Don’t let anything hold you back!
"Being Māori in this career is central to me – the strengths I have are all based around Te Ao Māori."
- Kenny Hau, Medical Doctor
Kenny Hau – Medical Doctor, Taranaki Base Hospital
Ko Taranaki te maunga
Ko Kurahaupo, Ko Te Arawa ngā waka
Ko Taranaki, Ko Ngati Tuwharetoa ngā iwi
Ko Ngāti tairi te hapu
Ko Okorotoa te marae
Ko Kenny Hau tōku ingoa
I come from a big whānau. I was brought up in Taranaki in Oakura – before it was super flash! Then we moved into New Plymouth. I’m the eldest which has always given me a strong sense of responsibility as a role model, which I’ve enjoyed.
I’d wanted to do medicine since I was at primary school. My uncle was a doctor (Dr Ruakere) and he would always talk to me about medicine, so early on I thought it was something I could do. But when I got to high school – that idea went straight out the window! At that stage, I just wasn’t into science. So, I thought I wouldn’t like it! Instead, when I left school, I decided to do a Bachelor of Commerce in Dunedin.
I came back to Taranaki and went on to become a Business Analyst for the Taranaki District Health Board. While working one day I got approached by Why Ora to support them going out to secondary schools talking to rangatahi about what I did.
I got the opportunity to listen and talk to doctors and nurses. They encouraged me to do medicine, saying “sure the science is a bit hard – but don’t let it hold you back.” I thought well if my uncle Tony could do it – I could do it too! So, I decided I would go back to study medicine. I had strong whānau support – and that was really important to me.
I was 25 when I made that decision, my partner and I were just settling into things – like our jobs and buying a home etc- but I decided to go for it. And I am so glad I did! I loved my time studying medicine. The whakawhanaungatanga was so strong. I was surrounded by people with similar values – everyone cared about looking after people – and you really need that in medicine.
There are such a lot of hours studying. The first year I learnt about physics and chemistry – I was catching up – I had to study every day and night and every weekend.
But the great thing is once you are there you are so supported – everyone has your back.
Being Māori in this career is central to me – the strengths I have are all based around Te Ao Māori. Connecting and interacting is very important. For a lot of my Māori colleagues, it’s second nature. If we can take our values into our jobs and show how positive it is to build relationships with patients – the outcomes from that are huge.
My advice to anyone interested in pursuing a new career path is – just be open. Trust in your abilities. Don’t hold yourself back! If there is something you want to do – don’t let any obstacles get in your way. If you are worried about mental wellbeing and stress – realise you are not alone. Have the courage to share the problem and halve your burden. You will find your way!
If you are thinking of doing medicine in Dunedin, I recommend going to the Kohatu Centre – that is where we congregate – it’s a home away from home.
The Why Ora team were some of my staunchest supporters and I really appreciated them coming along to awhi me on my first day as a doctor. This was fitting as they played a huge part in my journey as a student, by providing opportunities such as scholarships and summer cadetships.
Alongside Why Ora I had so many others also looking out for me. In the end it begins to feel like your successes become a shared success among the many people who have supported you along the way. It is a great feeling to have finished my studies and repay some of that time and effort people have put into me becoming a doctor.
