Wendi Gao

When Wendi Gao moved from Wuhan, China to New Zealand in 2022 he never imagined that just a few years later, he’d be working as a registered nurse in Tauranga. 
 
Originally, Wendi completed a Graduate Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Waikato. But after the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic, he felt a growing desire to contribute more directly to people’s wellbeing. “I saw how important healthcare was and wanted to make a difference,” he says. 
 
Wendi applied for the Master of Nursing Practice – a programme that allows students from non-nursing backgrounds to become registered nurses in New Zealand. “When I got the offer before Christmas, I was so excited. It was a completely new journey for me.” 
 
He says Waikato provided strong support from day one; from transport and accommodation services when he first arrived, to academic and clinical support during his studies.

Student Learning was so helpful with assignments, and the clinical academic advisors guided us during placements, giving us feedback and helping us grow.

Placements were a highlight of his studies. “They gave us a lot of opportunities to learn and to apply knowledge in real settings – from primary healthcare to acute and aged care,” he says. Anatomy and Applied Science papers were challenging but rewarding, especially for international students new to the field. 
 
After graduating in late 2024, Wendi passed his nursing registration exam on his second attempt with support from the University’s Division of Health. He’s now working full-time in an aged care facility in Tauranga. “Career and student learning services helped me with my CV and cover letter, and I got four job offers,” he says proudly. 
 
His advice to future students: “Start gaining experience early, even volunteer work in healthcare helps. Focus on anatomy and make the most of all the great support the University offers.”