Etu Pasifika, General Manager, Amanaki Misa said his team are constantly on the ground seven days per week, engaging with families so, they have a great relationship with their community and are aware of their needs.
“We know the community, and the families have relationships with us so, they are telling us what they need now and the support they will need post Covid-19,” he said.
“We are working hard to make sure our response to family needs is timely, and we have a record of that so, we are the best vehicle to deliver support to our Pacific families here.”
In the past week, Etu Pasifika staff have had 420 Covid-19 Support Package enquires, with the team delivering packages to 320 families so far.
“We have a very strong team at Etu Pasifika who are dedicated to working around the clock, seven-days a week, to ensure every family’s needs are met,” said Misa.
He said over 80 percent of families that have requested a support package have had to do so, because both parents are unable to work during the lock down.
“At the moment, our families are concerned whether they are able to provide enough food for their family,” said Misa. “So, we have provided essential foods in our packages. They are foods Pacific families are familiar with and know how to cook. Some of our packages also include colouring books and stationery for families with children, and sanitary products for elderly family members.”
Misa said financial support for rent payments and power bills may also be included in the next phase of support packages but is a “case by case basis”.
Etu Pasifika Navigator, Mele Tatu, said although staff are delivering support packages to families they are also able to survey the health status of each family member in case they are in need of additional health support.
“For example, a woman called us and she’s 37 weeks pregnant with a lot of family members in the home. So, we’ve booked her in accommodation to lower the risk of her and her baby getting the virus after the baby born,” Tatu said.
“Many people also don’t know we are a health clinic as well. So, while we are talking to families on the phone about the support packages, we can also converse with the doctors and nurses in the room on our side. That means, if there are vulnerable members in the household, we can book them in for a flu shot or vaccine to be better protect their health.”
Pasifika families in the Canterbury area are encouraged to contact Etu Pasifika if they need access to health advice or a support package: 03 599 9083
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Date: Thursday 2 April 2020
