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.

Misimoa (Misi) 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.

With Samoan Language Week in full swing across the country, Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) staff members, Falaula Peleti and Osana Peteru-Peleti, share their thoughts on the significance of the celebration. Both born and raised in Samoa, Falaula and Osana moved to New Zealand permanently in April 2005. They reflect on their journey of alofa (love) and tautua (service) and how it has shaped their lives and work today.

Foa is a part of our host and administration team, she has joined us recently and is a valuable member of the team here at Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC). She brings great organisation skills, a warm personality and loving nature to the team.

Julia is a part of our host and administration team, she has been with us for a while now and is a great team member here at Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC). You may have heard Julia on the phones when booking an appointment with the clinic.

Jess is a part of our host and administration team, she has joined us recently. She brings a big warm smile that you may have seen when coming into the clinic.

To close off Youth Week and welcome in Samoan Language Week, proud Samoan and Etu Pasifika Canterbury Healthcare Assistant, Taliah Su'a, shares with us about her current journey in medicine.