After a raft of issues affecting some Pasifika in quarantine facilities, like a lack of food and medical care, the Government has agreed to partner with a Pacific agency to work towards solutions.

Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) is working closely with Pasifika Futures Limited (PFL) – the Whānau Ora commissioning agency for Pacific families, to help Pacific individuals and families who are needing support in MIQ.

Pasifika Futures (PFL) – the Whānau Ora commissioning agency for Pacific families – in partnership with The Fono, mobilized a team of Covid-19 “Community Finders” to help stop the spread of the contagious Delta variant within the Pacific community.

The Delta variant had proven how contagious it is within the community with multiple schools infected within a short space of time. For Ōtāhuhu College a link to a positive Covid-19 Delta case meant staff, students and their families were directed to self-isolate immediately.

When the current Delta outbreak affected the schools of De La Salle College and McAuley High School, there was no hesitation by Pasifika Futures (PFL) – the Whānau Ora commissioning agency for Pacific families – to reach out and offer their support.

Pasifika Futures (PFL) – the Whānau Ora commissioning agency for Pacific families – will receive a boost in funding after Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Jacinda Ardern and the Minister for Whānau Ora, the Hon. Peeni Henare, announced an additional $23 million in funding for Whānau Ora services.

Pasifika Futures (PFL) – the Whānau Ora commissioning agency for Pacific families will continue to provide its extensive support services for Pacific families while the demand is still there.

Collective responsibility between different organisations and Pacific providers is the thread that binds them together as Pacific communities continue to be the worst affected by New Zealand’s current Covid-19 Delta outbreak.

Pacific families continue to seek immediate support from the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) through Pasifika Futures (PFL) – the Whānau Ora agency for Pacific families as the Covid-19 Delta outbreak continues to worsen and Alert Level 4 lock down is extended further.

As we continue to live in this “New Norm” and adjust our lives to different Alert Levels, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) through Pasifika Futures (PFL) – the Whānau Ora agency for Pacific families – remains resolute and active in its support of Pacific families.

Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) President, Dr Tearikivao ‘Kiki’ Maoate (ONZM,FRACS) recently received the Tu Rangatira Health Award which honors individuals who have significantly contributed to improving the quality of life of Cook Islanders in the region.

Director of Pacific Health at Waitematā District Health Board, Dr Josephine Aumea Herman, was awarded the Tu Rangatira International Award which, recognises instrumental work in advancing and developing Cook Islands community and culture.