Covid-19 and Pasifika communities in New Zealand

This page brings together reliable information about Covid-19 for Pasifika peoples, organisations employing Pasifika people, and Pasifika community groups.

O le punaoa lea I totonu o nei so'otaga a le upega tafa'ilagi (links) lea, e iai fa'amatalaga ua fa'amaonia e uiga I le fa'ama'I o le Koviti-19 mo Tagata Pasefika, Fa'alapotopotoga ma falefaigaluega lae faigaluega iai Tagata Pasefika, ma nisi o Fa'alapotopotoga Pasefika eseese.

Oku ma’u ‘i heni ‘ae ngaahi fakamatala pau fekau’aki moe Koviti 19 ma’ae kakai Pasifiki, ngaahi kautaha ‘oku nau faka ngaue’i e kakai Pasifiki mo ha toe kulupu Pasifiki pe.

Covid-19 is a real threat to Pasifika communities

The August 2020 outbreak of Covid-19 in Auckland is New Zealand’s largest cluster to date. Pasifika peoples make up the majority of cases in this cluster, many of whom are younger people. We have produced this infographic outlining the evidence on why Covid-19 is of particular importance to Pasifika peoples. 

Up to date information is available on how Covid-19 is impacting Pasifika communities. This includes all New Zealand Covid-19 cases and recent clusters. See health.govt.nz and moanaresearch.co.nz.

The Ministry for Pacific Peoples has helpful advice and videos on what Covid-19 means for Pasifika communities. These are available in different Pacific languages, see mpp.govt.nz.

There are ways to keep yourself safe and reduce the spread of Covid-19

• Stay home if you are unwell.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often.
• Keep track of where you have been using the NZ COVID Tracer app or writing down where you go and who you are with.
• Wear a mask or face covering (eg scarf, bandana) when you are outside your home and using public transport.
• Keep a physical distance between you and other people where possible when outside your home.
• Encourage your friends and family to also follow these guidelines.

See covid19.govt.nz and health.govt.nz

Healthcare workers and personal protective equipment (PPE)

Some healthcare and other workers may also be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves or a gown. Your employer will let you know if you need PPE. Information on using PPE is available from Te Pou in Tongan and Samoan, or you can read it in English here . 

It is important for Pasifika communities to get tested for Covid-19

Pasifika peoples have a high rate of testing for COVID-19 (see health.govt.nz). It is important that high levels of testing continue in the Pasifika community.

Testing helps identify people with Covid-19 and to manage wider spread of the virus within the community. Pasifika peoples are encouraged to get tested, along with Māori people, health and aged-care workers, older people, disabled people, and people with chronic health conditions. The best thing for the community is to take a test for Covid-19 if you have cold or flu-like symptoms or are offered a test for Covid-19. See covid19.govt.nz

If you’re in Auckland you can get a test at your local family doctor, a designated GP clinic, an urgent care clinic, or community testing centre. If you live outside Auckland contact Healthline (0800 358 5453) or your doctor to find out where to get tested. See health.govt.nz

You will get your results within a couple of days of being tested. You will then be told what you need to do next.

People who test positive or come into close contact with someone with Covid-19 may need to self-isolate or go into managed isolation.

Emergency support is available to access food and other essential items

People who need to self-isolate are unable to leave their homes to visit the supermarket or pharmacy. Family members, community groups, or providers may be able to help you. You may be able to order groceries online or use tools such as delivereat.co.nz to find supplies.

If you need to access food and medicines urgently you can contact your local Civil Defence and Emergency Group for help. If you are in Auckland phone 0800 222 296, otherwise visit communityhousing.org.nz or belong.org.nz for information in English and Pacific languages.

Tools and resources are available if you feel worried or anxious

COVID-19 is having an impact on many aspects of our lives. People will react differently. Some people may feel worried, anxious, sad, or angry at this time. Feeling tense or worried when dealing with a stressful situation is normal. Tools and resources are available to help.

• leva.co.nz – resources and workshops to support the health and wellbeing of Pasifika families and communities. Includes:
  • Rebuilding Wellbeing workshops and resources on distress, anxiety and depression to help health workers recognise and respond. Some are available in Samoan, Tongan and Cook Islands Māori languages. Factsheets on anxiety  are also available in Samoan and Tongan languages.
  • Aunty Dee – tool for working through problems to help generate ideas and find a solution. 
  • #CatchYourself tips on how to maintain respectful relationships in your bubble.
  • LifeKeepers – national suicide prevention training programme.
• depression.org.nz – provides information for Pasifika communities including looking after yourself and coping with Covid-19 (includes videos in Samoan).
• health.govt.nz - links to information and websites to support people’s wellbeing and to help look after others at this time.
• justathought.co.nz - free online course that help you learn how to cope with worry and stress so you can take care of your wellbeing as we recover from the impacts of Covid-19. 

Le Va

Le Va, a sister organisation to Te Pou, supports Pasifika families and communities to unleash their full potential and have the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes. Visit Le Va’s website and Facebook page to find out more about the great work being done by this organisation. 

There are some top ways you can look after your mental wellbeing

You can look after yourself by staying connected and supporting others, acknowledging how you are feeling, sticking to your routines where possible, and seeking accurate information from trustworthy sources.

Some good ways of looking after others involve continuing to give to others and letting them know you are there to help, checking in with people who might need help, being kind to one another, and working together.

See communityhousing.org.nz or belong.org.nz for information translated into other Pacific languages.

There are other credible sources of information on Covid-19 for Pasifika communities

• covid19.govt.nz – includes information and videos in Samoan, Tongan, Tokelauan, Niuean, and other languages.
• PreparePacific.nz – provides information for Pasifika communities across New Zealand to stop the spread of Covid-19. Includes information in different Pacific languages. Provides a range of information and resources, including information about coronavirus, telehealth, and where to access food banks.
• sportwaitakere.co.nz – hub of Pasifika resources including links to a range of community supports such as food, rough sleeping, older people, financial and budgeting support, childcare for essential workers, and wellbeing support. Also information on Covid-19 funding for Pasifika communities and a video with tips on staying healthy.
• pasefikaproud.co.nz – includes advice for people experiencing violence and a support services contact card in nine Pacific languages.
• Pac19.nz – website aims to equip and empower Pasifika communities with key information, links and stories to support and strengthen holistic wellbeing through this pandemic.

Financial support may be available for Pasifika community groups

Pasifika communities and groups can apply for funding to support community responses and recovery from the impacts of Covid-19. To find out more and apply visit covid19.govt.nz or mpp.govt.nz.