2025 News & Updates

we welcomed the co-founder of Hendrix Health and official NZ partner of Heidi Health, Solosoloali'i Kalolo Haufano who is of Samoan and Tongan descent. To kickstart our partnership and launch of the use of Heidi at PHSHV, we got to beta test the Pacific language transcription feature in particular the existing Tongan and Samoan translations on the Heidi AI Medical Scribe App. 🩺 Heidi is an AI medical scribe that captures consultations and transforms them into clear, structured clinical notes, referrals, summaries, and care plans all within seconds. By eliminating hours of administrative burden, clinicians can stay present where it matters most: with their patients. Privacy and trust are foundational. Heidi is built with enterprise-level security, encrypted data processes, and robust access controls, ensuring sensitive patient information remains protected and confidential at every stage. We are very proud at PHSHV that we get to innovate and stay current by embracing AI innovation such as our current AI remote monitoring tool Speedback, and now Heidi where we leverage digital tools to enhance quality care and outcomes.

This week we hit an exciting milestone, hosting our first International Nurse Practitioner Webinar with the support of Collaborative Aotearoa. A powerhouse panel of NP leaders from Canada and New Zealand shared their expertise with 275 registered participants, including over 120 who joined live. Across New Zealand, the number of Nurse Practitioners continues to grow - rising from 799 in June 2024 to 910 by June 2025. There are 16 Pacific NPs out of this 910 and only one in Wellington so far. In contrast Canada has 12,692 NPs. Across both countries the scope of practice is similar. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) play a vital and growing role in delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare for our communities. Highly educated with advanced clinical training, NPs practise autonomously while bringing together nursing expertise, diagnostic skills, and specialised medical knowledge. NPs can: ✅ Diagnose and treat illnesses ✅ Admit and discharge patients in hospital ✅ Order diagnostic tests, labs and refer to specialists ✅ Can prescribe medications ✅ Perform physical examinations and other specialised services. NPs strengthen health care teams and by working alongside doctors, registered nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and other health professionals, they help ease pressure on the wider health system while ensuring fanau receive the right care at the right time. Their growing leadership and commitment to community wellbeing make NPs a powerful force in improving health outcomes and advancing equity across Aotearoa. 👏🏽

Partnerships with local Churches, community groups, and workplaces are vital for reaching those who often slip through the cracks of the health system. These connections allow us to bring free health and social services directly to our Pasifika communities whether that’s at church, in community spaces, or at workplaces, meeting our people where they are. Today, Rev. Aneterea Sa’u and the Valley Church of the Nazarene welcomed us into their space, opening the doors for members, families, and the wider Wainuiomata community to access our full range of free Health and Social Services. Over 100 adults and children received support from health checks and education to Whānau Ora services and immunisations all within their own place of worship.

In partnership with our Tokelau Community in the Hutt Valley we were invited to delight in the festivities of Te Vaiaho o te Gagana Tokelau at the Te Umiumiga Hall 🇹🇰 Our team delivered free Health Checks including blood pressure, blood sugar, and point-of-care testing (HbA1c and lipids) along with MMR, Flu, and COVID vaccinations. Our Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioner were able to provide expert advice, answer questions, and support our matua in understanding their health results 🙌 Bringing mobile health services directly into our community spaces ensures our elders can access the care and information they need, right where they feel most at home. Fakafetai Lahi! We’re always grateful for the joy and vibrant energy our Tokelau Community brings!

This week we gathered in the spirit of unity, strength, and sisterhood to celebrate the launch of the Vaine Toa Pacific Breastscreen Campaign, a powerful evening made even more special with a screening of the heartfelt film Tinā 🌺 The atmosphere was rich with laughter, love, and purpose as our beautiful Pasifika women and their families came together to prioritise Women’s health and self care 🙏 The campaign is more than just a call to action, it's a movement rooted in Pacific values, where caring for ourselves is deeply connected to our families and communities. As nurturers and givers of life, prioritizing our health helps us be there for those around us. The evening was a powerful reflection of the resilience and mana that define Pasifika women. ♀️ Let's prioritise taking the time out of our busy schedules to book or attend your mammogram, cervical smear and other due health checks. A screen today will save your tomorrow.

Getting our Workplaces Ready for Winter 💪 Great job to the team at NZ Tube Mills, both management and staff for leading the way in being proactive about workplace health. By rolling up their sleeves for flu vaccinations and completing thorough WOF (Warrant of Fitness) health checks, they’re setting a strong example of how to protect not just individual health, but the wider workplace and community. These comprehensive check-ups covered cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, eye health, lung function, screening for sleep apnea, and mental wellbeing. Our Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioner were there to offer expert advice, answer questions, and support staff in reaching their health goals. By prioritising wellbeing, we’re helping people feel and perform at their best leading to fewer sick days and a stronger, more productive workplace overall.

Pacific Health Service Hutt Valley is pleased to once again collaborate with New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Pacific Connections Team to host the MFAT Pacific Update 2025 in the Hutt Valley region🌺. Last night, our Pasifika disapora in the Hutt came together for an important update on New Zealand’s ongoing work in the Pacific. With support from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Immigration New Zealand), Key speakers shared progress across key areas such as Pacific priorities, innovation, trade, labour mobility, immigration, and regional partnerships. The evening also provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to ask questions and stay connected with New Zealands foreign investment back in the islands. We thank all attendees and look forward to continuing our partnership with MFAT to bring updates to our Hutt Valley communities.

This week, Pacific Health Service Hutt Valley proudly stood alongside the Living Wage for Resene movement at their public meeting. As a health and Social Services organisation, we witness firsthand the heartbreaking reality of what happens when people are forced to choose between their health and simply surviving. We see the consequences when illnesses go untreated—not because people don't care, but because they can’t afford to seek help early. When the choice is between putting food on the table, keeping a roof over their heads, and having barely enough for other bills, or going to the doctor, health too often becomes the sacrifice. This isn’t just about wages—it’s about dignity, equity, and the right to live well. The Living Wage is more than a number. It is a step toward healthier communities, fairer systems, and a society where people no longer have to trade their wellbeing for survival. We wholeheartedly support this movement and stand shoulder to shoulder with the Resene workers. Because everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive—not just survive.

Pacific Health Service Hutt Valley in Partnership with Total Touch Wellington have been running this event For 10 years, this event has been a celebration of Pacific communities, connection, and healthy living. PHSHV were there to offer our full range of health and social services—making it easy for our Pasifika community to acess the care they need. Because your health matters 💯 ⭐ Nurse Practitioner – On-site diagnoses & prescriptions ⭐ General Health Checks & Dietitian Services – Get expert advice ⭐ Kahu Taurima Children’s Play Area – Fun activities for the little ones ⭐ Social Services – Toloa Mental Health & AOD (Alcohol & Other Drugs) support ⭐ Women’s Health Promotion – Learn about menopause, screening, hormones & more