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Regional | Education

Busy Māori mum nears completion of Clinical Psychology doctorate

As well as raising children, running a household and supporting family, Pikihuia Pomare is nearing completion of her doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

It has been a long journey with its ups and downs however it would not have been achieved without the help of her family.

The role of a clinical psychologist looks at different types of mental illness and how it affects people's health.

Pomare says, “There's also the therapy side of things to look at ways to heal those patients and their families and to strengthen the support systems of whānaungatanga, on the road to good health.”

Pomare has been fortunate to have family behind her, like younger sister Hinewai who is also studying in the health sector.

According to Hinewai, “We help wherever we can, especially with her three boys.  I'm the aunty so I get to take them to their rugby games, also try and help my sister with her studies. It just takes a bit of pressure off her.”

Pomare encourages Māori students who wish to study this particular area of health to follow their dreams and to never give up.