Anthea Bryant

Scholarship helps tauira pursue her calling in Māori Nursing  

After two decades living in Rotorua, Anthea Bryant has made the move to Whakatāne to continue her studies at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi as a second-year tauira in the Bachelor of Health Science (Māori Nursing).  

Now five weeks into the academic year, she says the pace is already demanding, but the journey has been deeply transformative.  

“It has stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. Every day I’m discovering new things about myself— my strengths, my limits, and my capacity to grow. 

“With growth comes anxiety, especially in the unknowing, trying to fully understand the kaupapa, the science, maranga, hauora, and legislation. 

“But I'm learning that clarity doesn’t come without discipline. It takes courage to ask for help and to sit in discomfort long enough to gain understanding.” 

Anthea’s identity has been formed by her whānau, places, people, and her faith.  

“I was raised in Taranaki, then moved to Kāingaroa Forest Village, but my best memories are the holidays spent in Murupara. 

“I was shaped by a strong sense of whānau, resilience, whenua and my connection to God.” 

What makes the journey manageable, she says, is the collective strength of those around her.  

“I’m incredibly grateful for my mates. We support each other, learn together, and remind each other why we started. Our collective strength makes all the difference.” 

Anthea is also a recipient of the Te Rau Wānanga Scholarship, which has helped ease financial pressure and strengthened her commitment to persevere through the challenges of study. 

 “For my whānau, it has brought pride and joy. Seeing one of their own receive such a fantastic scholarship has been uplifting for them. We share in relief, and we celebrate together.  

“When the workload feels heavy, or doubt creeps in, it serves as a gentle reminder that strengthens my commitment to keep going.” 

Outside of study, Anthea says her faith remains central to who she is and what fills her cup. 

“Jesus is the foundation of my life. He called me into nursing long before I recognised it in myself.” 

“Serving my local hahi and singing brings me fulfilment. I treasure my time with friends, my dad, and trips home whenever I can.  

“Laughing with loved ones, music, or simply being home reading or watching movies; those moments fill my cup and keep me grounded.” 

Looking ahead, Anthea is clear about the kind of nurse she hopes to become.  

“I want to be a nurse who leads with ngākau māhaki— a gentle, humble heart, grounded in kawa whakaruruhau and mātauranga Māori. 

“I desire to be the best that I can be— teachable, honest, patient and driven. A nurse who brings warmth and realness into every space.”