14 November 2000
A nationwide strategy aimed at improving the health of Pacific peoples in New Zealand has been welcomed by Pacific
Island Affairs Minister Mark Gosche.
"Ill-health is not a Pacific tradition yet as we enter the 21st century Pacific peoples and children are more likely to
suffer ill health than most New Zealanders. This is something we can and must change,' said Mr Gosche.
"We are working in partnership with Pacific communities to set some common, achievable goals and I would like to
encourage Pacific peoples to attend the health fono in their area."
A set of key goals and objectives which will form the basis of the Pacific Health and Disability Action Plan will be
presented at a series of public meetings around the country beginning with a fono in Porirua tomorrow.
"The Pacific Health and Disability Action Plan will seek to improve access to health services, strengthen primary health
initiatives, improve the health of Pacific youngsters and boost the number of Pacific people working in the health
workforce," said Mr Gosche.
"The Action Plan will also seek to improve community services for key Pacific health issues such as diabetes, asthma,
injury prevention, immunisation, and mental health and to improve the collection of quality Pacific health information.
"This Government is building a new partnership with Pacific peoples. As part of this the Pacific Health and Disability
Action Plan builds on the feedback that has been received from previous meetings and consultations with the Pacific
communities.
"These include fono carried out by the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs aimed at improving outcomes for pacific people
across the board and the New Zealand Health and Disability Strategy fono.
"I encourage Pacific people to attend the public meetings for the Pacific Health Action Plan and to be part of the
effort to reduce the disparities between Pacific people and other New Zealanders," Mr Gosche said.
Ends