A welcome return for Pacific matua market days
Vaka Tautua, in collaboration with Pacific Homecare, yesterday held its first Matua Ola Manuia Market Day since December 2020. After a long wait due to the pandemic, four Pacific groups for older people came together to showcase their vibrant cultures and handicrafts in the highly successful event.
CEO Moananu Anna Redican Kolose with Cook Islands Matua Coordinator Manoa Tuatai.
The first of three market days for 2022 saw more than 100 guests attend, including community leaders and representatives from the Ministry of Health. Groups representing Samoa, the Cook Islands, and Niue sold the arts and crafts they have been making through the year, and visitors were treated to traditional songs, dances, and a spontaneous Zumba session.
Ministry of Health representatives Cassius Kuresa (Senior Portfolio Manager Pacific), To’a Fereti (Chief Clinical Advisor) and Vaka Lemisio (Senior Portfolio Manager Pacific Health) with CEO Moananu Anna Redican Kolose.
Vaka Tautua’s Chief Executive Officer, Moananu Anna Redican Kolose, said of attending her first Matua Ola Manuia Market Day, “Today was such a special event, bringing together our valued Pacific matua groups. The past two years have shown us the importance of connecting in person when possible. The matua are shining examples of engaging with the wider community for our wellbeing, and it was a privilege to be part of their big day.”
Funded by the Ministry of Health, Matua Ola Manuia is Vaka Tautua’s day programme for Pacific people over 60 in the Auckland region. The programmes are run by coordinators from within the matua groups, and include music and dance, exercise, health education and check-ups, and arts and crafts.
Fa'aulu Tomuli-Afoa, Vaka Tautua’s Innovation Project Lead, said, “The Coordinators and members of our matua groups have put in so much time and effort to bring this event to life. It’s wonderful to see it finally happen and is rewarding to celebrate our Pacific older people this way.”
Vaka Tautua’s next Matua Ola Manuia Market Days are:
Tuvalu Matua Ola Manuia Market Day: Wednesday 25 May, 10am-1pm
17 Aetna Place, Henderson
Cook Islands Mangere Matua Ola Manuia Market Day: Wednesday 1 June, 10am-1pm
Metro Theatre, 362 Massey Road, Mangere East
Pacific Homecare’s Market Days are:
Metua Pakari Market Day: Friday 20 May, 10am-1pm
Grace International, 77 Line Road, Glen Innes
Fia Ola Market Day: Friday 27 May, 10am-1pm
Otara Sports and Community Complex, Ngati Otara Park, 95 Otara Road, Otara
Learn more about our Matua Ola Manuia Day Programmes and visit Pacific Homecare’s website for a list of their group sessions.
