National Pacific Health Providers Health Conference Development Fono 2008 Ministry of Health New Zealand
National Pacific Provider Development Fono

ABSTRACT PRESENTERS

The following people will be presenting Abstracts at Akirata this year.

John Sluyter

John SluyterJohn’s interests lie in Pacific Health research.  He works with the Obesity Prevention in Communities (OPIC) project at the Pacific Health Department, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs Donna Tamaariki (Ngati Whatua, Tainui & Rarotonga)

Stroke StudyDonna is the National Project Manager for MaPSS. She lives in Tamaki Makaurau with her husband
James Campbell & their 16 year old son Jackson Tamaariki-Campbell. 

She has a background International Freight Forwarding (imports & exports), Health and Social Services and Project & Event Management.

Donna has a particular passion for building sustainable communities, promoting cultural diversity and advocating for positive change. 

 

Faaosofia (Sofia) Daly

Faaosofia (Sofia) DalyTalofa lava and warm Pacific greetings.

Sofia Daly is married with 3 children.  She and her family have lived in Christchurch for ten years. 

Sofia is Samoan born and came to NZ in her early 20’s to study and further her teaching career.  She completed a postgraduate certificate in Health Science at Otago University and is working towards completing a post graduate certificate in Tertiary Teaching at Canterbury University by the end of this year.

Sofia has been a teacher/lecturer at Canterbury University for the last four years.

Sofia is also the MaPSS Samoan interpreter and a wonderful addition to the MaPSS Team.

Faafetai lava.

 

Lee Pearce

Lee PearceManager, Pacific Health

Capital and Coast District Health Board

Lee Pearce's role is primarily as a Strategic Planner and Funder, but her clinical background as a Critical Care RN and various qualifications, has an influence on initiatives for Pacific within the Capital and Coast DHB District such as the establishment the Pacific Health Unit in the hospital. Lee has also been involved in introducing Lavalavas (joint initiative with Theatre) into the hospital, Bariatric surgery for Pacific and the subsequent development of a pilot in Wellington hospital and the development of a GP service in Cannons Creek Porirua to name a few.

Lee also has relationships across the Pacific Rim and is the NZ Liaison for the Government of Tokelau for Tokelauans who require treatment in New Zealand.

TOKELAU – EXTINCTION OR PARADISE

Tokelau is a country situated 260nm north of Samoa. It comprises of three Atolls (Fakaoko, Nukunonu and Atafu) and has a population of ~1400 people.  Each of the atolls are a significant distance from each other and transport between atolls  is reliant on the shipping vessels that are the only form of transport between Tokelau and Samoa.

On 1st January 2005, a Memorandum of Understanding became operational between Tokelau and Capital Coast District Health Board ( CCDHB) through the Pacific Health Unit to provide health care intervention for Tokelauans requiring treatment in New Zealand.

The data collected since 2005 has revealed some alarming trends which if not addressed will seriously compromise the population residing in Tokelau.  Whilst there are some generic health issues across the three atolls, there are some stark trends for each atoll.

How these issues are addressed require careful negotiating via their complex political

Key relationships have been developed between CCDHB and the Tokelau government but a whole of government approach from NZ is required if Tokelau is to remain above the line

Malia Ahelemo

MaliaHealth Promoter

Pacific Peoples Health

Regional Public Health

Ko toku igoa ko Nive Ahelemo, ko au he fafine Tokelau e galue i loto o
te Regional Public Health i Ueligitone. Ko au na fanau i Nukunonu ite
atu Tokelau. Ko au na omamai ma oku Matua ma oku tei ki Niu Hila ite mahina ko Me ite tauhaga 1967. Kua fahefulu tahi tauhaga talu toku nofo i Niu Hila.

He Tifa Ola (Treasure Living) is a bilingual Wellington Access radio programme promoting nutrition, physical activity and public health messages for the Tokelau community. It was developed with the understanding that radio can be an effective vehicle for communicating messages to the Tokelau community.

The Wellington region has the largest Tokelauan population in New Zealand, and the third largest Pacific population in the region. The Tokelau community has disproportionately high rates of health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other nutrition and exercise-related conditions compare to non Pacific population. The Tokelau community does not usually receive health messages in their own languages and in a manner appropriate to them. Research is beginning to indicate that generic messages miss high inequalities target groups, but get picked up be the mainstream and potentially increase health inequalities.

The approach is to use Tokelau cultural values, and symbols to promote messages that strengthen families and community development. The Tokelau language is one of the at risk Pacific languages. Together with Niue and Cook Is. we are currently working with Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, under the Mind Your Language project. He Tifa Ola is an opportunity for various agencies, NGO's to engage with the Tokelau communities. He Tifa Ola project has been running for more than 12 months now. We are in the process of evaluating the program in the next few months.

Dr Ieti Lima

Ieti Ieti Lima is Samoan and has a Health Research Council of New Zealand Postdoctoral Fellowship at the School of Social & Cultural Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Massey University, Albany. Ieti is also a part-time Senior Research Fellow with the Pacific Islands Families Study in the National Institute for Public Health and Mental Health Research, Auckland University of Technology at Akoranga Campus. He has broad experience in health and social research with a particular passion for research with Pacific people.

TRADITIONAL PACIFIC TATTOOING

Traditional tattooing or ta tatau, is a common cultural practice which Samoans and other Pacific groups have been practising for over 2,000 years.  In the past few years, it appears to have increased in popularity among Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. Recent cases of serious skin infections, notably necrotising fasciitis and cellulites that occurred following traditional Samoan tattooing sessions in New Zealand have raised concerns regarding the safety of traditional tattooing practices. Yet the current information on the health effect of tattooing in New Zealand is limited. Scarcer still is information on the health effect of traditional tattooing including traditional Polynesian tattooing practices.

This presentation outlines the research the Ministry has commissioned to:

  1. Gain a better understanding of traditional Pacific (particularly Samoan) tattooing in  New Zealand and its association with contracting skin infections
  2. Provide advice on the options developed to prevent an increase in skin infections and improve the safety of traditional tattooing
  3. Gain Pacific health sector, Pacific communities', and other stakeholders'   commitment to this research and to improving Pacific health outcomes by ensuring       the safety of traditional Pacific tattooing practices in New Zealand.

