This celebration of Pacific mātua (elders) saw their participation in a series of games and activities, contributes to their overall wellbeing and the wellbeing of the wider community. 

EPC's Mātua programme lead, Ailua Makalio, says the event was received well. 

“Mātua from all around the city come together, representing their respective Pacific nations and are always pleased by the end of the long day. 

"They are around others in the same age groups, playing fun and age appropriate games and are honoured and well-fed in this space.”  

Different organisations collaborated to run the Mātua Olympics this year, with EPC providing a health and medical support team for the day. Dr Leone Vadei, GP at EPC who led the team, enjoyed seeing the festivities unfold. 

“It was a truly remarkable day. From the parade at the beginning where all the mātua waved their flags proudly, all the way to the lunch filled with island foods that our people loved, as well as the Pacific music.”  

Every Thursday, EPC hosts a Mātua Group onsite at the Maoate House in Christchurch. 

“By the time an event like this comes around, our mātua already have strong bonds with each other as well as ourselves. It is a joyful occasion to come together every week of the year and then to come together with the wider community at an event such as this,” says Makalio.  

EPC is proud to be a part of the Mātua Olympics and acknowledges that while IDOOP is important today, our Pacific elders are important and cherished by us every day.