Over 73,000 Pacific People supported throughout COVID19 crisis

As the country moves to Alert Level One the Pasifika Medical Association through Pasifika Futures - the Whānau Ora commissioning agency for Pacific families, reflects on the colossal effort from Covid 19 Support Partners who tirelessly worked throughout all the Alert levels to serve our most vulnerable Pacific families.

The impact of this work: 17,755 Covid Support Packages delivered across the country, from Kaitaia to Invercargill, to 13,300 Pacific families, made up of 73,156 individuals. Eighty percent of those receiving support needed the help as they were no longer able to meet their family’s basic needs and 54% experienced a loss of family income.

Debbie Sorensen, the Chief Executive for PMA and Pasifika Futures says the 42 centers and partners across the country that distributed the packages to families, should be applauded for their quick response.

“It’s a testament to the connections our partners have to their communities. We made sure our partners had resources within two days prior to the lockdown to help and distribute to families in need.” she says.

Mrs Sorensen says 65 percent of families, over 46,000 individuals, who reached out for support had not been previously registered with Whānau Ora, showing the devastating economic impact that Covid-19 had on Pasifika families.

“A lot of people found themselves suddenly unemployed and unable to pay their bills and feed their families. These are families who would not traditionally be receiving government support because they had been working and doing okay.”

Despite PFL transitioning to new workstreams as the economy moves into the recovery phase of the crisis, the unexpected numbers and demand from the Pacific community led the organisation to invest an additional $1.2 million to continue their support of Pacific families over the next couple of months.

“Families have been very relieved that they can access packages and support. The $1.2 million over two months will ensure these families can continue to receive that help as they stabilize their family situation.” Says Mrs Sorensen.

In last month’s budget, the NZ Government increased Pasifika Futures’ funding by a further $44 million over the next two years. Mrs Sorensen says the increase is timely during these tough times because of the high demand for support not just for immediate needs but training and initiatives that will grow family wealth over the mid to long term.

“We are very lucky to have this additional funding. It will enable our providers to offer more support. It shows that it’s very clear to the government that our programs work and helps our Pacific people.”