Using qualitative focus groups, supplemented by key informant interviews with significant stakeholders, the research: a) explores the numbers of Pacific people (particularly Samoan) undergoing traditional tattooing in New Zealand; and b) consider the cultural issues involved with ensuring the safety of traditional tattooing at a national level. The Ministry also recognises that to understand the relationship between traditional tattooing and contraction of skin infections it requires the involvement of Pacific communities and familiarity with the history of traditional tattooing.

Bruce A. Scoggins

Bruce Dr Bruce Scoggins is a Director of Bruce A Scoggins and Associates Ltd - a small specialized consultancy working in the R,S&T and health sectors and in the Pacific. He is also Executive Adviser on Strategy and Partnerships for the Health Research Council of the Pacific. He is a member of WHO's Western Pacific Advisory Committee on Health Research, a member of NZ Injury Prevention Reference Group and a member of Lottery Health Research Grants Committee. From 1991-2006 he was Chief Executive of Health Research Council of NZ having previously held senior research and academic appointments in Australia and USA. He is the author of 400+ research publications Bruce Scoggins amended abstract

THE HEALTH RESEARCH COUNCIL OF THE PACIFIC: CREATING LINKAGES ACROSS THE PACIFIC

Samoan Nurses Association

The history of the Samoan Nurses Association outlines the
journey of Samoan trained nurses who migrated to New Zealand
in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s and persisted in practicing Nursing
in New Zealand. Their efforts to gain recognition and acknowledgement of their training in Samoan finally came to fruition through the implementation of “bridging” programmes. This saw many Samoan trained nurses gain New Zealand registration. The Samoan Nurses Association aims to represent Samoan nurses in New Zealand, promote the Nursing Profession, and contribute to and participate in, the health development of New Zealand.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE HUMAN KIND

The Samoan Nurses Association of New Zealand – Mentoring Programme.
Historically, Pacific peoples have experienced limited success in formal education. In every sector of education, (compulsory education, community education and tertiary education), Pacific people face challenges relating to participation, retention and completion. Access to opportunities, particularly the pathways that lead to higher levels of learning, is a major issue for Pacific peoples in tertiary education.

Pacific Economic Aspirations: Pacific voices
Education should enable Pacific peoples to get a good job and earn a decent income. Tertiary education should also develop opportunities for Pacific peoples to be their own boss.

Pacific Education Strategy Goal:
To educate for Pacific peoples' development and success is built on partnerships,  through an integrated collaborative approach by all sectors.

Ingredients for Success:

These are the five areas on which the Samoan Nurses Association of New Zealand based our Mentoring programme on. The mentoring programme is into its third year of inception. The evaluation of the successful outcome of the programme will depend on the successful completion and achievement of the third year students this year.

Dr Ausaga Fa'asalele Tanuvasa

Dr Ausaga Faasalele Tanuvasa is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Health Services Research Centre (HSRC), Victoria University and Otago University, Wellington. Before joining the two Universities, Ausaga was Senior Nursing Lecturer and has held senior nursing positions for a number of DHB's, including
NZAID consultant and Clinical Advisor for ACC. Ausaga leads Pacific research in the two academic centres.

PRESENTERS:

Dr Ausaga Faasalele Tanuvasa (Senior Research Fellow), Aliitasi Tavila (PhD Candidate), Mili Burnette (DPH/MPH student), Tolotea Lanumata (Research Fellow), Lomalinda Tasi-Mulitalo (Research Fellow).

WORKING TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE IN THE PACIFIC HEALTH RESEARCH WORKFORCE CAPABILITY AND CAPACITY INITIATIVE
This presentation discusses the development since 2005 of the Pacific Health Research Workforce Capability and Capacity Development Initiative, at the Health Services Research Centre (HSRC), Victoria University and at Otago University, Wellington. The paper describes the strategies employed in undertaking this initiative to strengthen relationships and linkages across Victoria University, Otago University Wellington, the Pacific health sector, and Pacific researchers in the two academic centres. It discusses the development and achievements of the initiative in contributing to Pacific health outcomes.

Sione Tu'itahi

Sione is Tongan, and has 20 years of journalism and broadcasting experience in Tonga and the Pacific and has traveled throughout the Pacific, Asia, Europe and the United States. He has also been involved in youth work and community development. Sione has studied communication and management studies in England, Hawaii and Australia, and has a Masters in Public Policy from Massey University.
He helped develop the Pasifika@Massey strategy adopted formally in 2006 which aims to encourage and support Pacific Island students as well as promote Pacific studies throughout Massey University's three campuses. He has lectured in Pacific studies and cross-cultural communications at tertiary institutions in Auckland, and has also been a manager of the Pacific Team at Auckland Regional Public Health. He has also published two bi-lingual children's stories and one non-fiction piece. He lives with his wife and three children in Glenfield, Auckland.

BUILDING A STRONG PACIFIC HEALTH WORKFORCE WITH THE RIGHTS-BASED APPROACH

Health is a fundamental right for all peoples, especially for the weak and small. Although as ethnic minorities they have this right, Pasifika peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand are of very poor health. Using the human rights-based framework for workforce development and for developing Pasifika communities can be a very effective approach.  This presentation argues that the human rights approach should be adopted as one of the frameworks for building the Pacific health workforce, especially for public health and health promotion. A case study of how the Health Promotion Forum of New Zealand is using the human rights framework in building the health promotion workforce is examined to illustrate the efficacy of the human rights model.

Mafi Fuanki-Tahifote

Pacific Island Heartbeat

A NEW DAWN FOR THE PACIFIC NUTRITION WORKFORCE

Coronary heart disease, hypertension and diabetes are major causes of morbidity and mortality amongst Pacific people. While nutrition-related risk factors are well documented, other health determinants include so
cio-economic factors also play a part. Access to appropriate health information and health
services are key strategies to empower Pacific people to take control of their own health
and to achieve better health outcomes. Having a strong Pacific health workforce will help
to facilitate this process.

