Pacific community organisations are strongly urged to apply for the Pacific Community Health Fund, now open for applications.

Associate Minister of Health Hon Aupito William Sio says Pacific people Aotearoa know what works for their communities, and what will create positive changes to lift Pacific wellbeing for families.

'We only have to look at recent examples throughout Covid-19 to see how our Pacific community organisations throughout the motu stepped up and played a key role in keeping our people safe,” says Sio.

The Pacific Community Health Fund is a partnership between Manatū Hauora, Te Whatu Ora and the Ministry for Pacific Peoples.

It allocates $650,000 of funding to support community-led initiatives which meet the vision of goal three of the Pacific Aotearoa Lalanga Fou report to have Resilient and Healthy Pacific peoples, along with the Ola Manuia Interim Pacific Health Plan.

Minister Sio adds this funding ensures greater Pacific community involvement in delivering innovative health and wellbeing initiatives which support and enable Pacific people to achieve their own wellbeing goals and aspirations.

In the last three years, the Pacific Community Health Fund has supported wellbeing initiatives around New Zealand, which have been led by Pacific community groups.

The focus of these initiatives has been wide ranging and included youth wellbeing, mental health, older people's wellbeing and responding to the impacts of Covid-19.

'It's always such an inspiration to see how this funding is used to build more resilient healthy Pacific communities,” says Sio.

'I hope to see more of our Pacific peoples making the most of this opportunity.”

Pacific community organisations such as Pacific churches, Pacific-owned charities or sporting organisations can apply for the fund.

Applications are now open until September 27.

Visit Te Whata Ora – Health New Zealand website for more information.