Nationhood Event to celebrate Pacific Health Initiatives
Pacific Island health will be the focus of a Nationhood reception at Government House in Auckland on Friday. The
Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae will host four organisations promoting public health initiatives
to combat conditions which are prevalent in Pacific Island populations.
Hepatitis New Zealand will be promoting its plans to expand its highly successful New Zealand programmes into the
Pacific Islands. The Fred Hollows Foundation will exhibit its new mobile eye-care facility before it is shipped off to
Fiji, Arthritis New Zealand will be promoting greater awareness of gout and its treatment, and the Heart Foundation will
be outlining its work to eradicate rheumatic fever in Pacific Island populations in New Zealand.
The reception recognises New Zealand’s special relationship with Pacific Island nations and addresses common health
conditions in the Pacific Island populations in New Zealand. The Governor-General said he was pleased to provide a
platform for the health initiatives. “These organisations are all highly regarded for their advocacy and public health
initiatives and they are committed to make a difference to Pacific Island health, especially where diseases or
conditions are preventable or manageable”.
The reception will be held at Government House Auckland from 4.00-6:00pm on Friday 6 March.
ENDS