The National Health Foundation of New Zealand/Pacific Islands Heartbeat (PIHB) together
with AUT University have provided the Certificate in Pacific Nutrition course over the past
six years. Over 300 Pacific and non-Pacific people from diverse backgrounds have
graduated from this programme nationwide and are working with their respective
communities to make a difference.

This presentation aims to provide more insights into the community successes through a
strong and committed Pacific nutrition workforce, as well as future enhancement strategies
for the nutrition training programme.
Funding source:

PRESENTERS:
Mafi Funaki-Tahifote, Maria T Cassidy, Brenda Collins, Takui Ma'afu, Iutita Rusk

Dr Tule Misa

Dr Tule Misa graduated with her basic dental degree from the Fiji School of Medicine in 1998 and practised dentistry in Tonga for 4 years before migrating to New Zealand. Dr Misa also completed a Postgraduate diploma in clinical dentistry from the Dental School of Otago University in 2002. She sat and passed the New Zealand Dental Registration Examination in September 2003. She has been working as a Community Dentist since March 2004. Dr Tule Misa currently works closely with the dental therapists around the school dental services in the Canterbury region and pursuing her Master's in Public Health Dentistry.  One of Dr Misa's key roles is to support dental providing training, whether on the job or formal workshops. She's passionate about improved oral health for all New Zealand children especially the Pacific communities.  Dr Tule Misa lives in Christchurch is married with a 4 year old son.

THE PACIFIC ORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

Currently the dentist-to-population ratio indicates that Counties Manukau in the Auckland region, and Porirua and Lower Hutt in the Wellington region remain under-served.  It's also a known fact that there is still a very small portion of the oral health workforce are of Pacific origin.  Resolving oral health disparities and ensuring access to oral health care for Pacific people is a moral issue. Disparities in dental health and dental health care are predominant issues / concerns for Pacific communities. One commonly proposed method (among other crucial oral health messages) to address disparities, is to increase the number of Pacific oral health professionals to serve the needs of our growing vibrant and young Pacific population..  The objective is to compare the current oral health workforce by ethnicity and develop strategies on how to increase Pacific oral health professionals.

Shekhar Sehgal

Trainee Intern

Pacific Island Health Professionals Students' Association (PIHPSA),

University of Otago

THE ROLE OF STUDENT ORGANISATIONS IN PROMOTING THE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF PACIFIC ISLANDERS INTO HEALTH PROFESSIONS

The pacific health workforce only makes up between 1.0 – 2.5% of the total New Zealand health workforce.

The Pacific Island Health Professional Students Association (PIHPSA) is an independent student body representing all Pacific students enrolled in health professional courses at the University of Otago. PIHPSA is affiliated to the Pasifika Medical Association.  PIHPSA was formed by students with two goals:

Research undertaken by student and staff who are part of PIHPSA has revealed numerous barriers faced by Pacific students which include:

After graduation most Pacific health professionals wish to return home to the islands to work or are keen to work in Pacific communities in New Zealand. However, they also face numerous barriers including:

PIHPSA has worked in collaboration with the University of Otago to address these issues by holding a Health Sciences Fono and involvement with other initiatives such as the Pacific Island Centre mentoring programme. The future direction of our organisation involves expansion to include other campuses and carrying out research and collaboration with key government and non-government organisations on topics related to our primary goals.

Acknowledgements: Dr Tai Ventura, University of Otago – School of Medicine.

Marie Inder

Marie Inder is New Zealand European on her father's side and Samoan on her mother's side. She was raised in Central Otago in the South Island of New Zealand and has a Bachelor of Science and
a Masters of Science (with Distinction) in Microbiology from the University of Otago. Marie is now in the final year of her PhD in Microbiology and is the recipient of the Health Research Council of New Zealand Pacific Career Development PhD Award for her work on viral proteins. Marie is a convener and presenter for the University of Otago Pacific Postgraduate Reference Group and a Science Academic Mentor for Pacific students at the University.

BUILDING THE FUTURE PACIFIC WORKFORCE

The University of Otago at the bottom of the South Island of New Zealand seems a strange place to find Pacific peoples who hail from some of the warmest tropical regions in the world! However, the outstanding reputation of the University of having the best Health Science courses in New Zealand is sufficient to draw even the most cold-phobic Pacific Islanders down to the depths of Dunedin. Once we have our Pacific students here, how do we ensure they not only attend University, but succeed and excel in their courses? My presentation will briefly cover some of the issues facing our Pacific students undertaking tertiary education. I will also outline the University of Otago initiatives I have been involved in that are designed to support and promote academic excellence in our Pacific island students studying not just Health Sciences, but all subjects.

Dr Alec Ekeroma

Head, Pacific Women's Health Research and Development Unit Middlemore Hospital, Counties Manukau District Health Board

Dr Alec Ekeroma trained in Samoa, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Britain. He is the Chair of the NZ Branch of the Royal Australian & NZ College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and South Seas
Healthcare Trust, a Pacific provider organisation in Auckland. He has led and has been a director of various Pacific regional and national committees and organisations. He has published on a variety of topics and his interest is in health services research and Pacific women's health.

Kasalanaita Puniani

Project Officer, Pacific Women's Health Research and Development Unit Middlemore Hospital, Counties Manukau District Health Board

Ms Kasalanaita Puniani was born & raised in Tonga. Ms Puniani was a science curriculum developer & a secondary school teacher in Tonga before moving permanently to NZ where she pursued a career in health promotion whilst furthering her tertiary education at the Auckland University of Technology. Ms Puniani has worked at the Pacific Primary Health Organisation in Counties Manukau where she developed a Pacific community and professional network. She has published in areas of body composition measurements in Pacific, Maori and European New Zealand children; nutrition and physical activity in relation to the health of Pacific people. She has developed a research gaps paper in the area of Pacific women's health

IMPROVING RESEARCH CAPACITY IN PACIFIC WOMEN'S HEALTH
Key elements of Pacific women's health are poor but relevant data is lacking and collected data is not interpreted to inform service delivery and health policy. The Pacific Women's Health Research & Development Unit was formed two years ago to increase research capacity in this area through promotion, collaboration and leading research into Pacific women's health.

