Talofa lava, Ni sa Bula vinaka, Kia orana, Malo e lelei, Taloha ni, and greetings
Rovoki Ira Goals & Aspirations:
- To promote healthy living, healthy eating, physical exercise and enable the elderly to improve their own health and wellbeing lifestyle.
- To increase knowledge and skills to the use of technology e.g. mobile phones, tablets and other devices.
- To develop and support a culturally safe programme that fosters understanding between pacific cultures living in Rotorua.
- The importance of social interaction for the benefit of physical health, mental health and wellbeing of the elderly
All Rokovi Ira/Elderly Programme session celebrations are an unforgettable experience filled with joy, cultural richness, and heartfelt connections. In celebrating Rokovi Ira, we not only honoured our cultural roots but also fostered a sense of community and intergenerational connection. These communal moments, where people come together to share food, stories, and laughter, are truly special. They not only nourish the body and the soul but also strengthen the bonds of community and culture. We hope the warmth of Rokovi Ira experience lingers on, creating cherished memories for everyone involved.
In 2023, our Elder Pacific community experienced a transformative journey towards healthier living guided by the expertise of nutritionist Lenora Winiata from the New Zealand Nutrition Foundation. With her insightful teachings, our Pacific elders learned invaluable lessons about the nourishing benefits of wholesome eating and gained practical strategies to address unhealthy dietary habits. Alongside our pursuit of wellness, our bonds strengthened within the embrace of our spiritual home. Gathered in the house of God, we harmonized in melodious celebration, singing a tapestry of vibrant cultural songs. Amidst these joyous moments, conversations flowed freely, weaving together new connections and friendships. The communal table showcased a diverse selection of Pasifika culinary treats, each dish a testament to the diverse cultures represented amongst us. As we savoured these flavours and shared stories, we discovered common threads that bound us together, transcending cultural boundaries and fostering a deeper sense of unity amongst Pasifika and beyond.
At our Elderly programme, we prioritize the well-being of our elders by encouraging healthy hobbies and activities to keep them active and engaged. Among the many outings and events, we organize, our elders have enjoyed experiences like the Mamaku Rail Cruise, Rotorua Duck Tours, and trips to the local cinema. We also recognize the importance of foot health, arranging visits to foot mechanics for advice on proper care. Embracing cultural traditions, we spent a day crafting Pacific Island head Lei’s and celebrate Pasifika language weeks to ensure our heritage thrives. In support of community values, we participate in events like Pink Shirt Day to combat bullying and promote diversity and inclusion. Additionally, The Rotorua Pacific Islands Development Charitable Trust host health days throughout the year, offering vital services such as blood pressure checks, heart screenings, immunizations, and screenings for conditions like prostate and bowel health, as well as Hepatitis C. Our ultimate goal is to address all health and well-being concerns within our Pasifika communities, fostering self-care and self-love. We provide an array of tools, resources, services, education, and information to empower our Pasifika community on their health journey.
Rokovi Ira – Respect them
All are welcome to attend! Ages required are 55+
For more information please contact the RPIDCT Office 1334 Hinemoa
Street, Rotorua 3010
☎ 07 347 7217
✉ william.cook@rpidct.nz or Phone 0221964533
