A Pacific caregiver says more needs to be done to support culturally tailored aged care for Auckland's diverse population. 

Māngere resident Leata Tauamiti’s comments follow the opening of a new rest-home wing in Ōtāhuhu for Koreans. 

Having cared for her elderly parents full-time for over three years while balancing her own family responsibilities, Tauamiti says the services must reflect the culture and linguistic backgrounds of diverse communities. 

“It is vital,” she says. 

“It's very important. And that is why … I ask specifically for Sāmoan [caregivers], for the purpose of catering specifically for my parents’ needs.” She stresses the importance of language in effective care.

“It's very important because, to cater for our elderly people, cultural needs, because it's specific to them. 

“And for them to be able to be properly cared for, our elderly people need to be able to speak the language.” 

Tauamiti describes the burden of care she bears, adding that she is “the only girl and the youngest.

“My old man is very difficult, he gets angry and frustrated. And so they go all quiet because they can’t speak the language. They’re not able to express freely or get the care they need fully, if it’s not a Sāmoan person.” 

Her parents receive support from Pacific Home Care, and when respite is needed, her mother stays at David Lange Rest Home and Hospital. 

Taumiti’s experience reflects the challenges faced by many South Auckland families, where cultural and language gaps in mainstream resthomes leave whānau shouldering the responsibilities of care. 

A milestone for Koreans That gap has now been partly addressed for Auckland’s Korean community with the opening of the Happiness Wing at Riverside Home and Care in Ōtāhuhu. 

The new wing is the product of more than 10 years of advocacy by the Korean Positive Ageing Charitable Trust (KPACT). 

According to the 2018 Census, 35,664 people identified as Korean in New Zealand, with just over 70 per cent living in Auckland. 

Local representatives say the development raises broader questions for South Auckland. 

Togiatolu Walter Togiamua, the deputy chair of Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, says the project is an example of inclusivity in action. 

“There are times when our seniors get left behind. It’s good that this Korean organisation has taken on them to provide that service. As a board member, I totally support those initiatives.” 

He says the development also reflects South Auckland’s wider diversity. 

“I think it’s great for our community and it’s great for the Korean community. But it’s also that inter-ethnic, working together, collaboration.” 

Togiamua points to existing council-run senior facilities in Ōtāhuhu and Māngere, but acknowledges that demand is growing. 

“Most definitely. I totally agree and support those initiatives. 

"We do have council senior facilities in Ōtāhuhu and Māngere… not in particular the one that you might be referring to, but we do provide those sorts of senior services. 

“This is the first that I’ve heard of a Korean that’s opened up a senior retirement provider. And we look forward to supporting them. 

“We wish that all our ethnic groups can have the ability or the finances to initiate these activities or events, in particular this one, this facility. And we’re right behind and we support those initiatives.”

'Enhance wellbeing, reduce isolation' KPACT founder YongRahn Park QSM called it “a precious first step to ensure that our parents’ generation can live their later years with dignity and comfort, surrounded by the warmth of love within our community”. 

Riverside co-owner Mira Oh says the wing was born from personal experience. 

“We already have Korean residents, Korean staff and a Korean chef. They can eat whatever they want, speak their own language and feel comfortable with doctors and nurses. 

“That’s the most important thing for our elderly.” 

She says language and food are often overlooked in mainstream rest homes, leaving families to prepare and deliver meals to their loved ones. 

Mervin Singham, Chief Executive of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, said the milestone reflected the strength of community-led solutions. 

“It stands as a powerful example of how culturally responsive services can enhance wellbeing, reduce isolation, and honour the diversity that enriches Aotearoa New Zealand.” 

Singham hopes this will be a place of comfort, connection, and joy for years to come. 

While Auckland Council does not operate aged-care facilities, local boards are being asked to support inclusive services. 

Riverside’s Happiness Wing is already attracting interest, but owner Oh said the vision goes beyond just providing beds. 

“We’re planning programmes for Korean elders, traditional games, outings, and spaces where they feel truly at home”.

-Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

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