Pasifika Health Celebration

Pasifika Health Celebration

Members of Wairarapa’s small but strong Pacific community are being encouraged to come along to a day of free fun at Pasifika Health Day on Saturday (28th June) at Masterton Medical Centre’s new premises on Colombo Street behind Masterton Hospital.

“We’re really hoping our Pacific families come along to the free day that includes health checks, advice and fun exercise sessions as well as a healthy, light lunch,” said Tofa Suafole Gush, director of Pacific Peoples Health at Hutt Valley and Wairarapa DHB.

“The rhythm of the Pacific, our beautiful drums will be beating throughout the day as well.”

While on average fewer Pacific people live in Wairarapa than other parts of New Zealand, the community has strong roots and boasts top sporting stars such as Black Cap Ross Taylor and Black Fern Shakira Baker.

“Some of our first Pacific people to live in the valley arrived nearly 70-years-ago to study and board at local schools. Wairarapa people with a Pacific heritage can be found in families across our towns including Black Cap Ross Taylor (Samoa), Black Fern Shakira Baker (Samoa/Maori), firefighter and referee Vaea Peterson (Samoa/Maori), Greytown Rugby’s Isaac brothers (Tokelau), former Police commander Luther Toloa (Tokelau), health advocate Steph Turner, rugby man Tere Torea (Cook Island), kura teacher Lily Arahanga (Kiribati), Bill Cavubati (Fiji) and journalist Vomle Springford (Vanuatu), ” said Mrs Gush.

“Masterton Medical’s newest doctor is Samoan, Brendon Ah Wong and he will be coming along to Pasifika Health Day where it will be a great opportunity to meet him.”

ENDS

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