One Less Thing

I was born in Australia and married into a Pasifika, Maori blended whanau (families).

As a Mental Health First Aider and instructor it is crucial to ask the person how they want to be engaged culturally and at what level and to respect their decision. Someone may wish to be engaged through a predominant Te Reo Maori worldview (Te Reo, Tikanga, whakapapa) and others may identify as Pasifika.

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Pasifika considers good health as the ability of a person to fulfill their spiritual and social obligations and maintain these relationships. Any forms of disruption to these relationships will contribute to illness including depression, anxiety, psychosis, and other issues. The Niuean concept, “Mata ki Luga” refers to looking up and ensuring that you get support.