In 2023, we were honored to receive the Te Tohu Urupare KOWHEORI-19 | COVID-19 Response Recognition Award from former Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins, in recognition of our Covid-19 response.

As an association we have continued our consistent and community-focused response to the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting whānau and tamariki in the regions that we serve.

During the pandemic lockdowns of 2020 we provided clear, consistent and frequent communication with our families. Our kindergarten kaiako stayed connected to families affected by lockdowns, isolation or illness. We provided learning packs and health packs, including masks, sanitiser and supermarket vouchers where needed.

We actively promoted and supported vaccination events throughout our regions, working with others, such as Pacific churches and community groups to increase vaccination uptake and make it easy for families to get vaccinated. In Porirua East, initially a low vaccination area, we provided transport to vaccination centres for those who needed it. Although it is hard to quantify, our mahi undoubtedly improved vaccination levels, reducing illness, hospitalisations and death.

In the following years, when Covid 19 was widespread in the community, many people were isolating and needed supplies. We employed additional staff, based in Porirua and Levin, to buy and deliver groceries for families based on their needs and wishes. In other centres, staff took on the role. At its peak we shopped for around 28 households each day.

This work was funded by the Ministry of Social Development and builds on our reputation for delivering to our communities in a sensitive and efficient way.

In the video below, Transport Lead Toafia Mao talks about supporting the community with supermarket vouchers during lock down.