Top Pacific Nursing award shared by two outstanding graduates

Grace McCormick and Michael Kapisi, who both graduated Unitec in April, were jointly awarded the prestigious honour in recognition of achieving the highest academic results across four core nursing papers in their final year of the Bachelor of Nursing programme. 

The pair were honoured at a special award presentation at the Pacific Centre in Mt Albert last week attended by representatives from ProCare, the Pacific Centre and the School of Healthcare & Social Practice. Grace received her award in absentia as she was overseas, while Michael accepted his award in person. 

Sponsored by ProCare, New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, the annual award was established in 2020 to support high-achieving nursing students of Pacific heritage as they transition into the healthcare workforce.  

For Michael, the award marks the culmination of a journey that began with a career change and a leap of faith. 

Originally accepted into the Bachelor of Nursing programme in 2019, he chose to remain in his family’s piano moving business when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his plans. A follow-up call from Unitec three years later prompted him to reconsider. 

“Moving pianos is physical work and I didn’t really want to be doing that long term,” Michael says. 

“I decided to give up working and return to full-time study. There are more opportunities in nursing, so I don’t regret that decision.” 

Before entering the degree programme, Michael completed the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) – Healthcare, a foundation programme designed to prepare learners for tertiary study. 

“I was always good at science in high school, but the foundation course really sets you up for degree study, so I’m glad I chose that pathway.” 

He credits the support of our kaimahi ‘staff’ throughout his studies as a key factor in his success. 

“The support I got from the lecturers and staff throughout the four years of my studies really helped me stay focused.” 

Michael completed his degree at the end of 2025 and begins his nursing career this month at Auckland Hospital, where he will care for patients with ear, nose and throat conditions. 

“I wanted to work in primary healthcare because there’s a bit more autonomy, more responsibility and more opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.” 

Born and raised in Auckland, Michael traces his heritage to the Niuean villages of Hikutavake and Liku. He says personal experiences with illness and loss inspired his interest in healthcare. 

“Cancer is a big thing in my family and in the Pacific community in general. I didn’t know whether it was because people weren’t getting checked or whether it was genetics, but it got me curious about health, how the body works and looking after people.” 

ProCare Head of Pacific Health Viv Pole says awards such as this play an important role in building a diverse and culturally responsive healthcare workforce. 

“I’m really pleased to be here because our students carry the dreams and hopes of their parents and grandparents, and these award recipients are fulfilling those dreams,” Viv says. 

“We know that when people see someone who understands their culture, values and lived experiences, they immediately engage and feel more comfortable. We need healthcare professionals who understand what our communities are walking through.” 

Viv says Pacific nurses make a significant contribution both within and beyond the health sector. 

“Our Pacific nurses are helping people not only in the workplace, but also at home, in church and in their communities. We’re incredibly proud of them and the difference they make.” 

Academic Programme Manager Kate Barry says both recipients demonstrated exceptional commitment throughout their studies. 

“Both of these graduates showed huge commitment to their nursing studies and achieved very similar results in the Primary Health and Community-based Year Three nursing course,” she says. 

“During their five-week clinical placements, their preceptors consistently highlighted their positive engagement with patients and their families.” 

Head of School, Healthcare and Social Practice Linda Aumua says the award recognises not only academic achievement but also the important contribution Pacific graduates make to the future healthcare workforce. 

“ProCare has always supported students who have excelled through our nursing programme, and this award acknowledges the hard work and dedication required to reach that level,” Linda says. 

“We hope that by recognising Pacific achievement, graduates will continue to give back to Pacific communities throughout their careers. That is incredibly important for both our communities and our health workforce.” 

MIT and Unitec thanks ProCare for their continued support while wishing Grace and Michael all the best as they embark on their nursing careers and strengthening health outcomes for Pacific communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.