Fijian radio personality Nemai Vucago says being a mother to three boys is a blessing and she has also enjoyed becoming an aunty to many of their friends. “I am a mother of three boys but when they come home from school and bring all of their friends, then I become a mother to about… Read more »
The women who belong to the Cook Island Mamas group, are not only mothers and grandmothers to their own families but also to the wider Pacific community. The Mamas belong to a branch of the Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand (CIDANZ} called Vainetini New Zealand, meaning a gathering of women. This Mother’s Day, the Mamas… Read more »
Being a mother-of-three, with a son who has autism, has given Betty Pulefolau a challenging and rewarding life. “For me to be a mother of three special boys it’s a blessing and a calling that I need to fulfil in my life. They are precious gifts.” Betty says about her sons Roman, 17, Joel, 16… Read more »
When the team at Etu Pasifika move to their new purpose-built premises on Tuam Street at the end of this month, it will be the realisation of a dream for both staff and the community. Etu Pasifika general manager, Mr Amanaki Misa, says the move from their current premises on Montreal Street, is symbolic of… Read more »
April is Autism Acceptance Month and for Samoan mother-of-four, Jessie Taefu, this heightened awareness is a welcomed gesture for her family and the wider community. Autism is a serious development disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. Jessie’s nine-year-old daughter, Hosanna-Grace, was diagnosed with autism four years ago. The Auckland mother says… Read more »
The fun day is coordinated by Ailua Makalio, the Cultural Advisor for Etu Pasifika – the largest Pacific health provider in the Canterbury region. She says the event brings together around 50 elderly from all parts of the Pacific who share in activities which contributes to their overall health and wellbeing. “It’s a very rewarding… Read more »
The CEO of a health and social services provider for Pacific families in Tokoroa says there is a strong need to provide technology support to the community after new health and disability guidelines have recommended an increased focus on using technology to make it easier for those living in rural areas to access specialist care…. Read more »
The New Zealand Government’s plan to abolish the 20 district health boards in favour of a centralised body is an opportunity for all Pacific health providers to unite and ensure the new model will provide positive outcomes for Pacific families, says the chair of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA). Dr Kiki Maoate, ONZM, FRACS, says… Read more »
Newly appointed board member for Etu Pasifika in Christchurch, Dr Tule Fanakava Misa, BDS, NZDREX, is a Tongan dentist who aims to promote and encourage dentistry as a desirable career option for future Pacific health professionals. Dr Misa graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of South Pacific and worked as a dentist… Read more »
A four-day mental health training session for staff of Pasifika Futures partners, The Fono and Etu Pasifika has given front line workers the basic tools to provide psychological interventions to further support their families and communities. The training session has proven to be a timely one, with the recent announcement that the New Zealand Government… Read more »