Our paper outlines an analysis of current research knowledge and the identified research priorities into Pacific women's health. We will also outline the collaboration with Pacific researchers and Pacific institutions and the emphasis on research frameworks that assists the development of research workforce capacity in the Pacific. The formation of a Pacific Women's Health Foundation to enhance the Unit's key aims and to assist in funding research projects underpins the Unit's work in the forthcoming year.

PRESENTERS:
Dr Alec Ekeroma, Ms Kasalanaita Puniani

Dr David Chaplow

Director of Mental Health

Ministry of Health

Dr David Chaplow began psychiatry training in Australia in 1979 and graduated in 1983 as a Fellow of the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). He then trained and practised in forensic and general adult psychiatry, both in the public and private arena, before returning to Auckland in 1989 to take up the post of Director, Regional Forensic Psychiatry.

In September 1992 David was appointed as Director, Mental Health Services, Auckland and oversaw the introduction of the MH(CAT) Act 1992. In 1993, (after the introduction of the Health and Disability Act) he was appointed as DAMHS.

In 1997 David was appointed as Clinical Reader at Auckland University. He was also elected to the Chair of the Forensic section, RANZCP.

Dr David Chaplow and his wife Rebecca have four adult children. David's interests are in forensic and transcultural psychiatry and also in service development.

Dr David Chaplow will outline the status of the Pacific mental health research workforce and areas for improvement.

Reverend Tavita Filemoni

Service Manager

Pacific Health Service Wellington

Rev. Tavita Filemoni. Service Manager, Pacific Health Service, Wellington Inc. Tavita Filemoni is Samoan born and a father of three. He is currently the Service Manager for the Pacific health provider
- Pacific Health Service, Wellington.

Prior to his current role, Tavita has had diverse work experience which includes working for the New Zealand Health and Disability Commissioner and as a Minister for the Methodist Church of New Zealand. Tavita has also served on numerous boards, associations and committees over the years. He is the current Chairperson of the Vaiola Health Development Trust and a Board member of Capital Primary Health Organisation.

Rev. Tavita's future aspiration in the health sector includes strategically working towards the development of a national structure for health providers in the community.

COLLABORATION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE – WELLINGTON DIABETES SPECIALIST SERVICE
It is well and widely known that diabetes mellitus is a significant health issue for New Zealand, particularly for Pacific people. One of the major issues for the diabetes service relates to the high level of DNA (Did Not Attend) for Pacific with the diabetes service. The issues for Pacific people health included low diabetes awareness, language, service access, concept of specialist care and demographics.

The challenge then was to work together with Wellington Hospital to structure an accessible diabetes service that spans primary and secondary care. There are 3 key parts of this innovation. Part one has been the employment of skilled staff by the diabetes service. Part two has been the implementation of a specific elective health service for managing diabetes in Pacific Island people; and Part 3 is the interface between primary and secondary care.

The lessons that have been learned by Patients:

by Physician/Nurses:

by Service:

Outcome for the Pacific Community was the establishment of first Pacific Diabetes Society in 2007 affiliated to Diabetes New Zealand.
This presentation will discuss the process and outcomes of the pilot.

PRESENTERS
Reverend Tavita Filemoni & Rachel O'Brien

Anna Redican

Anna Redican has been with the Ministry of Health since early 2005. She is currently the Northern Operations Manager in the Public Health Operations Group, which is in the Ministry's Health & Disability National Services Directorate.

In her current role, Anna is involved in collaborative planning of public health services with the three Auckland Metro DHBs, providing mentoring and support for a team of portfolio managers and contributing to the strategic planning and administration of the Public Health Operations Group. Anna is the Public Health Operations Group's champion for issues in relation to Pacific Health, Alcohol & Drugs, and Nutrition & Physical Activity.  She has a particular interest in issues relating to these areas, as well as the social determinants of health, and the health risks associated with globalisation.

Prior to joining the Ministry, Anna was an associate of the law firm, Shieff Angland, where she practiced insurance law, civil and commercial litigation.  Anna has completed degrees in Arts (sociology and education majors) and law, and is currently studying towards a Masters in Public Health.

Jacinta Fa'alili-Fidow

Jacinta is currently a Portfolio Manager for the Public Health Operations Team at the Ministry of Health, Auckland.  Jacinta manages a variety of contracts, including Pacific public health contracts for the Auckland
region, and is also co-issues lead for Child & Youth Issues and Pacific Issues for the Public Health Operations team. Jacinta has also worked for the Ministry's New Zealand Health Information Service (NZHIS) in Wellington prior to moving to Auckland.

Jacinta has a background in the medical sciences, having completed a Bachelor of Science (Pharmacology) and Diploma of Public Health at the University of Auckland.  Upon graduating from her Bachelors degree, she worked for Pacifica Healthcare (now West Fono Trust), then moved on to the Health Research Council as Pacific Coordinator, before taking on the role of Manager, Pacific Health Research.

PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES FOR PACIFIC COMMUNITIES – SUCCESS FROM A FUNDER'S PERSPECTIVE
When health resources are limited, the challenge is to ensure that resources are allocated in the best possible way to improve health outcomes. This workshop looks at some of the challenges and opportunities that arise in the context of planning and funding public health services (both new initiatives and current activities) for Pacific communities in New Zealand.  It will consider what 'success' looks like from a funders perspective, how this informs decisions on allocation of public health resources, challenges that arise for services that target Pacific communities, and how they might be addressed.

Pacific Trust Canterbury

Maria Glanville

Like Minds Like Mind Service Manager, Pacific Trust Canterbury well known to the public of New Zealand as the first Pacific face for the Like Mine, Like Mind ads on New Zealand television. Maria's passion is the community and mental health, for her the two go together, happy life's make for better community health. Maria has gathered key Pacific Island community educators to assist her to promote better understanding of mental health.


Kathy Culshaw

Healthy Eating, Healthy Activity, Pacific Trust Canterbury

Kathy has a history and a wealth of health promotion experience. Pacific Trust Canterbury has been fortunate in employing her from Crown Public Health.

Kathy's work takes her out into the community liaising with numerous organisations to promote HEHA, organizing Pacific participation in key community events like “City to Surf” as well as mobilizing Pacific Trust staff into lunchtime walking groups and challenges .


