Vaka Tautua switches Pacific matua on to technology

Matua Ola Manuia Coordinators holding their first ‘Google Meet’ during lockdown September 2021.

The International Day of Older Persons is a United Nations’ initiative, celebrated around the world on October 1. The theme for 2021 is ‘Digital Equity for All Ages’, addressing the need for older people to be active participants in an increasingly digital world.

Matua Ola Manuia Coordinators with Vaka Tautua staff member Fa’aulu Tomuli-Afoa (2nd from left).

Vaka Tautua is committed to ensuring the health, wellbeing, and safety of Pacific older peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Matua Ola Manuia Day Programme is an important service, bringing together matua (older peoples) in Auckland every week to socialise, share, celebrate and learn.

Increasing the connectivity of our Pacific matua through digital technology is a key part of the programme. Vaka Tautua has provided the Matua Group Coordinators with smart tablets and training on how to use a variety of online tools. 

Fa’aulu Tomuli-Afoa, Matua Ola Manuia Project Lead, said the initiative will enable older Pacific peoples to be part of the digital age and provides a new platform for conversation, inclusion, and participation. 

“I’m excited to share this opportunity with our matua. It will connect them to a whole new way of communicating, learning, and exploring online. The benefits will keep them connected, engaged and participating, which is so important for their health and wellbeing,” she said.

Access to smart technology has been especially helpful during the latest COVID-19 lockdown in Auckland, when the groups have been unable to meet in person. The Matua Coordinators held their first ‘Google Meet’, which was also the first time some of them had ever been online.

The matua response has been positive, with excitement and acceptance about the need to learn to use the devices they see their children and grandchildren using.

Fa’aulu said, “The initial plan is to get our matua online, creating emails and learning new ways of communicating. This could be an introduction to Facebook or Google, but the goal is to have them submit all their documents online or by email.”

Vaka Tautua is a national Pacific health, disability, and social services provider with a strong regional presence in the greater Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury regions. It delivers disability, mental health, older people, social, and financial capability services.