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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.

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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.

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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

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Dr Margaret Southwick

Board Chair

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Emma Hickson

Board Member

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Anthony Carter

Board Member

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Ellaine Rasch

Board Member

Executive Leadership Team

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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 6 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

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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.

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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

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Gracia Yogobi

Specialty Clinical Nurse/Fanau Manuia-Well Child

Gracia was born and raised in Wamena, West Papua (Indonesia), and moved to New Zealand in 2015 to pursue her education in healthcare. Over the years, she has 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, Gracia graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing (Pacific) from Whitireia. She is now proud to be part of the Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service, where she works collaboratively with the team to support Pacific communities and families. Her goal is to contribute to improving health outcomes for clients while enhancing her clinical expertise and social skills. Working in healthcare has always been Gracia’s passion, and she is dedicated to helping others improve their lives and well-being through quality care and support.

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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.

Ashna Prasad

Specialty Clinical Nurse/Fanau Manuia-Well Child

Ashna was born and raised in Fiji and relocated to New Zealand in 2023, seeking a better future for her family. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Fiji and completed the Competence Assessment Program in New Zealand in 2024. Her 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, she developed a deep passion for providing holistic care. Her work focused on maternal and child health, pap smear screenings, outreach services for adults, non-communicable diseases (NCD) screening, immunisations, and family planning. Ashna has recently joined the Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service team. She is 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.

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.

Ann Miti

Specialty Clinical Nurse

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

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Fuhifa Tangata’olakepa

Specialty Clinical Nurse

Fuhifa is of Tongan heritage and completed her Bachelor of Nursing (Pacific) at Whitireia Polytechnic in New Zealand. She also holds a Certificate in Pharmacology for Nursing. She has clinical experience in aged care, where she supported and cared for elders by assisting with their health needs and monitoring their wellbeing. This experience has been very meaningful to her, as she values caring for and supporting elders. Fuhifa recently joined Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service to gain further experience supporting Pacific people within the community. As a Registered Nurse, she is passionate about building meaningful relationships and providing culturally safe, respectful, and compassionate care to improve the health and wellbeing of those she serves. Malo ‘aupito.

Enrolled Nurse

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Bronwyn Ahhoi

Enrolled Nurse

After nine years in various roles at 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 raised in Porirua, Bronwyn has cultural connections to the Cook Islands (Aitutaki), Samoa, Tokelau, and Scotland. This diverse heritage motivates her commitment to serving and advocating for communities in healthcare.

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Dahlia Pereira

Enrolled Nurse

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

Lagolagosua/Kaiāwhina

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Faye Seumanutafa

Faye is from Porirua, New Zealand, and grew up in a family deeply connected to their community and faith. She is married and has three children and six grandchildren. Her professional background spans over 30 years in the accounting sector, where she 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 her passion for making a positive impact on others' lives. Faye brings to Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service, in her role as the Lagolagosua/Kaiawhina, a wealth of experience. She is deeply committed to supporting Pacific people and is grateful for the opportunities she has had to use her skills and strengths to bring about meaningful change. Her goal is to continue doing her best to meet the needs of those she serves.

Ethan Cooper Martin

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

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Lagolagosua/Kaiāwhina 

Lagolagosua/Kaiāwhina 

Administration Team

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Victoria Omeri

Office Administrator

Victoria was born and raised in Porirua and is proud of her Samoan heritage and the strong values of family, community, and respect that shape who she is. She spent 14 years working in Early Childhood Education (ECE), where she was passionate about supporting and nurturing young children during the important early stages of their learning and development. In 2025, Victoria joined Vaka Atafaga Pacific Nursing Service as part of the administration team. This role has allowed her to continue serving and supporting her community in a different way, contributing to services that care for and uplift Pacific families. Her journey reflects her commitment to helping others, building strong relationships, and making a positive difference in the communities she is part of.

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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.

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