Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Reverend Ranginui (Rangi) Vini to the Board of Directors. A proud Cook Islander born in Aitutaki, Reverend Vini completed his ministership at the Takamoa Theology College and is closely connected to the Cook Islands community in Christchurch, which will see him as a welcome addition to the EPC board.

Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) was one of three Pacific providers to be recognised and awarded with a certificate of acknowledgement for their response to the Covid-19 pandemic in Canterbury. The award was presented last night at an event led by the Pacific Youth Leadership and Transformation (PYLAT) council.

A significant milestone for the Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMA) and Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) was unveiled this morning in Christchurch. Staff, stakeholders and partners for PMA and EPC gathered to celebrate the opening of Maoate House, PMA’s newest building created to support the growing operations of the organisation.

Recent nursing graduate, Mr Leon Haiu, is setting a new benchmark for Pacific male nurses in Aotearoa, New Zealand. He is currently a Registered Nurse at Etu Pasifika Canterbury, joining a growing number of Pacific male nurses who are striving to increase visibility and representation of males in the profession (currently sitting at eight percent).

On Friday 27th January 2023, multiple international flights were diverted from Auckland due to the floods. Among these flights was an Air New Zealand flight from Tonga carrying 300 passengers, which was diverted to Christchurch. Pasifika Futures Ltd (PFL), the Pacific Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency, and Etu Pasifika Christchurch mobilised quickly alongside Air New Zealand staff and local community groups to support passengers with food, accommodation and necessities.

The New Year Honours list for 2023 saw a number of Pacific leaders recognised for their contribution to the Pacific and wider New Zealand community. Among the esteemed recipients are two of Etu Pasifika Christchurch's Board Directors and Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) members; Dr Apisalome Talemaitoga (ONZM), for his services to health and the Pacific community, and Father Paulo Filoialii (MNZM), for his services to the Pacific community.

Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) Dentist and Etu Pasifika Christchurch Board Director, Dr Tule Fanakava Misa, was one of nine recipients of the PMA Life Award and although surprised to be recognised, she is immensely grateful for the honour.

With another mass outbreak of Covid-19 looming, it is critical that as a community we are vigilant in maintaining hygiene protocols and Covid-19 safety measures (such as mask wearing) to keep our families safe.

Pasifika Futures’ Ngalu Fānifo segment on 531 PI recently focused on the use of “progressive muscle relaxation” exercises to help ease stress and anxiety.

According to experts, we are nearing the peak of the current Omicron outbreak as cases continue to rise at an exponential rate and with this in mind, psychiatric nurse for Etu Pasifika, Mrs Seini Falefata reinforces the need for our family households to be well prepared for the self-isolation.

Pasifika Futures’ (PFL) Ngalu Fānifo mental health segment on 531 P.I. with Dr Siale Foliaki, recently focused on compliance and the approach to conversations around the Covid-19 vaccine.

With many high school students returning to school for a short period before their exams there will be heightened stress and anxiety among students, parents and teachers across the country. Pasifika Futures’ (PFL) Ngalu Fānifo mental health segment on 531 P.I. explored this as well as a talanoa round depression.