A Canterbury Pacific health provider has announced it will have a dedicated team based in Ashburton to cater to the health and wellbeing of the growing Pasifika community in the region.
Tangata Atumotu Trust general manager Carmen Collie says, “We’re now poised to bring impactful programmes and services to this vibrant and growing part of the Ashburton community.”
“Seeing the reception that our services receive when visiting Ashburton made it clear to us
that we need to establish permanent local support.”
Tangata Atumotu trust released a statement and says, “Our team will be focused on generating a better base of health and wealth for Pasifika to help address the disparity of health outcomes faced by Pacific people here in Aotearoa, New Zealand.”
Ashburton’s Pasifika community now has access to a wider range of accessible and culturally appropriate health and wellbeing services with a focus on nurturing Pacific communities while upholding cultural values.
Pacific Outreach Coordinator, Percy Tilialo has become the first of many staff members based at the new hub.
“I’m excited to work for an organisation that is for Pasifika, by Pasifika. We know what our
community needs, we know what works, and I’m loving being able to get stuck in and make a difference” says Percy.
The Tangata Atumotu Hub will be working closely with Waitaha PHO, Apia Trust, Fale Pasifika o Aoraki, Vaka Tautua and other services that are already making a difference in Ashburton.