Labour Party - Speeches

Pacific Health Workforce Awards

22.02.2008

Keynote Address to Pacific Health Workforce Awards - function for Recipients

Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Ni sa bula vinaka, Taloha ni, Fakalofa lahi atu, Kia orana, Kia ora and warm Pacific greetings.

Tonight, we are here to honour the hard work and academic success of 37 individuals who are making - or who are planning to make - a significant difference to the health of our Pacific people.

In August last year I launched the Health Research Council’s Pacific Health Research Forum. It was a fantastic event, and I was delighted to be asked by the HRC to speak at tonight’s dinner for the Pacific Health Workforce Awards.

A great deal of time and effort goes into making a programme like the Workforce Awards a success, and I would like to acknowledge some of the people involved:
• The Health Research Council for their ongoing work to administer the Awards. [acknowledge Esther Cowley Malcolm (Chair of the Pacific Island Health Research Committee), Lex Davidson (Chief Financial Officer), Dr Tania Pocock (Group Manager, Policy, Evaluation & Business Development) specifically?]
• The Assessing Committee for their time and commitment to the programme.
• The Ministry of Health for their leadership and direction with this programme.
[acknowledge Fepulea’I Margie Apa (Deputy Director General, Sector Capability and Innovation) and Dr Debbie Ryan (Chief Advisor Pacific Health) specifically?]

I am very pleased to be here with all Award recipients and family members, to celebrate your achievements, and to reflect on our future challenges.

Events like this are so important. This evening, we have an opportunity to come together to acknowledge Pacific people who have shown a commitment to working in the health sector and making a difference to the health of New Zealanders.

But in addition to that, we have an opportunity to meet each other, share ideas, discuss important issues, and make links for our future work. These kinds of exchanges - building strong networks and collaborating with other individuals and organisations - are increasingly recognised as critical in the health sector. Luckily, as Pacific people, it is also something that we do well! So, take advantage of the opportunities to meet your peers and other people in the health sector here tonight.

Since 2003, the Ministry of Health has given out over 200 awards to successful applicants. Many recipients have gone on to have significant careers in a broad range of health fields and work places. Past recipients have also become leaders in the health sector – whether in management positions, in clinical settings, policy settings, or in the community.

I understand that this year the courses of study being undertaken by you all range from medicine and nursing, to occupational therapy, health management and public health. You are every bit as deserving as recipients before you and I hope you will go on to make significant contributions in your fields.

Taking up the challenge of academic study - and balancing this with other commitments in your life – can be tough. But the decision to do this, and the achievement of completing your study, is something that you, your families, and your communities will benefit from.

Pacific peoples in New Zealand make up nearly 7% of our population, and are the second fastest growing group in New Zealand. Despite this – and I’m sure most of us are aware - Pacific people remain critically under-represented in the New Zealand health workforce.

We need more Pacific health workers in every area of the health sector - doctors, nurses, dieticians and nutritionists, community health workers, public health workers, dental workers – the list goes on. Building a skilled and qualified workforce is a key response to meeting the needs of Pacific communities, and addressing the health inequalities that Pacific peoples in New Zealand continue to face compared to the total New Zealand population.

The poor health status of Pacific people is well-documented. We know the statistics and they are unacceptable. Improving the health of Pacific people is an important issue for all of us.

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, and the health of our children and youth, need to remain at the top of our lists to make a difference in the health of Pacific people.
Many of the health problems our people face are preventable. Promoting healthier lifestyles to reduce the health risks associated with poor nutrition, a lack of physical activity and smoking can really make a difference to the overall health of our Pacific peoples.

We must continue to improve the responsiveness of our health services, and the quality of care that Pacific people receive in the health system.

These are big complex challenges that require a strong and coordinated response from Government, from health professionals and from communities. All of you are part of this, by undertaking study to enter the workforce, or by bettering your skills and qualifications for working in the health sector.

Whether you go on to work for Pacific health provider or a “mainstream” health provider, by building a strong Pacific health workforce we are ensuring that Pacific people can enter a health system that has a range and quality of services that are responsive to their needs. This is what these Awards aim to achieve.

Everyone here tonight comes from diverse backgrounds. I understand that we have recipients of Samoan, Tongan, Niuean, Cook Islands Maori, Fijian, and Rotuman descents. What you have in common are your cultural values, and Pacific heritage and identity. These are great strengths – and they equip you with particular skills and capabilities to offer the health sector, and Pacific communities and families.

You are helping change the statistics for our people in the health workforce and those who need help, so take time to be proud of your award - it is an honour and an indication of the hard work you are doing.

Thank you again for the opportunity to be here tonight, please enjoy your dinner and the rest of the evening’s entertainment.