Darnique Te Aonui-Whare
2nd-year student, Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing)
For Darnique Te Aonui-Whare, pursuing a career in nursing simply made sense and she is thoroughly enjoying her studies in the Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing).
“I’ve always been passionate about helping people and making a positive difference in my community. Nursing felt like the perfect way to mix my interests in health and wellbeing with my desire to support whānau and give back to Māori communities. I came to AUT for my studies because I knew it would provide the supportive environment I needed to succeed, and I had heard good things about the practical studies it offers.”
While she still has another year of her studies ahead of her she already has a good idea how she sees her future after university.
“Once I graduate, I’d love to work in the emergency department (ED). I’m really passionate about helping people and personally thrive in urgent situations when I can be there for people when they need it most. My goal is to go back to my hometown of Rotorua and use what I’ve learnt to give back to my community. It’s important to me to support whānau and make a positive difference in the place where I grew up. I want to be someone people can rely on in tough times, and I hope to inspire others from my hometown to pursue their dreams too.”
Feeling supported
Darnique says she would 100% recommend AUT’s nursing programme.
“AUT has an inclusive atmosphere – from my experience it feels like a community where you're truly supported and seen. I’ve loved the practical components of my studies, especially the clinical placements. Being able to apply what I’ve learnt in real-life situations has been both challenging and rewarding. The lecturers are incredibly supportive, and I appreciate how the curriculum incorporates both theory and hands-on experience. It’s helped me grow in confidence and develop skills I’ll use throughout my nursing career.
“I'm also really enjoying my ‘city girl era’ and exploring all the different cafés around Auckland – I’m an avid coffee drinker, so finding new favourites has become a personal mission. I also enjoy travelling between AUT’s campuses to find a new study spot, and the friendships I’ve made along the way have made the whole experience even better.”
She is also grateful for being awarded a Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship – Undergraduate to support her studies.
“I applied for the scholarship because I wanted to ease the financial pressure, but was also drawn to the vast opportunities that came with it. I saw this as a perfect opportunity to network and meet people, and thought it would be a great jumpstart to building my career. As a recipient, you’re given access to opportunities like potential jobs with Southern Cross, surgical workshops to build your clinical knowledge and mentorships with experienced healthcare professionals. During the clinical placements, I’ll be able to focus more on learning and less on financial stress. It’s also given me a sense of pride and motivation to keep striving for excellence, knowing that my efforts are recognised and supported.”
Advice for other students
Now in the second year of her studies, Darnique has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.
“If you want to build a career for yourself, take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Don’t be afraid, be selfish. Be kind, show up for yourself, stay true to your goals, and always remember where you started."
The supportive AUT staff also make a big difference, she adds.
“The lecturers and staff are approachable and make an effort to understand your journey. I remember, back in 2022, I was worried that I couldn’t continue my previous degree at another university due to my grades. I reached out to the AUT nursing department about the nursing programme and they were incredibly understanding. We met, went over the available pathways and discussed how I could make the transition. That experience really showed me how supportive AUT and its staff are.
“One staff member who really stood out to me was my clinical educator and lab tutor from my first-year clinical placement, Katherine Singer. She was incredibly supportive, always encouraging us to participate and share our thoughts. She offered additional knowledge about nursing and different career pathways, which we really appreciated. During the placements, she was approachable, open and made it easy to ask for help. She also took the time to sit with us and talk about our progress, which was very helpful.”
