Providing timely, culturally responsive mental health support is at the heart of the Mou Maru Pacific Mental Health Team, operating across Etu Pasifika Auckland and Etu Pasifika South Auckland.
Through a same-day service, the team helps patients and community members access mental health and wellbeing care when they need it, reducing barriers and connecting people with appropriate support.
The multidisciplinary team includes a Metua (Kaumātua), Health Coaches, a Clinical Navigator, Mental Health Nurses, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Mental Health Manager, with weekly clinical input from a psychiatrist. Working across both primary and secondary healthcare settings, the team brings specialist expertise in child, adolescent and family mental health services, helping deliver comprehensive, culturally responsive care at the heart of the community.
“Having an integrated team means we can look at the whole person, understand what they need and work together to provide the right support,” says Mental Health Manager, William Cann.
While funded to support individuals with mild to moderate mental health needs, the team has extended its care to people with more complex needs in the community. With clinicians working across primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare settings, this integrated approach strengthens communication between services and supports greater continuity of care for patients and families.
Beyond clinical care, the team delivers community initiatives focused on prevention, connection and healthy lifestyles, including a weekly walking group, pool-based movement sessions and free community health workshops covering mental health, diabetes and gout management, healthy living and self-management.
“Mental wellbeing is connected to many different parts of our lives. These activities give people an opportunity to look after their wellbeing while building relationships with others.”
PMA Chief Executive Debbie Sorensen ONZM says culturally responsive services are essential to improving access for Pacific communities.
“Our Pacific communities deserve mental health and wellbeing support that is timely, accessible and grounded in an understanding of who they are.
“By bringing care closer to our communities and creating different ways for people to engage with support, we can reduce barriers and help our families feel supported throughout their wellbeing journey.”
Looking ahead, the team hopes to see continued investment to strengthen community-based mental health services, building on the work of initiatives like Mou Maru to improve access to care and support the long-term wellbeing of Pacific families.
