This trusted partnership will help mobilise support and streamline a process for Pasifika Futures as an umbrella organisation to coordinate with other Pacific providers who are willing to assist.
Joint Head of Managed Isolation and Quarantine, Megan Main, says managed isolation or quarantine is a challenging time that affects people going through it in different ways.
“We try our best to meet their needs, but it can’t be done alone. MIQ is pleased to have this partnership with Pasifika Futures to further support people in the Pacific community while they’re in our facilities”, she said.
A number of suggestions have been made, which she welcomes, and action in response is well underway.
MIQ is not only an important part of our border measures to keep COVID-19 out of New Zealand, in community outbreaks such as this, we now also have a role to play in protecting the rest of New Zealand from COVID-19 spreading wider in the community.
“This is a body of work and conversations that has been going on for a period of time and is really important to us. The MIQ system is something that continually evolves and changes. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we work proactively with other external agencies, like Pasifika Futures, to ensure there is a response for the immediate needs of Pacific peoples in MIQ whilst keeping the country as safe as possible.
“We, along with Pasifika Futures, have taken a really close look at the needs of Pacific people in MIQ, to see how we can improve and further strengthen the MIQ system. We understand that being in quarantine, especially for the elderly, children, and individuals needing special care can be very stressful, even more so for New Zealanders who never expected to be in MIQ."
Pasifika Futures Chief Executive Mrs Debbie Sorensen is pleased with the partnership for the Whānau Ora commissioning agency to continue and to provide their extensive support services for Pacific families in need.
“The Pacific families in MIQ are quite vulnerable and so we are very humbled to be in a position to serve and support these families during this unsettling time.
“This support is reinforced with our positive partnership with MIQ as we work collaboratively to ensure families receive holistic care and support that is relevant to their needs while also safeguarding the wider community. Therefore, the work we do together as agencies and partners benefits all of New Zealand”, Mrs Sorensen said.
The partnership is underpinned by health equity issues faced by Pacific families and communities as considerations relating to poverty and access needs. The partnership is founded on a meaningful and trustworthy commitment to work together to respond to Pacific people’s needs and those needing appropriate health and cultural support.
Information on additional support for members of our Pacific communities is on the MIQ Media Centre Information for those entering MIQ due to the community outbreak | Managed isolation and quarantine
A full list of PFL partners offering support can be found here.
Media contact:
Managed Isolation and Quarantine: 021 863 781 media@mbie.govt.nz
For Pasifika Futures and Pasifika Medical Association media enquiries please contact:
Leaupepe Ta’ala Ralph Elika Ralph@pasifikafutures.co.nz
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Date: Thursday 9 September 2021