Who are we?

The Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service was established in 2019 to deliver a model of care to Pacific peoples in the Porirua area. The Service was successful in proving the value of the model of care and in July 2022, the Pacific Neighbourhood Nursing Service, trading as Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service was formerly constituted as a Charitable Trust.

Between 2019 and June 2022 Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service demonstrated the worth of this model of care, and its value was especially evident during the Covid-19 experience beginning in 2020. In July 2022, the Service contract was extended to serve Pacific communities in the Kapiti and Wellington areas.

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Our Mission & Vision

Our aim is to collaborate with families to promote health and wellbeing through the application of culturally and ethically grounded nursing expertise.The name is Tokelauan adopting their values of `Inati’ & `Alofa ki te tamāmanu’.

Our Values

Our values are embedded in Pacific Worldviews as expressed in the Tokelau concept of 'Inati' and 'Alofa ki te tamāmanu’. These are understood as values of:

The fair and equitable shaping of resources.
Compassion, and transparency.
Respectfulness, integrity, openness and honesty because the notion of Vā/relationship matters.
We will take an intelligent approach to actively innovate primary health nursing for Pacific families.

Our Model of Care

The name Vaka Atafaga is adopted from the Tokelauan model that has been developed by Kupa Kupa. The model looks at different aspects of wellbeing; physical, mental, social, family, spiritual, and environmental.

The name belongs to Tokelau and our service reflects their values of `inati’ (equity) and `Alofa ki te tamāmanu’ (compassion). This forms the basis upon which all Pacific peoples referred to our service are cared for.

Meet the Team

Board of Trustees

Dr Margaret Southwick

Emma Hickson

Anthony Carter

Ellaine Rasch

Board Chair

Board Member

Executive Leadership Team

Wendy Scott

Service Lead-Clinical and Workforce

Wendy is of European, Irish Ngā Puhi descent and works as Speciality Clinical Nurse for Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service. Wendy has a long commitment to the Porirua community and Pacific and Māori families. She has worked both in clinical practice at our local and regional hospital where she developed a passion for health education with a regard to amending health and education inequities. Wendy has worked in Nursing Education helping to establish the first Bachelor of Nursing Pacific Programme at Whitireia NZ and eventually becoming the Academic Leader for the programme. Her return to clinical practice within Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service has enabled her to continue to use her knowledge and skills in relation to Medical, Aged Care, Mental Health and Addiction nursing, Therapeutic Communications, Anatomy and Physiology and Nursing and Health Education. With over 30 years nursing experience as a Registered Nurse Wendy is aware of the health challenges that face our communities and the need for our families to receive quality care and support. She is a strong advocate for human rights and values the notions of relationship building, respect and honesty.

Kupa Kupa

Service Lead-Clinical Partnership and Culture

Kupa is a Specialty Clinical Nurse for the Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service. Kupa is passionate about his Tokelau/ Tuvalu/ Cook Islands heritage and he is committed to supporting all Pacific families to receive quality health care when they need it most. He has many years of clinical and managerial experience in a variety of health specialty areas and, actively supports community initiatives that improves and promotes the safety and wellbeing of Pacific families. Kupa’s role includes working with families taking a holistic approach to address the many complex challenges that impacts on their health and wellbeing and, is solutions-based. Families can expect to be treated with fairness, with respect, and with strong advocacy skills. Kupa is proud to be a member of the Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing team.

Gail Omeri

Business Manager

Born and raised in Porirua, Porirua has always been home. Married to Finau who is of Samoan descendent we have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. I trained and worked as an Enrolled Nurse for over 23 years before changing my career pathway from nursing to business management. I have been able to transfer and adapt my business skills to a number of business ie from Operations Manager for Emergency generators to Golf Clubs manager to heat pump companies. Completing the circle back to a nursing environment here at Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service.

Specialty Clinical Nurse

Linon Nanai

Clinical Vaccination Lead/Specialty Clinical Nurse

Linon is of Samoan decent. Born and raised in Porirua. Linon was one of the pioneer students studying the first Bachelor of Nursing (Pacific) in Aotearoa 2004. She has clinical experience in Oncology, Renal and Haematology. Recently she has worked as a District nurse in Porirua. Linon spent some time in Australia working in Alice Springs, Darwin, and Cairns where there is high population of Indigenous peoples. Linon is aware and familiar with the ongoing challenges that are faced by Pacific Island families when accessing health care. She is passionate and keen on finding solutions that improve health care for Pacific families.

