau”
We are so proud of Macey for all her effort, focus, curiosity and openness to opportunities!
