Pacific community called into action

Members of Wairarapa's small but strong Pacific community are being encouraged to come along to a free Pasifika Health Day tomorrow, at Masterton Medical behind Wairarapa 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 District Health Boards.

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

She said it would be a great opportunity to meet Masterton Medical's newest doctor, Brendon Ah Wong, who is Samoan.

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 arrived nearly 70 years ago to study and board at local schools," said Mrs Gush.

She said Wairarapa people with a Pacific heritage can be found in families across the region including Black Cap Taylor (Samoa), Black Fern 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), former rugby international Bill Cavubati (Fiji) and journalist Vomle Springford (Vanuatu).

The event runs from 10.30am-3pm.