Asenati Kupa Apolinario

Specialty Clinical Nurse

Asenati is a Speciality Clinical Nurse for Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service and is of Tokelaun and Samoan heritage and a Graduate of Whitireia New Zealand Bachelor of Nursing Pacific programme Asenati has wide range of clinical nursing experience working across the lifespan in both hospital and community settings in Mental Health and Medical Nursing. This includes expertise in Acute Inpatient Mental Health within the Mental Health Addiction and Intellectual Disability Service (MHAIDS) and in caring for Acute medical preterm and unwell infants and supporting their families. In the community Asenati worked for Plunkett ensuing that the health and wellbeing of Children under five years of age was maintained while working alongside their families to provide education to support them during their journey as a parent or caregiver. An interest in mental health and aged care led Asenati to working in a Level 5 Psychogeriatric Care unit at a Private Hospital where she gained experience in caring for older adults with dementia and a range of other mental health issues which are experienced by older adults. Prior to joining the Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service Asenati had returned to working in the Community Mental Health addictions and intellectual Disabilities (MHAIDS) team. Asenati understands the cultural challenges Pacific people's face when presenting with composite health and cultural issues. She is motivated to improving health outcomes for Pacific and is a strong advocate for positive change where the need has been identified. Asenati would like to support Pacific clients to be independent in navigating their way through the complexity of the health system, particularly with the expected changes as we move into a new restructured health system

Ann Miti

Specialty Clinical Nurse

I am proud to be of Tokelauan and Samoan heritage, born and raised in Porirua. I recently completed my Bachelor of Nursing Pacific at Whitireia Polytechnic in 2024. My passion for nursing began while caring for my grandmother, an experience that nurtured my deep compassion and commitment to serving our wider kaiga in the community. It is a true privilege to deliver holistic and culturally safe care, supporting the health and well-being of our Pacific people. I am also excited to be one of the newest members of Vaka Atafaga, where I contribute to supporting and empowering our Pacific families to ensure positive health outcomes.

Veroniccah Patelu

Fanau Manuia/Well Child Acting Lead/ Specialty Clinical Nurse

Veroniccah is of Samoan descent who's parents migrated to New Zealand in search for a better future. Veroniccah was born in Porirua along with her 3 brothers. In 2021, Veroniccah graduated with a degree in the Bachelor of Pacific Nursing through Whitireia New Zealand. Veroniccah has worked in the Mental health sector where she also completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health. She has also worked in the swabbing and vaccination clinics under Tū Ora Compass Health. Veroniccah recently joined the Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service team and wants our Pacific communities to thrive in all aspects of health and wellbeing. Veroniccah will work alongside our Pacific communities to deliver quality care and also help remove the barriers and challenges that our Pacific communities are faced when trying to access the health services and health system.

Litia Lealamisa

Specialty Clinical Nurse

Litia is of Samoan decent, however born and raised in Porirua. She has work between Wellington Hospital and Kenepuru Hospital, she has a nursing background in rehab, geriatrics, medical and surgical. She is new to community nursing, but has quickly learnt that there is a great need for Pacific nurses in the community, to help our people navigate through the health system and connecting them to other services. She is excited to have the opportunity to use her nursing skills to service our people in the community

Gracia Yogobi

Specialty Clinical Nurse

I was born and raised in Wamena, West Papua (Indonesia), I moved to New Zealand in 2015 to pursue my education in healthcare. Over the years, I have gained valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in various fields, starting with paramedic studies and English language courses, before transitioning to nursing, a path that has been both rewarding and fulfilling. In 2024, I graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing (Pacific) from Whitireia. I am now proud to be part of the Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service, where I work collaboratively with the team to support Pacific communities and families. My goal is to contribute to improving health outcomes for our clients while enhancing my clinical expertise and social skills. Working in healthcare has always been my passion, and I am dedicated to helping others improve their lives and well-being through quality care and support.

Matthew Southwick

Specialty Clinical Nurse

Matt is a Specialty Clinical Nurse with the Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service and is of Tuvaluan/European descent. He has been a registered nurse since 1996 and has experience in both hospital and community-based settings. With his clinical expertise and ability to develop effective professional relationships within the health system, Matt is determined to support and improve the health and well-being of Pacific families in the Porirua region.

Ashna Prasad

Specialty Clinical Nurse/Fanau Manuia-Well Child

I was born and raised in Fiji and relocated to New Zealand in 2023, seeking a better future for my family. I hold a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Fiji and completed the Competence Assessment Program in New Zealand in 2024. My professional experience includes working at Colonial War Memorial Hospital for 2 years and serving as a Community Health Nurse at Savusavu Health Centre in Fiji for 6 years. During this time, I developed a deep passion for providing holistic care. My work focused on maternal and child health, pap smear screenings, outreach services for adults, non-communicable diseases (NCD) screening, immunisations, and family planning. I have recently joined the Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service team. I am a strong advocate for community health nursing, which takes a holistic approach to healthcare, addressing not only individual patients but also the health needs of our pacific families and communities. This approach ensures that our pacific from all backgrounds have the opportunity to lead healthier lives.

