New Pacific provider opens in Christchurch

3 October 2016

New Pacific provider opens in Christchurch

A new Pacific provider has been established in Christchurch.

The new provider is called ‘Etu Pasifika Ltd’ – meaning Pacific Star.

The provider is a newly registered entity which has been established to ensure that services, jobs and most importantly Pacific families are supported following the closing of Pacific Trust Canterbury.

Etu Pasifika Ltd will be chaired by Dr Nick Giblin, a well-respected Fijian General Practitioner. He will be supported by Papa John Pitomaki, a Cook Island Metua, Fr Paulo Filoialii from St Bernadettes Parish, Dr Jitoko Cama, a Fijian Surgeon and Dr Staverton Kautoke, a Tongan doctor.

The newly appointed General Manager of the organisation is Mr Gafa Tuiloma who was previously Acting Director of Pasifika Development at the University of Canterbury.

Etu Pasifika Ltd has secured a property at 173 Montreal St and will be delivering Whānau Ora services and is in partnership with Canterbury District Health Board to deliver a range of other services to Pacific communities.

Discussions are also underway to re-establish a Pacific Health clinic.

Etu Pasifika is a Limited Liability Charitable Company owned by the Pasifika Medical Association.

Dr Kiki Maoate President of the Pasifika Medical Association says “We are very pleased to be able to ensure the continuity of services to our families in Christchurch and we look forward to seeing the ongoing development of Etu Pasifika in this space.”

Etu Pasifika Ltd will serve a growing Pacific population in Christchurch with an increasing demand for a culturally appropriate health hub for community to address the complex issues faced by Pacific families.

ENDS.

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