Akiheuho 2.04

Akiheuho (ATHWA) was registered as an Incorporated Society in 2005. Forums had started earlier on identifying the need for a Tongan Health Workers Association to be formed in response to the rising unmet health needs of the Tongan community both in New Zealand and back in Tonga. Its members have since been holding regular meetings, conferences and workshops in setting up the association with willingness, capacity and capability.

Principles:

ATHWA is committed to the key themes and adopted principles of the October Resolution (Appendix iii) as a basis for the ongoing engagement with its key stakeholders:

Reciprocity:- Feveitokai’aki moe Tauhi va
Collaboration:- Ngaue fakataha mo fetokoniaki
Shared Outcomes:- ‘Aonga fakalukufua
Networking and Sharing:- Fakafehokotakinga moe moe
Fevahevahe’aki
Long-term Support:- Tokonia ha taimiloloa
Continuity:- Hokohoko lelei

Key Objectives:

ATHWA has set up key objectives for the organization to be achieved through the implementation of this plan. These include:-

To support all Tongan care workers in New Zealand

To provide advice on Tongan cultural issues to health organizations, the Government, Government Departments, Educational institutions, and any other organizations or persons

To provide advocacy services to Tongan health consumers, members of the association and on issues of importance to Tongan and Pacific health and well being

To provide public statements on health matters affecting the Tongan and Pacific community in New Zealand

To assist Tongan students studying in health and health-related fields, which may include scholarships based on availability of funds

To provide aid to Tonga to assist special members and the provision of health services in Tonga