Health agencies have confirmed today that Aotearoa New Zealand is now in the early stages of a Whooping Cough epidemic, with a nationally coordinated response now in place.

This week, Aotearoa New Zealand is celebrating Papua New Guinea (PNG) Pidgin Language Week, a milestone for the PNG community with this being the first time that it is part of the official calendar of the language weeks. We spoke to Esther Paraka, a Financial Administrator under the Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMAG), who was born and raised in PNG, about her pride and joy in celebrating her roots.

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.