THREE Ōpōtiki youngsters have been given an opportunity to learn more about working in health, thanks to Hauora Māori Internships at the Ko Kollective.

Tiare Kerr, Nico Karewa Manakiao Porter and Harmony Drummond have internships at Ko Kollective from June 1 to December 30.

Ko Kollective spokeswoman Candice Porter said the three were studying 20 hours a week and being paid the living wage of $26 per hour.

So far, they have been working on a gambling survey for a future campaign and have learned about various Māori health concepts.

Tiare said she had done a bridging course at Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and planned to study for a bachelor of nursing in 2025.

Ms Porter said the aim was to support Māori to see themselves in health careers, cultivate the skills they needed to succeed in health and promote confidence – “dream, activate and thrive”.