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).

Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) is excited to welcome Norman Vaele to the team as the Lead for the Ngalu Fānifo mental health service. Driven by his motivation to serve Pacific communities, Vaele looks forward to offering his insights from previous roles to champion the needs of Pacific families in the Canterbury region.

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.

The Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMAG) and Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) would like to recognise Dr Leone Vadei, GP at Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC), who has recently gained his RNZCGP Fellowship – a significant achievement for both him and his family.

Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) acknowledges International Day of Older Persons (IDOOP) by highlighting the annual Mātua Olympics, which took place in Christchurch over the weekend.

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).

Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) is excited to welcome its first physiotherapist, James McAllister-Iro, to the Etu Pasifika organisation. McAllister-Iro, who has Cook Islands heritage with parents from Rarotonga and Aitutaki, brings extensive knowledge and expertise to EPC. He graduated from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 1997 and has been a registered physiotherapist for 27 years.

In a society that often encourages men to uphold stoicism and suppress emotions, this week marks a significant stride towards dismantling these stereotypes with Men's Health Week.

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

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.