Working for Pacific Communities:  Pacific Public Health

Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) provides public health services to the population of the Auckland region, which includes a rich diversity of communities. However, we recognise the special place that Pacific communities have and the unique challenges they face. We are committed to help reduce inequalities for Pacific peoples, working towards better health and wellbeing.

We deliver services that have an impact on Pacific communities such as communicable disease control, food safety, BCG vaccinations, education around environmental hazards, drinking water, health promotion programmes, healthier housing and many more.

Our new Pacific Quit Smoking Service has been specifically developed to meet the needs of Pacific smokers, and their families, who want to quit. Our service is provided free of charge for Pacific people who live or work in the Auckland and Waitemata District Health Board areas. For further information click here.

Alongside other organisations, ARPHS participates in Warm ‘n’ Well. This programme provides free home insulation and home health visits to eligible families living in Waitakere City, North Shore or Rodney. Although currently applications from eligible Pacific families are closed as the programme is fully subscribed, you may qualify for other insulation programmes. To get further information click here

ARPHS has developed a range of resources and documents aimed at Pacific people, families and communities. These can be obtained by clicking the link in the downloads section below or through ARPHS Resource Centres.

Working together with Pacific people : Vaka Ola

Vaka Ola is a supportive group for Pacific staff within ARPHS.  It promotes Pacific values and nurtures the knowledge, skills, capabilities and talents of its members.

Vaka Ola literally means canoe of life. For ARPHS’ staff, it represents the journey of Pacific people to New Zealand, the journey of public health and wellbeing and the journey of developing Pacific staff.

Useful links.

For information on Hepatitis A, malaria, measles and other illnesses view our website factsheets. Resources are available from the ARPHS Resource Centre phone (09) 6234600

  • Umu Pasifica' (a resource in collaboration with New Zealand Food Safety Authority).
  • Pacifica families living free of violence poster series