Moving to Christchurch from Samoa with her family, mother-of-five Malia Fonoti was searching for places and communities that could help her settle into her new country.

Senior staff members from the Etu Pasifika clinic in Christchurch, spent the morning in Auckland yesterday observing and learning from another Pacific health provider around the effective operation of a Covid-19 vaccination centre. This was in final preparation for when their centre opens its doors to the public on Tuesday 1st June.

When the team at Etu Pasifika move to their new purpose-built premises on Tuam Street at the end of this month, it will be the realisation of a dream for both staff and the community.

The fun day is coordinated by Ailua Makalio, the Cultural Advisor for Etu Pasifika – the largest Pacific health provider in the Canterbury region.

Newly appointed board member for Etu Pasifika in Christchurch, Dr Tule Fanakava Misa, BDS, NZDREX, is a Tongan dentist who aims to promote and encourage dentistry as a desirable career option for future Pacific health professionals.

A four-day mental health training session for staff of Pasifika Futures partners, The Fono and Etu Pasifika has given front line workers the basic tools to provide psychological interventions to further support their families and communities.

Etu Pasifika clinical director, Dr Monica Nua-George, appeared on Radio New Zealand’s Nine to Noon program this morning to share about the importance of Pacific families receiving their Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination to ensure they remain healthy in this Covid-19 environment.

This weekend, Etu Pasifika, the largest health provider for Pacific families in Canterbury, will be offering free measle vaccinations to their community who can receive the vaccine from the comfort of their cars.

Etu Pasifika, the largest health provider for Pacific families living in Canterbury, are extending their weekday hours to offer social services support to cater for the influx of calls dealing with issues such as domestic violence and home evictions.

Cantabrian – Dawson Misa, is excited to lead his school’s Pacific cultural group for the very first time at tomorrow’s Canterbury Polyfest in Christchurch.

As the country’s Alert Level de-escalated yesterday, Auckland from level 3 to 2 and the rest of the country from level 2 to 1, CEO of Etu Pasifika – Amanaki Misa is reminded of how dedicated and committed his staff is to serving their community.

For Dr Monica Nua-George, it’s a proverb from her homeland of Niue that inspires her at work and home.