Today is Matariki Day, known as the Maori New Year which celebrates the rising of the star cluster Matariki. It is a significant date in Maori culture to remember those we have lost, celebrate the present, and look to the future. It is also the first time this year that New Zealanders officially celebrate this day as a public holiday, paying tribute to its Maori culture and heritage.

On this special day, we’d like to introduce Nadine Gray, Maori Cancer Nurse Specialist from Wellington, New Zealand, who plays a special role in helping Maori people get access to radiation therapy. She talks about what she does in her role, the cancer survival gap, and barriers to access radiation therapy that Maori people usually experience.

“I work across all cancer services in the region. My role is to plug the gap in terms of building early relationships with Maori patients and their families to ensure that they have a good experience and a supported pathway to cancer treatment,” said Nadine Gray.

When asked why it’s crucially important to have a Maori nurse for Maori patients to access radiation therapy, Nadine said that from Maori’s point of view as a Maori health professional it is vitally important to have a Maori input and perspective to support their cancer journey with the knowledge of medical practices and the Maori way of being, which provides a level of cultural comfort.

On this first-ever official Matariki Day, we would like to recognise our Maori health workers for their invaluable contribution.