Alatimu Iese

Smoking Cessation,

Pacific Trust Canterbury

Alatimu represents half of a Smoking Cessation programmme delivered by Pacific Trust Canterbury. His approach to smoking cessation is; you have to let people know that such a programme exists and then you have to go where Pacific people go to let them know.

If the Samoan Golf Association thought they were in for a quiet round of golf they were
wrong, they got to hear from Alatimu about the service and what it could offer.

SUCCESS: BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER
What does successful health promotion mean for Pacific services ? How is it achieved, repeated and enjoyed by all participants. The people who drive successful health promotion have some “insider' tips on how they have achieved their goals.

Pacific Island Advisory and Cultural Trust

This team is committed to Pacific cultures and retain extensive networks in the Southland Pacific Island community.

WHAT IS THE PACIFIC ISLAND NURSE SPECIALIST SERVICE?
The Pacific Island Nurse Specialist Service is a collaborative initiative involving the Southland District Health Board and the Pacific Island Advisory and Cultural Trust.

The establishment of this service is aligned to the Ministry of Health's 'Pacific Island health and Disability Plan' (February 2002). The Plan promotes a vision of 'Healthy Pacific peoples achieving their full potential throughout their lives, through the values of service, respect and duty of care'.

PRESENTERS:
Aniva Ripley, Lee Marie and Sandy Borland are our Nurse Specialists. Elsie Freeman is our Community and Family Co-ordinator.

Dr Barry Gribbin

Barry has been involved with primary health care and research for over 20 years. He was a south Auckland GP working in a busy multi-cultural practice for 15 years and Director of the RNZCGP Research Unit in Auckland University for 5 years. He has published over 40 papers, mainly on access to primary health care and resource utilisation, and has been actively involved in developing clinical performance indicators.

 


Carol Boustead

Carol trained as a nurse, working in intensive care in the UK, before completing a MSc in Health Services Research. She has wide experience in NZ, working in health market research and on large evaluation projects. Carol has extensive knowledge of qualitative research approaches and has designed many innovative research projects working across the public and private sectors,
and managing large multicultural research teams.

FINDINGS FROM THE PACIFIC PROVIDER DEVELOPMENT FUND EVALUATION

Introduction:
This evaluation provides an independent assessment of the extent to which the Pacific Provider Development Fund (PPDF) has achieved its objective of supporting the development of efficient and effective Pacific health providers. PPDF is the main source of funding for most Pacific health providers capacity and capability development.

Methods:
As part of the evaluation a Pacific Provider Development Model was built that recognised the genesis of Pacific providers in New Zealand. A Pacific Provider Capacity Assessment Tool (PPCAT) was developed to support that model with 42 items grouped into the eight dimensions. The PPCAT tool was implemented via a website with an attractive and easy to use interface. Using the tool, providers estimated levels of capacity before and after they received PPDF funding. Site visits to PPDF recipients were also completed to collect further evidence of capacity and capability changes. The difference in scores over time reflected changes in capacity and capability over the period that PPDF funding was available.

Results:
Findings from PPCAT and the site visits showed that PPDF investment has significantly strengthened Pacific providers in the primary health care sector. Considering the relatively small amount of funding involved the improvements in capacity and capability are remarkable.

Conclusion:
PPDF has been effective in meeting its objectives. It remains an important source of funding to Pacific providers. Changes in the current primary care environment will produce new challenges for Pacific providers, and further investment in new areas of development is recommended.

TaPasefika PHO

TaPasefika Health Trust (TaPasefika) was the first of two Primary Health Organisation (PHO) to be established in New Zealand in July 2002. It originally started as a tripartite relationship between Health Star Pacific Trust, Health Pacifica Doctors (now Bader Drive Healthcare) and South Seas Healthcare. Mangere Family Doctors joined TaPasefika in October 2006 to take the enrolled population served to almost 20,000 people; of which 75% are Pacific and 92% are high needs.

Kevin Gabriel
TaPasefika PHO Clinical Director

Kevin has worked in General Practice at the Pacific provider - Bader Drive Healthcare in Mangere for four years and been Clinical Director
TaPasefika PHO for the last two years. Kevin is New Zealand born of Sri Lankan descent. He is passionate about improving Pacific Health Outcomes, clinical quality, Evidence Based medicine and Diabetes. Kevin has also participated with the RNZCGP Interview Panel for GP Registrar Training Programme since 2005. In the summer he does short term locums at Niue Hospital.

Soana Muimuiheata
TaPasefika Dietitian

Soana is Tongan and completed her dietetic training at the University of Otago. She is one of 4 Pacific NZ Registered Dietitian and the only Pacific Dietitian working in PHO services.

Soana provides practical, clinical and culturally safe nutrition and dietary services for the enrolled population of TaPasefika PHO. She is involved in developing the South Seas Healthcare Kids in Action – Pasefika Challenge Programme, an intervention programme for overweight and obese children in Counties Manukau. Soana also provides on-going in-service staff training on nutrition and physical activity , provides supervision and an advisory role for the Otago Dietetic training. Soana is also active in the community delivering nutrition talks to church groups, talk-back radio session for the Tongan Health Programme and presents at various regional, national and international Health Conferences on evidence-based nutrition and dietary services. Soana is currently completing a Master of Medical Science on the Tonga Nutrition Survey data at the University of New South Wales.

PACIFIC PRIMARY CARE SECTOR: TAPASEFIKA PHO
TaPasefika's presentation traces the journey taken by its providers (Bader Drive Healthcare, South Seas Healthcare & now Mangere Family Doctors) from the inception of the CMDHB Chronic Care Management Pilot in 2001 at Health Pacifica Doctors and Mangere Family Doctors, to current day.

Responsiveness to community need is reflected in the multidisciplinary team approach to Model of Care development. Drs Kevin Gabriel, Gary Sinclair, Andrew Chan-Mow (Clinical Director South Seas Healthcare) & Dietitian Soana Muimuiheata will form a panel.

Dr Teuila Percival

Dr Teuila Percival is a Samoan Consultant Paediatrician at KidzFirst Children's Hospital in South Auckland. Her particular interests are in Pacific people's health, child abuse and community paediatrics. She attended Auckland University Medical School and completed her paediatric training in Auckland.

