ATHWA (‘Ākiheuho)
‘Ākiheuho 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 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.
VISION
- A healthy and prosperous Tongan and Pacific community in New Zealand and abroad.
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 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