First-Ever Matua Market Day a Success
More than 400 Pacific elderly (matua), community leaders and eager shoppers attended the first-ever Matua: Ola Manuia Market day in Papatoetoe yesterday. The event was hosted by the matua, in collaboration with Vaka Tautua and Pacific Homecare.
The Market was busy, with many people getting an early start on their Christmas shopping. The products for sale across the twelve ethnic-specific stalls included bags, fans, linen, necklaces and many more items. All were made by the matua individually and in groups, and largely during the lockdown.
Vaka Tautua Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop, spoke of the significance of event and the challenges the organisation and matua had faced.
“Eight months ago, Vaka Tautua was looking for funding to continue our matua programme. We would like to acknowledge the Ministry of Health for its support of our funding proposal… for valuing our matua,” said Dr Dunlop.
“And today is special, because it is the first time for our matua to be together after two lockdowns… And the handicrafts they have made… are what kept them connected to each other, and engaged during the lockdown. Each product tells their story.”
Guest speaker, newly-elected member of parliament for Takanini, Dr Anae Neru Leavasa, confirmed his support for the matua programme in his opening address.
“Programmes like this are important for our older people, for their health and wellbeing… and today is a celebration of our matua,” said Dr Leavasa.
Collectively, Vaka Tautua and Pacific Homecare support twelve matua day programmes across the Auckland region. Each group had a stall, with members of the group breaking out into spontaneous song and dance throughout the day.
Vaka Tautua Cook Islands Otara Matua Coordinator, Mama Pepe, who has been overseeing the group for over ten years was thrilled with the day.
“I loved seeing people buying and wearing our ei kaki (necklace) and our ei upiko (head garlands)… they sold very quickly,” said Mama Pepe.
The next market day is planned for 2021.
The Matua: Ola Manuia programme is a collaboration between Vaka Tautua and Pacific Homecare. Funded by the Ministry of Health, the Auckland-wide project is focused on increasing Pacific older peoples' health and wellbeing through social connectedness, social inclusion, and social enterprise. It involves twelve ethnic-specific day programmes with health education activities, health check-ups, exercise, and cultural activities; and market days for the matua to see their handiworks. The three-year project was launched in July 2020.
Vaka Tautua is a national Pacific health and social services provider with a strong regional presence in the greater Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury regions. It delivers disability, mental health, older peoples, social services, and financial capability services.
Special guest, Takanini MP Dr Anae Neru Leavasa, with Pacific Homecare Board Chair, Caren Rangi, and Vaka Tautua Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop (photo courtesy of Dr Leavasa).