Teuila has a wealth of clinical and governance experience, including being the previous President of the Pasifika Medical Association from 2003 to 2005, and a current member of the New Zealand HRC Pacific Health Research Committee.  She is a strong advocate for the evidence-based design, implementation, and evaluation of children's health services in New Zealand.

Dr Teuila Percival will present on Pacific children's priority health needs and the importance of research to inform and address these needs.

KIDS IN ACTION:COMMUNITY RESPONSIVENESS IN CHILD OBESITY TREATMENT
Dr Teuila Percival, Shaun Tautali, Soana Muimuiheata, Vaine Glassie, Seini Tu'ataane.

Child obesity is a significant and increasing health problem for Pacific communities. Whereas prevention of obesity is the most effective solution, more than half of Pacific school aged children are currently overweight or obese.

The “Kids in Action programme” is a community based intervention and support programme for obese school aged children. It is located in Otara, South Auckland with a multi-disciplinary team of coach, nurse, dietician, and doctor and community health worker. The team provide care for around 100 morbidly obese children each year. There is a substantial drop out rate for referred cases with associations being a lack of readiness for change and difficulty with travel and working parents. For those who remain in the programme, however, more than one half will achieve a positive outcome of weight loss, weight maintenance and increased physical fitness The needs of obese children and their families are more complex than just food intake and exercise. The “Kids IN Action” programme has recognised the need for this complexity to be considered in providing an appropriate intervention service.

This presentation will provide and overview of the “Kids in Action” programme along with recommendations for future development.

Emelita Zee

RANUI 135.(EST 2002). “THE RIPPLE EFFECT”
Q. What does smoked fish and moko and a Jack Russell have to do with a Pacific youth community development project?

Q. What is “The Ripple Effect”, apart from throwing pebbles into water and what does this have to do with the statement the faces know the faces?

Q. As Pacific people how does service to others set us apart from others and how does this impact on the here and now and ultimately the future?

All will be revealed in a riveting, informative and interactive presentation on a sustainable community youth development project: “Ranui 135” based in West Auckland where you will hear the real life stories of individuals and families who have come through this group and the impact it has had on their lives. YOU WONT WANT TO MISS THIS!

Hutt Valley District Health Board – PACIFIC YOUTH

Members of: Drop It Like It'z Hutt and the Hutt Valley District Health Board - Pacific Youth Health Advisory Group.

 

ENGAGED WITH PACIFIC PEOPLE THROUGH YOUTH PARTICIPATION AND DEVELOPMENT:
“YOUNG LEADERS NOW AND TOMORROW”.

The Drop It Like It's Hutt Crew and the Hutt Valley District Health Board – Pacific Youth Health Advisory Group will discuss processes of youth participation and development and the benefits it provides for Pacific young people in the Hutt Valley Region, the HVDHB and their communities. The presentation will also address the advantages of forming partnerships between young people, local government and district health boards. Exploring the journeys of establishing the groups and the projects they have worked on, the young people hope to aspire other organisations and communities to support young Pacific people by providing opportunities of collaboration, mentoring and the challenge of utilising methods of youth participation and development.

Ativalu Lemuelu

Ativalu Lemuelu has eight years experience in health information technology here in New Zealand. He is a member of the 2006 Pacific Leadership Alumni, and has been heavily involved in National IT programmes across the sector such as: National Immunisation Register Programme, Implementation of PHOs, Diabetes Get Checked, Maternity Section 88 notice changes in 2004 and 2007, NHI Upgrade Programme, HPI Programme and more recently the National Systems Development Programme.

During his various roles within the Ministry of Health, he also been involved with key sector groups such as the; Health IT Cluster, Practice Management Software Vendors, Patient Management Software Vendors, Health Informatics New Zealand association, Health Information Standards Organisation expert advisory committee, New Zealand HL7 user group forum, managed the Primary Care National Vendor Forum, Standards New Zealand, IPAC, New Zealand Health Information Services, HealthPAC, DHBs, PHARMAC, and DHBNZ. He is well respected within the Health IT community and has a passion for working in Health. Since leaving the Ministry in October 2007, Ativalu is now the Business Development Manager for ASPX Ltd, focussing on providing Hosting IT solutions for small to medium size organisations in Health.

Robert Perelini

During his 10 year career in the IT industry Robert has garnered significant experience in a broad range of industries and organisations, considerable exposure to the project management of several large, high profile IT projects.

Robert has extensive local and international IT consulting experience including key experience with the world's largest Casino Corporation (Casino's Austria International Inc.), three major regional hospital boards, Telecom Gen-i and managed a ground-breaking IT project at Auckland private boys school – St Kentigern's College.

He has also developed an interest in growing small businesses, and has a keen empathy for the specific challenges that confront small to medium sized businesses, and organisations within the health sector. Robert is a member of the Health IT Cluster NZ, and is a board member of the Pacific Chamber of Commerce. Robert is also Co-founder and Sales Director for ASPX Limited.

Dr William Reedy

Dr William Reedy is the Consulting Principal - Health & Life Sciences for Hewlett Packard (HP) New Zealand. William has over ten years of health information technology consulting experience in NZ, Australia, Canada, the US and the UK.

Prior to joining HP William had established an international track record in leading the strategy for and the implementation of large scale clinical information systems supported by sound change management methodologies. William also has a deep knowledge of the NZ Health and Disability Sector and has that rare ability to concisely deliver health domain knowledge in order to bridge the knowledge transfer of information between technologists and healthcare professionals.

William also continues to practice clinical medicine at Middlemore Hospital. William is part Samoan and is a member of PMANZ.

THE IMPORTANCE OF IT INVESTMENT FOR PACIFIC HEALTH
Health providers today struggle with managing their IT infrastructure. This workshop is designed to enhance Pacific providers awareness to the importance of IT infrastructure. The presenters are looking to highlight key factors for Providers to consider when managing, purchasing or upgrading their IT Infrastructure. The workshop will also be interactive and is also designed for providers to have their say around IT issues.

