20 Mar, 2025
Bringing Key Health Services to South Auckland
Bringing Key Health Services to South Auckland
The Fono has expanded its reach to South Auckland with the introduction of two key programmes: Kahu Taurima and Smokefree Services. These expansions represent our commitment to improving health outcomes for Pacific communities in the Counties Manukau area, where over half (54%) of Auckland's Pacific population resides.
Pacific Communities in Auckland
Auckland is home to 243,966 Pacific people according to the 2018 NZ Census, representing 15.5% of Auckland's total population. The highest concentration of Pacific people is in South Auckland, with the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu local board having the highest Pacific representation (19%), followed by Ōtara-Papatoetoe (16%) and Manurewa (14%). These significant Pacific populations highlight the need for these essential, culturally appropriate health services in these specific areas.
Kahu Taurima: Supporting Pacific Mothers and Children
The successful Kahu Taurima programme, which provides comprehensive support to pregnant Pacific women and mothers with children under five, is now operational in Manurewa. The new South Auckland team has already begun services, with a dedicated Team Leader set to join at the end of March.
The Manurewa location mirrors its Waitemata counterpart with a core team consisting of a Registered Nurse, Social Worker, and Kaiawhina (cultural support worker). Both teams are structured to grow as community demand increases.
This expansion directly addresses significant health inequities facing Pacific families. Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora data shows that only around 40% of Pacific women are registered with a lead maternity carer in the first trimester, compared to more than 80% of NZ European women. Additionally, the Pacific maternal mortality rate is twice that of NZ European women.
By establishing a presence in Counties Manukau, we are making these essential services more accessible to our community members where they live, helping to reduce missed opportunities in screening, early intervention, and treatment during pregnancy.
The programme offers culturally appropriate guidance and connects participants with necessary health and social services. Eligible participants must be of Pacific descent and reside in either the Waitemata or Counties Manukau districts.
Smokefree Services: Supporting the Quit Journey
Alongside the Kahu Taurima expansion, The Fono has also extended its Smokefree Services to South Auckland, offering free support to community members aged 12 and over who want to quit smoking.
This service addresses a critical health disparity, as Smokefree NZ data shows that Pacific peoples experience a higher prevalence of smoking than other ethnic groups, with 12.3% of Pacific adults being daily smokers in 2023/24. While this represents a significant decrease from 22.6% in 2011/12, it remains higher than the national average.
The 6-8 week programme provides personalised quit plans, education about health risks, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and ongoing support through either one-on-one or group sessions. The service is designed to be flexible, meeting clients where they feel most comfortable - whether at home or in community settings.
"Quitting smoking is one of the most significant positive health changes a person can make," says The Fono's Smokefree coordinator. "Our expansion into South Auckland means more Pacific people will have access to support throughout their quit journey."
The programme's team of Quit coaches is diverse and culturally competent, with many speaking multiple languages to better serve the Pacific community. The coaches actively engage with community leaders to promote health education and ensure the programme reaches those who need it most.
Strengthening Community Health
These dual expansions reflect The Fono's commitment to addressing health disparities in our communities through culturally appropriate, accessible services. By bringing these vital programmes to South Auckland, The Fono is working to remove barriers to healthcare and create stronger, healthier communities.
Both services offer wrap-around support and can connect participants to additional resources within The Fono's integrated model of care, ensuring a holistic approach to community wellbeing.
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