The Tauranga-based medical ship MV YWAM KOHA has arrived in Fiji, with teams of dentists and medical staff joining the crew to deliver much-needed health services into remote areas.

The ship was honoured, upon its arrival in the Port of Suva, with an exuberant welcome.

Fijian dignitaries and religious leaders participated in a dockside event featuring national dignitaries, religious leaders, representatives of YWAM Ships Aotearoa, and the Fijian Police Band.

'We experienced a hospitable, powerful, and unifying welcome from so many significant groups as our ship berthed in Suva - The New Zealand High Commission, the Fijian Ministry of health, the Fijian Police Force, and many other friends of YWAM Ships all gathered,” says YWAM Ships Aotearoa managing director Marty Emmett.

'We talked about the needs we aim to fulfil and how we can all come around the vision of empowering a healthy future for isolated communities in Fiji.

'It was such a perfect beginning to our work here, and as our medical outreaches kick into gear, we do so knowing that we already have such a strong family here in Fiji.”

The YWAM KOHA and team being greeted in Fiji. Photo: Kirk Corrie.

The 48 metres-long vessel is scheduled to spend several months serving in Fiji's Northern District where it will provide free dental and health services, in cooperation with the Fiji Ministry of Health and the Commissioner of Police.

The dockside welcome ceremony included comments from the New Zealand High Commission to Fiji representative, Virginia Dawson, the Permanent Secretary of Health and Medical Services, Dr. James Fong and Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP. Sakeo Ganivatu.

'We are thrilled to bring the YWAM KOHA to Fiji. This medical ship is a gift (a koha) from the people of New Zealand to the beautiful people in the maritime regions of Fiji,” says Marty.

'The world-wide lockdowns delayed our visit for several years. So having the ship in Fijian waters is the fulfilment of our heart's desire. I am full of anticipation for what's ahead for this deployment and the many years ahead."

Fiji's Permanent Secretary of Health and Medical Services Dr. James Fong meets with YWAM Ships Aotearoa Managing Director Marty Emmett and the NZ medical team. Photo: Kirk Corrie.

'We look forward to the lives and whole communities that will be touched and for the partnerships that will be established and strengthened.”

'These joint efforts will address community health and well-being issues in a holistic manner,” says Commissioner of Police, Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho.

Prior to the YWAM KOHA arriving in Suva, Marty and the medical team met with Fiji's Minister for Health & Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete to discuss ways they can collaborate in regards to providing Fijians basic healthcare, shelter, clean water and education.

More than 100 volunteers from many nations will be mobilised to serve aboard the vessel over the next few months, including healthcare professionals, mariners and general volunteers.

Volunteer positions for mariners are still available during this deployment. For more information or to apply, visit YSA.nz.

YWAM Ships Aotearoa Managing Director Marty Emmett and team members meeting with Ministry of Health & Medical Services staff. Photo: Supplied.

The MV YWAM KOHA is a New Zealand registered vessel operated by YWAM Ships Aotearoa (YSA), and is a registered NZ charity. Based in Tauranga, New Zealand, YSA's operating model is centred around building healthy communities for a healthy nation.

Incorporated in 2016, the organisation is motivated by a foundational belief that every individual has value, a purpose, and deserves the necessities of life: basic healthcare, shelter, clean water and education.

'We're still just so amazed by the journey of YSA in these last three and a half years,” says Marty. 'From being given the ship in 2019 to Trinity Lands coming on board last year, the word 'Koha' has embodied our story with increasing accuracy.

'We're powered by an army of incredible donors, and volunteers giving their time as a free gift.

Now as our medical outreach is underway in Fiji our hearts are so filled with gratitude, and to everyone who has given toward our vision- know that this gift of a healthy future is owed to you as well.”

For more information on the YWAM KOHA and to follow their progress go to https://ywamshipsaotearoa.org.nz or to www.facebook.com/ywamshipsaotearoa