A Māori nurse researcher from the University of Auckland is set to take Indigenous nursing research onto the global stage after being awarded the 2026 Fulbright–Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Graduate Award.
PhD student Ebony Komene (Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa, Tainui) has been selected to undertake research in the United States, where she will explore Indigenous nursing practice and workforce development alongside Indigenous health leaders and institutions.
Originally from Tauranga and now based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Komene will spend time at Washington State University in Seattle and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, focusing on Indigenous nursing and Indigenous Nurse Practitioner models of care.
Her research examines the often-overlooked role of Indigenous Nurse Practitioners and seeks to better understand how Indigenous approaches to healthcare can strengthen outcomes for communities. Using Kaupapa Māori methodology, her work centres Indigenous strengths, knowledge systems and lived experiences.
Komene says building meaningful relationships with Indigenous nursing communities overseas is a key goal of the research journey. She hopes to contribute to a growing network of Indigenous health professionals working together to improve healthcare delivery and workforce development around the world.
Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Co-Director Professor Melinda Webber says Komene’s work addresses an important gap in Indigenous health research and has the potential to deepen understanding of the value Indigenous nurses bring to healthcare systems and communities.
The Fulbright–Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Graduate Award supports emerging researchers undertaking postgraduate study or research in the United States in the field of Indigenous development. The award is valued at up to US$55,000, alongside travel funding and opportunities for additional support.
Komene hopes the experience will not only advance her own research but also inspire future generations of Māori health professionals and strengthen global Indigenous partnerships in healthcare.
Her long-term vision includes creating stronger international connections between Indigenous nursing communities and exploring innovative models of care that reflect Indigenous values, knowledge and aspirations.
