Nicola Stanton was named a recipient of the Braemar Charitable Trust Bachelor of Health Scholarship in 2024. At the time a biomedical sciences student at the University of Waikato, Nicola described embarking on her studies as a significant step, "not only for myself, but for my broader aspirations and the communities I represent."
Originally from Taranaki, Nicola was brought up between the small towns of Tongapōrutu and Waitara. Her decision to study health had two goals: to make her whānau proud, and to help address the challenges disproportionately affecting the health and wellbeing of Māori.
Having come from a community that historically faced health disparities, Nicola spoke of an acute awareness of these challenges growing up, which then became a driving force in her interest in pursuing health studies, alongside an ambition to "contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of others and the wider improvement of hauora Māori."
Nicola graduated in 2026 with a Bachelor of Health, majoring in biomedical sciences and minoring in human resource management. During her final trimester of study, she balanced full-time study alongside full-time mahi as a research assistant on the Whiri Tuberculosis Rangahau at Te Whatu Ora Waikato, where she contributed to research focused on improving health outcomes for whānau diagnosed with, or exposed to, tuberculosis.
"As my first professional role, while still juggling study, challenged me to grow massively, both personally and professionally. I will always be grateful for the trust placed in me and the opportunity to begin my career in hauora, while being surrounded by rangatira of the health research space," says Nicola.
As a Braemar Charitable Trust scholar, she volunteered at the Trust's Community Surgery Day in 2024, and in 2026 assisted with blood pressure screening and sharing general heart health advice with whānau at the treaty grounds on Waitangi Day as part of the volunteer crew with Pūtahi Manawa – Healthy Hearts for Aotearoa.
Meaningful mahi and returning home
After her contract with Te Whatu Ora ended, Nicola headed home to Taranaki where she is currently People and Wellness Coordinator at Taranaki Regional Council. Here, she provides recruitment, training and general human resources support, coordinates leadership and cultural development programmes for kaimahi and contributes to workplace wellbeing initiatives.
She says while the decision to move home was a difficult one, ultimately she feels she is where she is meant to be for now.
"Returning to Taranaki has been a significant time for me, and the journey has provided a natural opportunity to reflect on my passions, determine stronger values, and gain more clarity on what meaningful mahi looks and feels like to me."
Nicola says the professional skills she has gained in the workforce have helped broaden her mindset, and she remains committed to improving the wellbeing of others and contributing to healthier, more supportive communities, at both individual and organisational levels.
An exciting next step
Nicola is now looking forward to her future, which includes commencing studies in her Master of Health Science at the University of Waikato, which she will do while continuing to work in her current role.
"By doing a Master's, I hope to further develop my research capabilities and contribute to meaningful impacts and improvement in the hauora space across Aotearoa," she says.
"Looking back on the learnings and milestones of the past year, I am reminded why I set out to establish a career in health. I am motivated to continue to grow my knowledge and skills so I can support community wellbeing and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people I have the privilege of engaging with.
"Ngā mihi nui to the Braemar team for supporting me throughout my undergradate journey and now as I transition into professional life."