PRESS RELEASE
31 October 2016
For immediate release
The Fono Wins Pacific Employer Award
The Fono has won The Pacific Business Employer Award, announced at the 10th National Pacific Business Trust Awards held
at the Langham Hotel on Friday 28 October.
The Pacific Business Employer Award recognises employers that proactively invest in the development of their staff to
improve the capability of their Pacific workforce.
Awards judges recognised The Fono’s commitment to a culture of caring which underpins success, recognising the
dedication and individual contributions from team members who are trusted to deliver on the promise to create a culture
of caring.
The Fono employs 102 full-time staff and 24 part-time staff across six locations across Auckland and in Kaikohe. The
majority of staff are of Pacific descent and, as an organisation, The Fono is committed to investing in appropriate
support, training and facilities that contribute to being a preferred employer in the health and social services sector.
Other finalists in the category included Connect Global (who won the Pacific Business Enterprise category and overall
supreme award), My Father's Barbers, WE Accounting and Southcoast Construction. The Fono’s CEO Tevita Funaki was also a
finalist in the Pacific Business Executive Category, recognised by the judges for his leadership of The Fono.
The Fono Chair Tapuai Fa’amalua Tipi accepted the award on The Fono’s behalf.
“To be recognised alongside such a high calibre of finalists is such an achievement. In the past few years The Fono has
been experiencing a period of growth and we couldn’t have done it without the dedication and commitment of our wonderful
Board, Senior Leadership Team and Staff,” he said.
“Thank you to the Pacific Business Trust for recognising us with this award, and congratulations to the other finalists
who are all deserving of an award.”
This was the 10th National Pacific Business Trust Awards and more than 450 guests were in attendance at the awards
ceremony held on Friday 28 October at the Langham Hotel.
ENDS
ABOUT THE FONO
The Fono provides affordable healthcare services including medical, dental, pharmacy, health awareness and community
support services. A combination of these services is delivered across five Auckland locations and a Northland office in
Kaikohe. The Fono aims to be a leader in health for the people who need it the most, fostering well, thriving, vibrant
communities.