News

Student nurses at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology will benefit from significant new support through a partnership with Southern Cross Health Trust, designed to strengthen the future health workforce in the Bay of Plenty.

Launching in September, the Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship Programme will provide six scholarships annually for Bachelor of Nursing ākonga (students) at Toi Ohomai, with two scholarships available for students in each year of study.

The scholarships offer a comprehensive package of financial and professional support, including fee contributions, clinical placement stipends of $500 per week, health and wellbeing support, and payment of Nursing Council examination fees for final-year recipients.

In addition to the scholarships, the Trust will provide support for all first-year nursing students through funded uniforms and shoes, while all nursing students will be eligible for funded flu vaccinations through Southern Cross Wellness Partners.

Toi Ohomai Executive Director Academic Delivery and Development Angela Beaton says the partnership is an investment in both student success and the future of healthcare in the region.

"We know many nursing ākonga face financial pressures while balancing study and clinical placements. This programme will help reduce those barriers while creating meaningful connections with healthcare professionals and workplaces."

The scholarship programme also includes mentoring opportunities and priority clinical placement experiences within the Southern Cross Healthcare network, helping students build confidence and professional capability throughout their studies.

Stephanie Thomson, Southern Cross Rotorua Hospital General Manager, says the investment in the partnership with Toi Ohomai is significant.

"Through these scholarships, we are investing in the ongoing education and development of our nurses, helping ensure New Zealanders can continue to access exceptional care - now and into the future. We are proud to support student nurses in the region.

“We have a team of highly skilled nurses who are excited to take on mentoring roles and support students through their clinical training. We look forward to providing a high-quality learning experience for those undertaking their placements with us," she says.

The programme reflects a shared commitment between the Southern Cross Health Trust and Toi Ohomai to supporting nursing ākonga and strengthening the pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals for the Bay of Plenty and the wider New Zealand health sector.

The Southern Cross Health Trust launched the Nursing Scholarship Programme in partnership with Auckland University of Technology (AUT), awarding 17 scholarships in 2025.

Building on its success, the Trust committed $1 million in 2026 to expand the programme to five additional tertiary providers across Aotearoa. The inclusion of Toi Ohomai will bring the total number of scholarships to 62 in 2027, supporting aspiring nurses through seven tertiary institutions across the motu.

Southern Cross Health Trust and Southern Cross Healthcare CEO, Chris White, says the organisation is proud to be growing its investment in the Nursing Scholarship Programme.

“Increasing the number of scholarships and geographical spread of the programme reflects our commitment to supporting New Zealand’s future nursing workforce.”

Applications for the Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship Programme will open in September. Full details, including eligibility criteria and application information, will be available through the Toi Ohomai website.