 TURANGA Health has helped shore up this region’s viticulture and horticulture sector vaccinating 23 recognised seasonal employers from the Republic of Kiribati and Samoa earlier this month.
Staff with specialist employment company Thornhill and Coxco Labour Solutions were vaccinated against serious illnesses measles, mumps, and rubella, as well as influenza, during a busy health and wellness morning hosted at Turanga Health’s Manawaru community space in the Titoki footprint, Elgin. Thornhill pastoral care coordinator Linda Ngarimu says the whanaungatanga shown by Turanga Health staff to the RSE’s who are so far away from home, is hugely appreciated. “It’s really nice to have been welcomed and for things to have been explained clearly.” Interpreters were available on the day. Coxco manager of human resource and training Tim Beattie says the one-stop vaccination clinic was a convenient and nurturing process for the workers. “We came to one hub, everyone knows what to expect, there is a warm greeting, and then we move next door for a kai.” Lalokava Stowers says it’s important to he and his family that he stay healthy and strong so he can work to his full capacity while in Aotearoa. Miller Faoagali agrees, saying he and his colleagues don’t want to get sick. “We want to work every day, that’s what we are here for.” Aotearoa is at very high risk of a measles outbreak, and it would take only one case of measles in a close-living community such as local RSE workers, for the disease to take hold. It’s also important that the workers do not take any illnesses home with them, says Turanga Health’s Dallas Poi. “It’s our privilege to help look after staff while they are here and in doing so, help our region’s primary sector continue to thrive.” Visitors to the Manawaru vaccination clinic also received a winter wellness pack containing a flask, gloves, beanie, socks and hygiene products. Turanga Health has stepped up its involvement with Pasifika whānau since their vulnerabilities were exposed during Cyclone Gabrielle. As well as regular health checks and vaccinations, this year the organisation created Mataola programmes for Pasifika whānau to reconnect, stay active, and learn. It was also involved in the Vaka Tairāwhiti Festival, a post-Cyclone Gabrielle recovery project that celebrated Pasifika culture.
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