Anna Gracie

After completing a Bachelor of Health, Anna works from Wellington as a health promoter for Family Planning New Zealand.

Anna moved from Rotorua to Wellington after high school to complete a double major in Health Promotion and Population Health, Policy and Service Delivery. She now works from Wellington as a health promoter for Family Planning New Zealand, traveling regularly to Blenheim and Nelson.

“I was attracted to health promotion because I wanted to work with people, and now this is part of my role as a health promoter. It is really rewarding being able to provide information and support to empower people in the community,” she says.

“My degree completely changed my worldview when it comes to health and wellbeing. I am much more open-minded now.

“We have a long way to go for improving our health system in New Zealand. Graduating with the skills to potentially be a part of that change is very exciting.”

She says she particularly enjoyed the Pasifika health promotion course.

Anna started her new role as a sexual health promoter the week after University finished at the end of October 2020. The role encompasses activities such as education to students including in alternative education, train the trainer for teachers, and running educational events.

“I love that I get to talk to people – and help educate or dispel myths they might have.

“Building relationships is also a really important part of my role.”

She says her degree enabled her to understand how widely the health sector can impact every aspect of not only an individual’s life, but also their whanau.

‘’Understanding the cascade effect this can have in every area in life really helps me to better understand the vulnerable people I am working with.”

Anna says the Bachelor of Health is well suited to those who want to support people to live healthier and better lives.

“If you have a passion for helping people, then I would say just jump in and explore the different majors available in a Bachelor of Health,” says Anna.

“It’s so broad – you can do policy, promotion, psychology and more … if you’re interested in any of those areas, just get started and work out what you want to specialise in as you go along.”

A wide range of school subjects are relevant to this area, including Biology, English, Statistics, Health, or Physical Education, she says.

“The University has awesome lecturers with such a wide range of expertise, and Wellington is a great city to live in as well.”

The community, support, and friendships created while studying are some of the things she will remember the most, she says.