Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
Minister of Pacific Island Affairs
28 August 2014Media Statement
Pacific health partnership celebrated
Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga hosted a function this evening in Parliament’s Grand Hall to
celebrate the partnership between the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) and Pasifika Futures.
In March this year, Pasifika Futures was appointed as the new Whānau Ora commissioning agency for Pacific communities in
New Zealand.
“Pasifika Futures is uniquely positioned within the community, allowing it to be better informed about the needs of
Pacific families. This means it is able to respond in a timely and appropriate fashion to community needs,” Mr Lotu-Iiga
said
Pasifika Futures developed its Whānau Ora model following an extensive community consultation that included over 650
families throughout New Zealand. The responses of these families together with their own research and review of current
practice has resulted in a model that closely reflects the preferences and needs of the Pacific population it intends to
benefit.
“As Minister Turia so eloquently said in her valedictory speech, Whānau Ora resonates with our community because we
understand completely that collective responsibility and obligation is needed to restore our communities.” Mr Lotu-Iiga
said.
“It is also important because it is not a case of asking what the government can do for our communities, but instead
that we are trusted in our communities to develop our own solutions and take these ideas forward.”
The PMA was established in 1996 and their partnership with Pasifika Futures brings a membership of more than 3,000
health professionals to the table to help improve the health and wellbeing of Pacific peoples.
“Around 9,000 families representing nearly 42,000 individuals in communities across New Zealand have benefited from
Whānau Ora. It is that benchmark which we hope Pasifika Futures will follow by building the capabilities of Pacific
people, families and communities.” adds Mr Lotu-Iiga
More information available on Pasifika Futures at: www.pasifikafutures.co.nz
ENDS