Donna Marie Hera Frost

Donna comes from a Corporate Management background in Australia and New Zealand. She is currently the Field Officer for Diabetes NZ Auckland. She is the driving force behind the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes effort for this organization through out the Greater Auckland Region. Donna is of Maori (Tainui) descent from her father.

Donna devotes her time to community and corporate organizations where she brings the message of awareness and prevention to those at risk. Her love of her people takes her to the Pacific Island Church communities and to the Marae. She also works in South Auckland Secondary Schools teaching a health awareness education programme to students. As a result of this opportunity Donna realized that Maori and Pacific Island Parents could benefit from the knowledge of improved nutrition and activity to reduce obesity, diabetes and heart disease from a cultural perspective. Donna is the designer of the HOPE Pilot Nutrition and Activity Programme.

HEALTHY OPTIONS = POSITIVE EATING (HOPE)
This presentation will focus on the Pilot Nutrition and Activity Programme for Maori and Pacific Island Parents called HOPE – Healthy Options = Positive Eating. HOPE as a word is a belief in a positive outcome according to the circumstances in ones life. HOPE as an intervention programme is a belief in people. This programme will be launched through the education sector at McAuley High School in Otahuhu, South Auckland.

Dr Matire Harwood

(Ngapuhi) Investigator, Ms Donna Tamaariki (Ngati Whatua, Cook Island Maori) Project Manager, Dr Api Talemaitoga (Fiji) Investigator for MaPSS

REHABILITATION FOR PACIFICA PEOPLE WITH STROKE – YING TO IMPROVE RECOVERY IN THE COMMUNITY (MĀORI AND PACIFIC STROKE STUDY)

Stroke for Pacifica people living in Aotearoa is a major health issue. Despite efforts to reduce stroke incidence, currently there are a significant number of Pacifica people having a stroke and many live with some level of disability afterward. The impact on individuals, families and community is huge. Organised stroke care, including stroke rehabilitation, has been shown to improve stroke outcomes including improved quality of life. The Māori and Pacifica Stroke Study (MaPSS) was designed to measure the effectiveness of a programme developed specifically for Māori and Pacifica people with stroke. 

MaPSS is a multicentre randomised control study that aims to recruit 120 Pacifica people who are living in the community after stroke. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The quantitative aspect of the study is still underway and preliminary results will be presented including demographic information and baseline data.

Outcomes will be measured at 6 and 12 months post intervention. Qualitative information including impact on family members as caregivers will also be presented.

Mrs Donna Tamaariki

(Ngati Whatua, Tainui & Rarotonga)
Donna is the National Project Manager for MaPSS. She lives in Tamaki
Makaurau with her husband James Campbell and their 16 year old son
Jackson Tamaariki-Campbell.

She has a background International Freight Forwarding (imports & exports), Health and Social Services and Project & Event Management. Donna has a particular passion for building sustainable communities, promoting cultural diversity and advocating for positive change.

THE PACIFICA HEALTH RESEARCHER – LINKAGES, LANGUAGE, LIKES, AND LESSONS

Authors: Ms Donna Tamaariki (Ngati Whatua, Cook Island Maori) Project Manager,
Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) Investigator, Ms Sofia Daly (Samoa) Researcher,
Ms Moana Pohe-Tamaariki (Ngati Whatua, Cook Island Maori) Researcher for MaPSS

As new Pacifica health researchers of a large national study (Māori and Pacific Stroke
Study or MaPSS), we wish to share our experiences with other Pacifica health providers
and researchers.

Aims:
To describe the experiences of Pacifica health researchers working in a multi centre randomised control study (measuring the effectiveness of programmes developed to improve stroke recovery in Māori and Pacifica people). Pacifica people assisted with the design of the study.
Methods:
Data was collected through narratives and semi structured interviews from researchers for the MaPSS. Thematic analysis of the data yielded four major categories – Linkages, Language, Likes and Lessons.
Results:
For Linkages, themes include the relationships between researcher and participants including networks; family dynamics; intersectoral approach to health; supporting each other.
For Language, the themes were

  1. working with clinicians
  2. when my kids don't understand me but you don't
  3. interpreter services in Aotearoa.

Likes for Pacifica researchers included wanting to make change, travel to other centres, highlighting Pacifica health in non Pacifica' areas and working with the participants. Lessons learnt may assist with the development of the Pacifica health workforce both here in Aotearoa and throughout the Pacific. They include links with expertise, training, setting aside time to meet regularly as researchers and valuing our knowledge.

Malia TF Hamani

General Manager,

TOA Pacific Inc

Malia has a firm commitment to the promotion of Pacific older peoples' rights and wellbeing, and their carers and families. Malia is passionate about supporting Pacific people with limited abilities.

During Malia's 11 years of community development work through Methodist Mission Northern, TOA Pacific Incorporated emerged, Treasuring Older Adults and Pacific Aiga Carers. The members and governance group of TOA Pacific represents Samoa, Cook is, Niue, Tonga, Tokelau, Tuvalu and Kiribati.

Malia is the general manager of TOA Pacific, a member of the Carers Alliance executive committee and the Lu'i Ola Advisory group and a member also of a few other government department advisory groups.

Malia is a Tongan born mother of five young men and enjoys two grandsons and a granddaughter.

Manase Lua

Project Manager Pacific

Ministry of Health

Manase was born in the Kingdom of Tonga but has lived in South Auckland for most of his life. His father Siosifa Ngauamo Lua is from Ha'afeva in the Ha'apai group and his mother Sela Mounukiuoleva
u'amoheloa) Lua is from Vaini, in central Tongatapu. Manase can also trace Fijian and
Samoan ancestry. He studied at the University of Auckland where he gained his BA and MA (Hons) in English. He is happily married and has four beautiful children.

Manase worked for the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs for five years prior to his current role as Project Manager Pacific in the Planning and Development Team of  Disability Services, part of the Health and Disability National Services Directorate of the Ministry of Health. Manase has worked in the Ministry of Health for almost five years. His role is primarily to lead and oversee regional and national developmental programmes and projects to enhance disability support services for Pacific peoples with disabilities and their families/aiga/carers. Manase also holds the Carers and Family Support portfolio. Manase also completed the Pacific Health Leadership Programme and is an alumni member.

