Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) recently hosted their first community vaccination drive for 2024 on Saturday 27 April, and with winter approaching, it was a timely reminder for the community to get their vaccinations. Held at Te Aratai College, vaccinations available to the community were the Covid-19 booster shots, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunisation, as well as the influenza vaccine (flu jab).

April marks Autism Acceptance month, with this year’s theme being ‘Celebrate Differences’, dedicated to celebrating the differences in Autistic people, creating a more inclusive space and society. Ministry of Health data estimates there are 4,000 Pacific children in New Zealand officially diagnosed with Autism (2023). We spoke to Services Manager for Etu Pasifika Canterbury, Tuilavoni Lama, who shares about some of his personal experiences with his son, Inoke (Noxy), who has autism.

The Canterbury Pacific Youth awards 2024 hosted by The Specifically Pacific Collective (SPACPAC) recently took place, with Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) having sponsored one of the awards – Commitment to Well-being. This specific award recognises individuals or groups that contribute significantly to the health and wellbeing of students and was awarded to Burnside High School, the most populated school in Christchurch.

Dr Sarah Harris joined the Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) team in 2023, bringing years of seasoned experience in her field of paediatrics. Dr Harris is a valued team member who cares deeply for the longevity of a child’s life.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is fast approaching and Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) is fortunate to have a team of hard working, inspiring and unique women within the organisation.

Movember is a global fundraiser that sees both men (Mo Brothers) and women (Mo Sisters) come together to help raise awareness for men's physical and mental health.   This year Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) put forward five of their male staff to participate in the movement and it was a true success. The ’MoBros’ set a target of 500 kilometres collectively and hit 530 by the end of the month. They also raised just over $500.00 NZD towards the cause

Doctor Beaudicia Carrasco (Dr Beau) has served as a medical registrar at Etu Pasifika Canterbury for numerous years. She is of mixed Niuean and Chilean descent, and her motivation to pursue a career in medicine stems from her inspiring mother.

Dr Leone Vadei is a familiar and smiling face here at Etu Pasifika Canterbury. He is both knowledgeable and proud when it comes to his Fijian lineage and roots.  

Akanisi (Nisi) is one of our superstar administrators at Etu Pasifika Canterbury, our patients will be familiar with her calming voice. Nisi is a proud New Zealand-born Fijian woman who values family and self growth.  

Mona Jackson is one of our hosts here at Etu Pasifika Canterbury, and she does everything graciously and with a smile on her face always. We asked her a few questions for Fiji Language Week this year. 

Pethy Tuisoso, a local Cantabrian, used to be in our administration team but has been serving as a navigator for the last year. She has a calming nature about her and is a proud Fijian woman. She is currently in France supporting the Fijian rugby team in the 2023 Rugby world cup.  

Members of the Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) Mātua programme participated in the recent Pasifika Mātua Olympics, a day where elders in the Christchurch community were able to get active in a fun and engaging way. The event is fitting as globally, elders are being celebrated today as part of International Day of Older Persons.