Sir Mason Durie and Hapai Winiata spoke during Marise’s training and made her think how she could make a difference for all the Maori people she worked with.

Did curative and palliative work in the oncology ward in 1984 before there was a hospice.

Had to sit hospital exams before sitting state finals – medicine, surgery and obstetrics.

Low pass rate in Palmerston North she believed was political.

She was one of the first nurses to administer IV chemotherapy.

Maori were overrepresented in oncology.

Worked in maternity unit then after the birth of her baby she worked part time in different wards.

Started bachelor of nursing study at Massey University.

Qualified as a Plunket nurse and worked part time in the community.

After the second baby was five months old resumed working full time.

Became a hospital educator for new nurses from Polytech working alongside charge nurses.