Why Ora - Health Workforce Development
Below is a valuable example of the intergenerational impact of our kaupapa and how
working with our whānau and partners we can facilitate and co-create transformative
opportunities, for whānau and ultimately, for our communities.
This whānau story portrays the personal career journeys of three members from one family.
Two whānau directly engaged with Why Ora, registered with us and were supported to
enter health careers at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora in Taranaki, while the third
whānau member was directly influenced and encouraged by their engagement, leading
them to also enter a health career, at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora in Taranaki.
Health Careers Transform Lives for One Taranaki Whānau
For the Graham whānau of Taranaki, health career opportunities have sparked a shared
journey of discovery and purpose. Today, Joe Graham and his daughters Char (Charlise)
and Jahnae all work in hauora careers for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora in Taranaki.
Joe is a Pouhāpai, providing cultural and advocacy support to Māori whānau in hospital
and beyond. Char is a physiotherapy assistant, helping to rehabilitate patients to be able
to return home from hospital and Jahnae is also following in her sister’s footsteps working
as an occupational therapy assistant cadet.
The family’s journey began with Char, whose interest in health was ignited while at
secondary school in Year 11, through Rapuara Hauora, Why Ora’s health career exposure
workshops. With support from Why Ora’s Manaaki Oranga pastoral care programme, Char pursued a cadetship as a physiotherapy assistant, secured a permanent role and is
looking to study Physiotherapy.
Char’s pathway and encouragement inspired her father Joe to consider a career change –
and later, her younger sister Jahnae took a leap into health as well. Each have faced their
own challenges and are now on the journey together.
Char’s Story: Courage, Cadetship, and a Calling
Jahnae’s Story: Stepping forward with Support
Charlise (Char) Graham’s journey into health began in Year 11 at secondary school, when
Char attended Rapuara Hauora, Why Ora’s health career exposure workshops. The
experience opened Char’s eyes to the many possibilities in hauora.
With support from Why Ora’s Manaaki Oranga pastoral care programme and guidance from
her Kaiārahi, Char explored her interest in health further. In 2023, while still at school, Char
was offered a cadetship as a physiotherapy assistant at Taranaki Base Hospital.
It took some courage on the part of the whānau to enable her to take up the opportunity.
“At first, I wasn’t for it, says her Dad Joe Graham. “I wanted Char to finish school. But
eventually I came around. I’m so glad I did—not only for Char but for our whole whānau.”
Working on Ward 2A, the hospital’s rehabilitation ward, Char quickly developed a wide range
of skills—from administration to hands-on patient support, helping them regain
independence and transition back to their lives after hospitalisation.
Char thrived in the role and was soon offered a permanent position. Char loved it and the
experience was so positive that she decided to pursue physiotherapy as a career.
“Last year I applied to study physiotherapy at university in 2025, but I didn’t get accepted.
That was hard! But I’m not giving up, I’m going to try again for 2026. I’m currently doing a
health science course and learning Te Reo Māori to prepare. It’s a lot of work, but it’s what I
want to do.” Char’s advice to rangatahi is: “I didn’t have all the pre-requisites I needed. Stay
in school and get your Level three if you can!”
We are so proud of Char for her courage and motivation to keep going, despite challenges.
When we asked Char and her sister Jahnae (see story below) if they had any suggestions
for any improvements could be made to our approach, none were suggested.
Jahnae Graham’s path into health also began with some uncertainty—but grew into
confidence, thanks to support from her inspiring whānau and Why Ora. After finishing
school, Jahnae was working in fast food and studying hairdressing. “It was OK. I felt like I
could have stayed there for years. But I was wondering what to do with my life.”
When Jahnae’s Kaiārahi from Why Ora reached out with news of a cadetship opportunity,
although anxious, Jahnae was encouraged by her sister Char’s love for her job and her father
Joe’s new role in health.
“My sister used to come home and kōrero about how much she loved it. Then Dad started
working in health too and I saw how much he loved his job.”
Other personal experiences also helped shape her decision. “I spent time in hospital myself,
and Char would visit me. Also, when my great-grandfather was in his 90s, the mum of a close
friend of mine cared for him. That inspired me.”
Despite her nerves, Jahnae applied. “Why Ora encouraged me, telling me it’s OK—you can
do it! They were comforting and reassuring.”
Jahnae got the cadetship and started three weeks later. “It’s all about trying things out to
find what I might be interested in. It’s so rewarding – I haven’t been here that long and
already one patient has recovered and left hospital!”
Jahnae feels hopeful and supported. “It’s been a big change, and I see way more possibilities ahead than I did before. What Why Ora does for young people is amazing. They really support you to do what you want to do.”
Together as a whole whānau, now the Grahams are supporting and encouraging each other, each growing in their own way, and all contributing to the wellbeing of whānau and community. “My Mum’s in education, and she supports us all! And I have got a younger
sister too, she is amazing, and she is sure going to go places!”
Joe’s Story: Career change from Butcher to Pouhāpai
Joe Graham had never imagined himself working in health. After more than 30 years as a
butcher, it was a phone call from his daughter Char that changed everything. “I was in Brisbane at a sports game when Char called and said, ‘Dad, there’s a job in the Māori Health Team at work. I think it would be a great fit for you!’”
The role was Pouhāpai – a whānau engagement and experience specialist who walks
alongside Māori patients in hospital, offering cultural support and advocacy. Initially Joe was hesitant. “If you knew me as a kid, you’d understand why. I was that shy Māori boy at the back of the class. I didn’t know how to communicate with people, but my later experience as a sports coach supporting rangatahi to get through anxiety and life challenges gave me confidence. I realised I had the people-skills. Char and I looked at everything together, I did my research
on the role and decided to step out of my comfort zone. I had a goal to help my people, and I
wanted to make a difference.”
Joe applied, prepared thoroughly, and around one month later he was offered the job. “To be honest I didn’t think I’d stand a chance against people with degrees. But I gave it my best, and my old boss gave me a glowing reference.” Now, a year into the role, Joe finds deep fulfilment in helping whānau navigate the health system. “My cup gets filled everyday helping our people. Sometimes our whānau feel unsure of what is going to happen, so we help them to focus on what is happening right now. Sometimes they cry and thank us—it’s very humbling. It can also be hard at times. There are lots of challenges. But we have a great team here, we debrief and at the end of the day, we make sure we leave work relieved of all the stresses.”
Joe also supports whānau leaving hospital, ensuring they’re connected to community
services. “If not, they’ll be back—and we want to prevent that.” Joe’s journey has inspired his daughters, and he’s very proud to work alongside them. “I’ve had feedback from patients about the girls helping them. When I mention they’re my daughters, people are so surprised!”
The Graham’s story shows us how health career opportunities and pathways—supported
by initiatives like Why Ora—can transform lives, not just for individuals but for entire
families. It also highlights how health careers are not just jobs — but pathways to
empowerment, connection, and a strong sense of purpose in making a real difference for
whānau and communities.
For further info on Why Ora please refer to:
Website www.whyora.co.nz or
Facebook Why Ora | New Plymouth | Facebook
For further info on these stories please contact danae@whyora.co.nz
