by Zechariah Reuelu

In an inspiring display of unity and dedication to community wellbeing, Arthritis NZ, ProCare, and Diabetes NZ joined forces at the 2025 Pasifika Festival to promote healthier lifestyles for Pacific and Māori populations. The collaboration focused on increasing awareness of arthritis and diabetes management alongside providing on-site blood sugar and uric acid testing and health advice.

Held at Auckland’s Western Springs, the Pasifika Festival drew thousands of attendees, creating a vibrant platform for this initiative. Recognising the higher prevalence of gout arthritis and diabetes among Pacific and Māori populations, the three organisations united to deliver culturally responsive healthcare services, information, and support. 

A unified approach to health and wellbeing 

The collaborative approach was a hive of activity, featuring diabetes and gout screenings, and gout education tailored to Pacific and Māori communities. Arthritis NZ staff were on hand to provide one-on-one consultations, helping visitors understand their health risks and the importance of early intervention.  

There was a steady flow of visitors, with the ProCare team screening just under 200 people throughout the two days. Many engaging conversations were had, including with those wanting to better understand and support their loved ones on their gout journey.  

Empowering communities with knowledge 

Gout education played a central role in the initiative, with talanoa (discussions) covering topics such as: 

• Understanding uric acid to recognise early signs of gout: Gout literacy presented in visual form to highlight symptoms and risk factors, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis. 

• Traditional diets and modern nutrition: A focus on balancing traditional Pacific and Māori foods with modern nutritional guidelines to manage symptoms effectively. 

ProCare’s role in bridging healthcare gaps 

ProCare’s involvement was pivotal, providing a seamless connection between the festival’s health services and ongoing community care. By facilitating follow-up appointments and referrals to consumer GP’s, ProCare ensured there was sustainable support beyond the festival grounds.

Looking forward 

The success of this initiative has laid a promising foundation for future collaborations. Arthritis NZ, ProCare, and Diabetes NZ plan to expand their partnership with more community outreach programs throughout 2025, focusing on education, early detection, and culturally competent care.