Alofa in Action: Supporting Our Pacific Families Through a New Cancer Care Initiative

Tangata Atumotu is proud to partner with Cancer Society Southern on a new Pacific Cancer Educator/Navigator pilot programme designed to improve cancer outcomes for Pacific families in Waitaha Canterbury.

This 13‑month pilot focuses on providing culturally grounded cancer education, outreach, and navigation support so our Pacific communities can access prevention, screening, and treatment services with confidence and care. With generous support from the NZ Lottery Grants Board, the programme aims to remove barriers that many Pacific families face when engaging with the health system.

At Tangata Atumotu, we see this partnership as an important opportunity to uplift Pacific voices, strengthen culturally aligned cancer support, and improve early detection for our matavuvale. Working alongside Cancer Society Southern allows clinical expertise in delivering services and education, rooted in Pacific values, connection, and community wellbeing.

Together, we are committed to ensuring Pacific families feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout their cancer journey, and to creating lasting change for our communities across Canterbury.

You can hear more about what this initiative means for our community here.