Deeana Turner
3rd-year student, Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery)
Deeana Turner decided to retrain as a midwife after many years of working in customer service and call centre roles.
“I realised that, although I was helping people, the work didn’t give me the sense of purpose and fulfilment I was searching for. I took time to reflect on the kind of career where I could make a genuine difference in people’s lives. The two paths I felt most drawn to were teaching and midwifery.
“I chose midwifery because I can’t ignore the healthcare inequities that continue to affect our communities, particularly Māori and Pacific peoples. There’s a critical need for more Māori midwives who can provide culturally safe, equitable and compassionate care. I believe wāhine deserve to feel seen, heard, respected and supported throughout their maternity journey by healthcare professionals who understand and value their culture, identity and lived experiences. My goal is to contribute to improving outcomes for Māori and Pacific whānau by providing excellent, culturally responsive care and by helping create a healthcare environment where all women feel empowered and safe.”
Deciding to come to AUT for her studies was easy for her.
“When I decided to pursue midwifery, I wanted to study at an institution known for excellence, cultural responsiveness and strong community values. As I researched the best places to study midwifery in Aotearoa, AUT consistently stood out as a leading choice, especially with the South Campus close to home and easily accessible. What started as a practical decision quickly became one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
The right university environment
Deeana says she would highly recommend studying at AUT.
“Studying at AUT has strengthened my confidence, challenged me to grow and confirmed that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. I’m proud to be part of a programme that is preparing me to make a meaningful difference for wāhine, pēpi and whānau in our communities. I feel proud of how much I am learning and developing as I work towards becoming a qualified midwife. I’ve really enjoyed my placements as they have allowed me to work closely with midwives and learn so much from their real-world experience.
“What I’ve enjoyed most about student life is the flexibility and the sense of community. You can experience it at your own pace, and there’s always something happening on campus, from free lunches through AUTSA to social events. The university offers excellent support services and a welcoming environment that helps students feel supported throughout their studies. I was honoured to be selected as a pou whatu in the whānau room in recognition of my consistent engagement and contribution to the space. In this role, I actively encouraged students to use the space for study, connection and support. I organised the Matariki wish-making event, facilitated yoga sessions and Q&A support sessions for first-year midwifery students, and organised donations of medical textbooks to the whānau room.”
She is also grateful for the support of a Women on Campus Millennium Scholarship to help her achieve her goal to become a midwife.
“I applied for this scholarship because studying full-time to become a midwife placed significant financial pressure on me, and receiving this support made a real difference to my ability to continue my studies. Alongside course fees, many additional costs – including petrol, parking, stationery and uniforms – quickly add up. With my income greatly reduced while studying full-time, managing these expenses was challenging. Receiving this scholarship enabled me to focus more fully on my studies and placements without the constant stress of covering extra costs. I’m incredibly grateful for this support, as it helped me continue working towards a career I’m truly passionate about.”
Advice for other students
Now in the third year of her studies, Deeana has some great advice for other students.
“My advice to other students would be this: find your people. Surround yourself with others who are studying the same thing as you. Having a supportive group helps you stay motivated, accountable and aware of what’s happening in your courses. Take advantage of opportunities like orientation week and connect with the Student Hub early on. Universities offer a wide range of resources designed to help you succeed, and if you ever feel like something is holding you back, there’s always support available. Reaching out is a strength, not a weakness.
“Most importantly, give university your full commitment. Prioritise your studies, stay consistent and approach your work with an A+ mindset. When you put genuine effort into your learning, your results will naturally reflect that dedication.”
There’s plenty of support available, she adds, and says there have been a few staff who had a particular impact on her AUT journey.
“The resource that has had the biggest impact on me has been the whānau room on the South Campus. Whaea Margaret Mehana has played a huge role in helping me get this far. From informing us about scholarship opportunities to being a sounding board when the balance between life and study becomes overwhelming, her support has been invaluable.
“Another important support was the on-site counselling service. I initially accessed it simply because it was available, but it became especially helpful during a period where I was managing exams alongside tangihanga. Because I already had a relationship with the counsellor, I was able to access support quickly and was provided with coping strategies and guidance that helped me maintain my grades during a difficult time. The library staff, Student Hub staff, AUTSA and even the café staff have also contributed positively to my experience. Their support, encouragement and everyday interactions helped create a welcoming and supportive environment.”
