Pacific Responsiveness Strategy Te Manaaki Tāngata Pasifika

We want to support Pacific people in New Zealand to live healthy lives through improved and timely access to, and use of, medicines and medical devices. Our Pacific Responsiveness Strategy is how we are doing that.

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Stages of growth for PHARMAC's Pacific Responsiveness Strategy

Stage one: Planting the seed (2017–2019)

In the first stage, PHARMAC:

  • appointed a Principal Adviser Pacific
  • created an internal Pacific Champions Group (Aiga Pasifika)
  • helped form the Pacific Pharmacist Association (PPA)
  • built a strong relationship with the Pacific community and key stakeholders
  • implemented internal cultural competency training
  • incorporated Pacific Health into PHARMAC's seminars
  • celebrated Pacific language weeks
  • supported the PPA's participation in Pasifika Festivals.

What we learned in Stage One

Stage two: Supporting growth (2020–2023)

We want to build on the strong start we've made.

As stage one ends, we will evaluate what we did. This will inform the actions we take in stage two.  

Who to contact

If you have any questions about our work on access equity for Pacific peoples, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

Read more

Read the Pacific Responsiveness Strategy (published 2017)

Seminar: Pacific Island health issues in the New Zealand context 

We held a seminar on diabetes and cardiovascular health in Pacific communities. 

It had 8 presenters covering the GP perspective, current research, genetics perspective, community pharmacy perspective, and faith-based programmes.

There were 55 attendees from across the country.

“I just wanted to congratulate you and your team on the success of the seminar. It was sobering, yet impressive and inspirational.”
— Attendee

Check out the Pacific Health Seminar and its resources

Explore the Seminar on Pacific Health in Aotearoa Update