New Fatu Fono Ola Chair Mr Kiki Maoate is urging the Pacific community to prioritise their healthcare to ensure they live longer, healthier lives—while advocating for change to improve their experiences with the healthcare system.

A specialist Paediatric Surgeon and Paediatric Urologist at Christchurch Hospital, Kiki was born and educated in the Cook Islands and completed his medical degree at the University of Otago. He then went on to complete his paediatric surgical training at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital.

Kiki is also an Associate Dean Pacific at the Christchurch School of Medicine and the University of Otago, the President of the Pasifika Medical Association Group and the Chairperson of the Pasifika Futures Ltd, Pasifika Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency.

Kiki took up his new role as chair of Fatu Fono Ola (the National Pacific Health Senate) in early March.

“If we are to succeed in ensuring all people can access the healthcare they need, we need Pacific families to prioritise health as a commodity. Right now, we know that this is not the case; for a lot of Pacific people health sits about third or fourth on the list of needs that get the most attention. This means that many Pacific peoples are not aware of, or not taking up, the opportunities available to them. We need to ask why is it that our younger generations, who are more familiar with New Zealand and how things work, are not taking up those opportunities?

“Having said that, it’s just as important to make sure that when Pacific peoples do try to access the healthcare system they have a positive experience and can navigate the system with confidence. For instance, we want our people to feel comfortable and confident asking for information, available options or a second opinion to ensure they get the best healthcare for their needs, and that they help instil that attitude in the younger and older generations.”

Making an impact on Pacific health outcomes

Fatu Fono Ola is an independent advisory board made up of 11 senior Pacific clinicians from across the country. It supports Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand to deliver more equitable health outcomes for Pacific peoples by providing objective, strategic advice based on its members’ collective experience and understanding of the health sector, existing health initiatives and the needs of Pacific communities.

“Fatu Fono Ola provides us with a platform for having an impact on Pacific health outcomes through providing oversight and direction around health initiatives, as well as connecting us with community providers – Pacific and non-Pacific alike.

“It’s an opportunity to look at the broader picture and the multitude of areas that we know have an impact on health and accessing healthcare – from socio-economic factors to the cost of living and other pressures. It’s not a new platform, but it is at a higher level and closer to the action, which means we can have more of an impact. And we are seeing a fantastic willingness from a variety of agencies across the spectrum to collaborate on more of a holistic approach to making sure Pacific peoples live longer, healthier lives.”

Supporting Pacific healthcare providers

Kiki says Pacific healthcare providers and staff have a unique insight into the needs and challenges faced by Pacific peoples because they are part of the communities they serve.

“When it comes to access and continuity of care, it’s crucial to have an understanding not only of the physical needs of different communities, but also of the impact that diverse values, languages and cultural aspects can have on how people approach their own health, health workers and health services.

“We know that if Pacific health providers are given the right resources and support, then we can provide the best care for our people to help ensure they are healthier and living longer, which means by extension they are contributing to their families, their communities and the economy.

“We also know there are likely to be people across the country who are outside Pacific communities who can also benefit from these models of care.

“Fatu Fono Ola is here to support Health NZ and the Ministry of Health by providing scrutiny and assistance. How we continue to contribute to the whole health system is a constant work in progress. I am confident that the group has the skills and confidence to support the health impacts we desire for our people”.

Learn more about Fatu Fono Ola

The Tokoroa team from Pacific health provider South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services Trust with Chief Executive Akarere Henry (centre) The Tokoroa team from Pacific health provider South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services Trust with Chief Executive Akarere Henry (centre) The Tokoroa team from Pacific health provider South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services Trust with Chief Executive Akarere Henry (centre)

The Tokoroa team from Pacific health provider South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services Trust with Chief Executive Akarere Henry (centre)

The Tokoroa team from Pacific health provider South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services Trust with Chief Executive Akarere Henry (centre)