Etu Pasifika Board members Dr Starverton Kautoke, Papa John Pitomaki, Fr. Paulo Filoiali’i and Dr Nick Giblin (chair)
Over 70 guests were part of the successful launch of a new Pacific provider, Etu Pasifika Ltd in Christchurch yesterday.
Etu Pasifika is a Limited Liability Charitable Company owned by the Pasifika Medical Association.
The provider is a newly registered entity which has been established to ensure that services, jobs and most importantly Pacific families are supported following the closing of Pacific Trust Canterbury.
The Etu Pasifika Board is spearheaded by Dr Nick Giblin, a well-respected Fijian General Practitioner.
Nick will be supported by Papa John Pitomaki, a Cook Islands elder, Fr. Paulo Filoiali’i from St Bernadettes Catholic Parish, Dr Jitoko Cama, a Fijian surgeon and Dr Staverton Kautoke, a Tongan doctor.
Mr Gafa Tuiloma, who was previously Acting Director of Pasifika Development at the University of Canterbury, has been appointed as the General Manager.
Etu Pasifika Ltd has secured a property at 173 Montreal St, Christchurch Central.
In attendance at the launch were Christchurch Central National MP Hon Nicky Wagner, Minister of Customs, Minister for Disability Issues, Associate Minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration, and Associate Minister of Conservation and Labour MP for Christchurch East Poto Williams, Canterbury District Health Board representatives key officials from various government agencies and Christchurch community members.
Dr Kiki Maoate, President of the Pasifika Medical Association, says the launch of Etu Pasifika is a great investment for the Association and is a milestone to be celebrated following the Association’s 20th year anniversary celebration in August.
“Etu Pasifika Ltd will provide improved capacity for our local Pacific community in Christchurch, and will pick up some of the services delivered by Pacific Trust Canterbury to improve the lives of Pacific families in the South Island region,” says Dr Maoate.