(Picture caption: Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon Dr Shane Reti during his first on-site to South Auckland provider Fonua Ola.)
Health disparities affecting Pacific, the measles and the need to work together to increase immunisation rates for Pacific were hot topics of discussion at Dr Shane Reti’s first site visit as the Minister for Pacific Peoples.
Minister Reti, who is also in charge of the Health portfolio, and Secretary for Pacific Peoples Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone recently visited South Auckland provider Fonua Ola, to thank the organisation for its role in improving the lives of Pacific peoples.
Fonua Ola caters for the Auckland region covering the areas of South, West, Central and East Auckland, providing social work support, counselling, youth programmes, building financial capability, family violence intervention, whanau ora support and group parenting programmes.
Its aim is to achieve better outcomes for children and young people through journeying with their families on their voyage to sustainable futures.
During the visit, Minister Reti also congratulated Fonua Ola on being one of the recipients of Pacific Provider Development Fund in 2024.
Gerardine says the Ministry for Pacific Peoples initiated a partnership with Fonua Ola during the COVID-19 response.
“It continues today, given our shared goals in lifting Pacific wellbeing,” she adds.
“Minister Reti clearly articulated his vision for Pacific, his commitment to the portfolio, his priorities and his hope to see improved outcomes.”
Also in attendance, were representatives from Te Whatu Ora, Pacific leaders and partners as well as members of the Fonua Ola Board and staff.
A summary of the visit can also be found on Te Whatu Ora’s website.