Enrolled Nurse

Bronwyn Ahhoi

Enrolled Nurse

After nine years in various roles at the Whitby Lakes retirement village in Porirua, Bronwyn Ahhoi felt a calling to pursue nursing. She completed her Diploma of Nursing at Whitireia New Zealand in 2023 and joined Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service in January 2024 as an enrolled nurse. Born and raise in Porirua, Bronwyn has cultural connections to the Cook Island (Aitutaki), Samoa, Tokelau and Scotland. This diverse heritage motivates her commitment to serving and advocating for communities in healthcare.

Dahlia Pereira

Enrolled Nurse

I am deeply proud of my Cook Islands and Tokelauan heritage, and having grown up in Porirua, I have been immersed in the vibrant cultures of the Pacific throughout my life. These roots have shaped my values and inspired my strong commitment to caring for others. My passion for nursing began at a young age, influenced by the communal values of my culture. Raised with the belief that “it takes a village to raise a child,” I witnessed firsthand the importance of caring for others, whether supporting children or looking after our elders. This sense of shared responsibility and respect for others motivated me to pursue a career in nursing. In 2024, I completed my Diploma in Enrolled Nursing at Whitireia Polytechnic. I am now excited to join Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service, where I can contribute to delivering compassionate, culturally informed care to the Pacific community. I am committed to using my skills to support Pacific families and ensure positive, long-term health outcomes. I’m excited to give back to the community I care about

Lagolagosua/Kaiāwhina

Faye Seumanutafa

I am from Porirua, New Zealand. I grew up in a family deeply connected to our community and faith. I am married, with three children and six grandchildren. My professional background spans over 30 years in the accounting sector, where I held leadership roles in private companies and at the Wellington District Health Board (Wellington Hospital). Moving from accounting to supporting individuals, families, and communities in their health and wellbeing was life-changing and aligned with my passion for making a positive impact on others' lives. I bring to Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service and the role as the Lagolagosua/Kaiawhina a wealth of experiences. I am deeply committed to supporting our Pacific people, and I am grateful for the opportunities I've had to use my skills and strengths to bring about meaningful change. My goal is to continue doing my best to meet the needs of those I serve.

Ethan Cooper Martin

I am of Māori and Niuean descent, born and raised in Wellington. Being part of this community kept me grounded and deeply connected. My cultural identity and strong sense of belonging shape every aspect of my work, from the way I lead to the way I serve. For four years, I worked with the Graeme Dingle Foundation as a Career Navigator Programme Facilitator. In this role, I supported young people aged 16 to 24, particularly students from Porirua College, Aotea College, Tawa College, Mana College, and St Bernard’s College. I helped young people explore career pathways, make informed decisions, and navigate their journey toward employment, training, or university. My focus was on guiding them to identify their strengths, passions, and goals, and connecting them with opportunities aligned with their aspirations. In April 2025, I joined the Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service, stepping into a new chapter as a Lagolagosua/Kaiawhina. I now work alongside nurses to support our Pacific people across the areas of health, education, and social services. My role focuses on ensuring individuals and families can access the care, information, and resources they need to thrive. I am excited about this next phase of my journey, one that allows me to serve our communities in a more hands-on and holistic way. I look forward to deepening my understanding of the health sector, continuing to grow both professionally and personally, and building strong, culturally grounded relationships with those we serve. It is a privilege to be in a role that enables me to uplift our Pacific whānau through care, connection, and advocacy.

Lagolagosua/Kaiāwhina

Administration

Raumataillen Salale

Team Administrator

I am of Samoan descent, born in Auckland and raised for most of my life in Porirua. After completing a Certificate in Administration and Technology (Level 4) at Whitireia Polytechnic, I worked within Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) for the Capital & Coast District Health Board (CCDHB), supporting operations during the COVID-19 response until June 2021. I joined Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service in November 2021, where I serve as a Team Administrator. I look after reception and enquiries, data entry and filing, document preparation, booking appointments and rooms, ordering supplies so our nurses can focus on delivering high-quality, culturally safe care. I am passionate and keeping records up to date about clear processes, accurate information, and warm, respectful service, because strong administration helps families receive the right care at the right time. Growing up in Porirua and being part of the Pacific community motivates me to serve with integrity, compassion, and excellence. I’m proud to contribute behind the scenes to a service that uplifts Pacific families and whānau, and I’m committed to continuous improvement so our team can do its best work for the people we serve.