Vaka Tautua “doing it” to reach vaccination target
Vaka Tautua is doing everything it can to help our Pacific communities get vaccinated, as part of the national drive to reach the Government’s 90 percent COVID-19 vaccination target.
Vaka Tautua Wellington's Team Porirua (L) and Team Hutt Valley (R).
The Vaka Tautua Wellington team has joined in a friendly competition between Hutt City and Porirua City Councils as they battle it out to see which council area can be the first to achieve the 90% fully vaccinated rate.
For the month of November, the rival cities are encouraging locals, especially Māori and Pacific people in the 18 to 35 age group, to get their COVID-19 vaccinations.
To show their community support and get into the competitive spirit, the Vaka Tautua Wellington team has divided into two teams - Team Porirua and Team Hutt Valley – and are contacting our service users in these areas who are unvaccinated to encourage them to get their shots. Vaka Tautua is also supporting local Pacific partners by promoting their vaccination events, and helping arrange transport for those who need it.
Vaka Tautua CEO Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop leading the "I'm doing it" community immunity campaign (file photo, taken in Alert Level 1).
Vaka Tautua’s COVID outreach is part of our of our “I’m Doing It” campaign, launched in April with a mission to get Pacific peoples across Aotearoa fully vaccinated.
Wellington Regional Manager, Anna Pasikale, says “Taking part in the Porirua-Hutt Valley competition is a great way of supporting our local Pacific communities to get vaccinated, and raising awareness of our mental health, disability and social services at the same time.”
Vaka Tautua Auckland and Canterbury have also been playing their parts to get our Pacific peoples vaccinated.
“We are doing it… doing whatever we can to try and get our Pacific peoples over the line to get vaccinated. We’re having those important conversations, giving them the information, organising mobile vaccinations and transport,” says Kristina Sofele, Vaka Tautua’s National Manager People and Capability.
“It’s all about keeping ourselves, our families and our communities safe and protected, and one day being able to be together, share a meal, give each other a hug and a kiss. We all look forward to that day.”
If you would like to speak with someone about the vaccination in a Pacific language, call 0800 OLA LELEI (0800 652 535) our FREE Pacific national helpline.
Explore our COVID-19 information and resources or visit the Ministry of Health Website for the latest vaccination statistics.