Manase enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends. He loves travelling especially back home to Tonga with his family. He relishes a challenge and describes himself as being a bit of a dreamer with a wide array of interests in terms of sport, music, creative writing with a special interest in the language, history and genealogical connections between Tonga, Fiji and Samoa in particular.

LU'I OLA AUCKLAND PACIFIC DISABILITY PLAN 2007-2009: AN INTERSECTORAL PROJECT

Information, language, communication barriers and cultural factors are some of the reasons that contribute to the poor access many disabled Pacific peoples and their families/aiga/carers have to a range of disability and related services.

Having consulted widely with the Auckland Pacific disability community, the 2005 Pacific Information Advocacy and Support Services Trust (PIASS) report urged greater intersectoral collaboration to address disability, housing, education, health, mental health and welfare requirements for this population. This request was consistent with the current Government's efforts to get national and local government agencies to operate more collaboratively, and so has been actively supported by a range of government agencies who serve the disabled Pacific population.  This formed the basis of the Lu'i Ola Plan, which is supported by Pacific communities, disabled people and their families.

The plan identifies nine goals (see below) that are consistent with the PIASS report and the broad means to achieve them. Four intersectoral project groups have been established to analyse the project in more detail and chart a shared future course.

The specific outcomes sought are:

  1. All of the government agency workforce is culturally competent to work with Pacific disabled people
  2. Pacific service providers are competently providing services as needed by the  sector
  3. The Pacific communities and workforce are well informed of disability and available services
  4. Shared consultation processes for agencies with Pacific communities are in place
  5. Increase Pacific attendance at service reviews (e.g. at Individual Education Plans)
  6. Shared assessment occurs where possible
  7. A virtual (telephone) central point of contact for all government agencies is
         available to disabled Pacific people and their families
  8. A personal navigation service is available for disabled Pacific people and their families who require further support
  9. Housing modification and equipment processes are streamlined.

Lu'i Ola Project Composition
ACC, Ministry of Social Development - Family and Community Services,
Child Youth and Family and Work and Income
Auckland, Waitemata and Counties Manukau DHBs Manukau, Waitakere and
Auckland City Councils, Ministry of Education (Group Special Education)
Ministry of Health –Disability Services (co-sponsor)
Housing New Zealand, Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, (co-sponsor)

Concept:
“Lu'i Ola” is a term and concept that was developed and coined by the National Pacific Disability Sector Resource Group as a pan-Pacific alternative to the term and concept of “disability”. It is the amalgam of the Samoan word for challenge or “lu'i” and the Polynesian term for life or essence of life “Ola” or “Ora”. “Ola” can also mean an outcome or something achieved well, and hence has a close affinity with the concept of thriving. The literal translation of the concept means “challenge to live.” This concept has two key facets.

Firstly, it challenges society or the community to allow the individual with a disability the opportunity to live and thrive. However, it is also a challenge for the individual with a disability to understand that they too can live and thrive.

Dr Apisalome Sikaidoka Talemaitoga

Clinical Director

Pacific Health Clinic

Dr Api Talemaitoga is a Fijian General Practitioner and Clinical Director at the Pacific health clinic in Christchurch. Prior to this Dr Talemaitoga practiced at Christchurch hospital and the Colonial War Hospital in
Suva, Fiji. He has also served as the private physician for senior officials in Fiji. Dr Talemaitoga graduated from Otago University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery; in 1996 he also completed a diploma of Paediatrics through Auckland University. Dr Talemaitoga is currently the Treasurer of the Pasifika Medical Association and a member of the National Health Committee.

CARING FOR CARERS
The National Health Committee (NHC) is currently working on a project on the lives of carers in New Zealand. Pacific peoples are known to be a friendly and caring community. We take pride in caring for our loved ones - old, young and those of us with a disability.

Many Pacific peoples are involved in caregiving roles for members of their immediate and extended families. Most of the roles are informal, unpaid and unappreciated by the Health Sector and the wider community.  These roles of caring make a huge impact on the carer and their families in terms of their physical and mental health and in the socio-economic status of the carers family.

This paper will explain this project by the NHC and share information collected so far.  It will also outline the research part of the project that will aim to take an in-depth look at Pacific older people caring for young, unwell and disabled member(s) of their family. We would also like to ask for people that may be keen to be involved in this project.

Catherine Temu

Service Leader

Vaka Tautua

Kia Orana, my name is Catherine Temu.  I am one of the longest serving members of the PIASS Team. I have worked in a variety of roles and now have responsibility for our Elderly and Day Care
programs and DIAS. (Pacific National Disability Advice Services). I am of a Cook Island ethnicity, and among many other talents, I am also a registered school teacher.  I am also currently studying towards a degree in Human Services and Non Profitable Management. I am currently the Service Leader for PIASS Trust at Vaka Tautua.  I am married with three beautiful children.

 

Manu Fotu

General Manager of Operations

Vaka Tautua

Malo e lelei.

May I take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Manu Fotu, was born in Tonga and emigrate with my family to New Zealand in 1980. I graduated from Otago University with a BSC degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology before moving and lived in England for 10 years. It was during my time in England that I graduated with a Diploma in Mental Health Nursing from York University. I worked in Forensic medium secure unit for 6 years before returning to New Zealand in 2002, where I worked at Te Atarau Unit for 10 months before moving and worked at Isa Lei Community Service for 2 years. I am currently the General Manager of Operations for Vaka Tautua, which is a shared Management company formed by Malologa Trust and PIASS. I am passionate about making a difference for the Pacific People who have mental health or/and physical health difficulties.  I am married to a Yorkshire Lass (England), and have 5 beautiful children.

INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF OUR ELDERLY AND DISABLED PACIFIC PEOPLE
Creating a society in which people can age positively requires more than government action. Achieving this depends on the involvement of central, local, government, business, non government and community sectors and fanau. “EVERYONE HAS A PART TO PLAY.”

What are the needs of our elderly?

What are the needs of our disabled people?
“ a society that highly values our lives and continually enhances our full participation.”

8mins DVD – Celebrating DIVERSITY with Pacific & Older & Disable People.