Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

News Video | Policy | GPs | Hospitals | Medical | Mental Health | Welfare | Search

 

Pasifika Health Celebration

Pasifika Health Celebration

Members of Wairarapa’s small but strong Pacific community are being encouraged to come along to a day of free fun at Pasifika Health Day on Saturday (28th June) at Masterton Medical Centre’s new premises on Colombo Street behind Masterton Hospital.

“We’re really hoping our Pacific families come along to the free day that includes health checks, advice and fun exercise sessions as well as a healthy, light lunch,” said Tofa Suafole Gush, director of Pacific Peoples Health at Hutt Valley and Wairarapa DHB.

“The rhythm of the Pacific, our beautiful drums will be beating throughout the day as well.”

While on average fewer Pacific people live in Wairarapa than other parts of New Zealand, the community has strong roots and boasts top sporting stars such as Black Cap Ross Taylor and Black Fern Shakira Baker.

“Some of our first Pacific people to live in the valley arrived nearly 70-years-ago to study and board at local schools. Wairarapa people with a Pacific heritage can be found in families across our towns including Black Cap Ross Taylor (Samoa), Black Fern Shakira Baker (Samoa/Maori), firefighter and referee Vaea Peterson (Samoa/Maori), Greytown Rugby’s Isaac brothers (Tokelau), former Police commander Luther Toloa (Tokelau), health advocate Steph Turner, rugby man Tere Torea (Cook Island), kura teacher Lily Arahanga (Kiribati), Bill Cavubati (Fiji) and journalist Vomle Springford (Vanuatu), ” said Mrs Gush.

“Masterton Medical’s newest doctor is Samoan, Brendon Ah Wong and he will be coming along to Pasifika Health Day where it will be a great opportunity to meet him.”

ENDS


Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Culture Headlines | Health Headlines | Education Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • CULTURE
  • HEALTH
  • EDUCATION
 
 
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Auckland
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.