Dreamers Inspired by Trailblazing Māori Surgeon and Her Team

Tikipunga High School Dreamers interested in pursuing a career in health were offered the chance to meet and hear from the only wāhine Māori breast cancer surgeon in the world, General and Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Dr Maxine Ronald, along with a team of registrars at I Have a Dream HQ. The session was attended by 16 Dreamers along with Tikipunga High School and I Have a Dream Navigators and staff.

Dr Ronald shared her remarkable journey of overcoming setbacks and systemic barriers as a Māori woman entering the surgical field, and how her path led to different opportunities around the world.

Currently based at Whangārei Hospital, Dr Ronald is also a leading researcher focused on closing the breast cancer survival gap for Māori and Pacific women. In 2023, she received the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) Māori Health Medal for her work in surgical equity and was recently appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Joining her were three equally inspiring wāhine: Surgical Registrar, Dr Tilisi Puloka and Orthopaedic Registrars, Dr Gina Kioa, and Dr Kealey Sanford.

Dr Sanford shared how her ancestors were among the first Māori doctors in Aotearoa, and how she continued that legacy by studying medicine at Otago University. Her pride in whakapapa and purpose struck a chord with many in the room.

Dr Puloka, who grew up in Tonga and moved to Aotearoa in Year 13, spoke openly about her experiences with cultural isolation and being told if she wanted to attend university, she couldn’t join Pacific student groups on campus. Her honesty resonated deeply with Dreamers who know what it feels like to navigate spaces where their identity isn’t always reflected or understood.

While, Dr Kioa, also of Tongan heritage, echoed the challenges and offered a powerful message of encouragement.

“We’ve all been told we can’t do it because we’re brown and a girl. But whatever your dream is, go for it. There’s so much support out there now.”

Throughout the session, the Dreamers were introduced to the many pathways within surgery and discovered how collaborative and diverse the field can be. With support from two medical representatives and the four surgeons, the students got to explore surgical tools and even try out a keyhole surgery simulator, an experience that brought the world of medicine vividly to life for Dreamers and Navigators alike.

As the session ended, the energy in the room was overwhelmingly positive, with several students saying they were seriously considering careers in health, and at least one Dreamer leaving with a new goal: to become a surgeon.