This week, Aotearoa New Zealand is celebrating Papua New Guinea (PNG) Pidgin Language Week, a milestone for the PNG community with this being the first time that it is part of the official calendar of the language weeks. We spoke to Esther Paraka, a Financial Administrator under the Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMAG), who was born and raised in PNG, about her pride and joy in celebrating her roots.

Fifth year medical student and Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) intern, Joshua Smith, was born in Lae, Morobe Province, in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Currently living in Christchurch, Joshua completed his high school years at Christchurch Boys High School and is completing his tertiary studies at the University of Otago (UoO).

The Etu Pasifika Canterbury Whānau Ora Day was a heartwarming celebration, bringing together Pacific families from across Canterbury to mark another year of growth, connection, and community support. Organised by Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC), the day provided a joyful space for families to reflect on their achievements as we near the end of 2024.

Staff members from the Etu Pasifika clinics across the country attended the Pasifika Futures Ltd (PFL) 10-year Whānau Ora conference in Auckland last week, celebrating a decade of the programme’s impact in New Zealand.

Ma’au Books - Carrying home into the future, is an innovative and educational website that stocks Pacific books written by Deborah and Lilo Oka Sanerivi. The Sanerivi’s have kindly gifted a set of their books to Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC).

Last weekend, Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) hosted a community vaccination drive at Riccarton High School, as we approach the winter season. The event saw an impressive turnout with 327 vaccinations administered, with the flu shot being the most in demand.

In light of Men's Health Week, Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) Health Coach (HC), Phillip Vaifale, shares his journey in the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and how it supports his mental and physical health. Vaifale emphasises the importance of sharing his personal activities outside his professional role to maintain holistic health. He hopes to inspire more Pacific people to step out of their comfort zones to improve their health

Misimoa (Misi) is one of our health coaches who has been serving with Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) for a while now. You may recognise him from our Men's health week participants and Movember.

Phillip is one of our health coaches who has been serving with Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) for a while now. You may recognise him from our Men's health week participants and Movember. Phil also enjoys bringing humor to our team and enjoys keeping active.

With Samoan Language Week in full swing across the country, Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) staff members, Falaula Peleti and Osana Peteru-Peleti, share their thoughts on the significance of the celebration. Both born and raised in Samoa, Falaula and Osana moved to New Zealand permanently in April 2005. They reflect on their journey of alofa (love) and tautua (service) and how it has shaped their lives and work today.

Jess is a part of our host and administration team, she has joined us recently. She brings a big warm smile that you may have seen when coming into the clinic.

Julia is a part of our host and administration team, she has been with us for a while now and is a great team member here at Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC). You may have heard Julia on the phones when booking an appointment with the clinic.