Auckland 2009

Around forty people attended the Auckland fono to listen, participate and share ideas.

The opening presentation was delivered by Dr Monique Faleafa after the official address from Te Pou board member Dr Frances Agnew. Monique outlined how Le Va had addressed some of the issues and concerns voiced at the Drua fono last year.

Walking the talk

One of the key challenges for Le Va was that "actions speak louder than words". In response, Monique outlined the recent successful launch of the Le Va Scholarships, Pacific Health Dialog Journal and Matutaki youth strategy, to name a few. She also outlined how other initiatives underway, like Real Skills Seitapu, covered other issues raised last year.

The presentations

As requested in the evaluation (PDF) of last year's Drua fono, local Pacific service providers were the focus of the day. The newest Pacific service in the region, Vakatoa (part of Whirinaki, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, CMDHB), opened the presentations with an overview of their successful launch and development.

Dr Siale ‘Alo Foliaki, Vaka Tautua

This was followed by Dr Siale ‘Alo Foliaki who explained some key learnings from his experience at the Tongan Health Society, PIASS Trust and now Vaka Tautua. He spoke also of the benefits of Vaka Tautua being a Shared Service organisation.

Takanga a Fohe, Waitemata DHB, Pacific Manager Pulotu Bruce Levi followed by his three Team Leaders from Tupu, Malaga and Isa Lei (all part of Takanga a Fohe), highlighted the growing demand for services, especially at Tupu. The model established at Waitemata DHB is very impressive as presented by Pulotu and his team.

Pacific Manager Pulotu Bruce Levi and three Team Leaders from Takanga a Fohe, Waitemata DHB

The final provider presentation was by Roine Lealaiauloto and Tavita Asiata for Penina Health Trust. 

Roine Lealaiauloto and Tavita Asiata, Penina Trust

Tavita outlined the types of services that Penina delivers. CEO, Roine made some very poignant points about resiliency and commitment, and urged providers to "stay strong and stay put" and to resist fads which can often come and go.

The afternoon panel discussion was enlightening, particularly with the three guests from the IIMHL. 

All three agreed that they had gained new information to take back with them in terms of knowledge and ideas.  And, the experience went both ways, because they also shared their experiences and struggles from the Islands where there is limited resources and very few people in the workforce.

In the end, Kirk summed it up nicely by saying that we are indeed fortunate here in New Zealand compared to many of our neighbouring Pacific countries.

View the programme from the Auckland Drua Fono here (PDF).

Page last updated: 28 April 2009