The delegation includes Minister of Health Va’aaoao Alofipo, the minister also responsible for the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) of Samoa, Ms Fanene-Taiti said. ‘‘We have the pleasure to host the honourable minister who provides national leadership across Samoa’s health system, with a strong focus on strengthening public health, workforce development, and ensuring the wellbeing of communities across Samoa,’’ Ms Fanene-Taiti said. The Ministry of Health Samoa delegation included director-general Samoa June Scanlan Lui, deputy director-general for public health Tagaloa Dr Robert Thomsen, nurse consultant Fauatea Henry Taylor and principal nurse Falelua Maua, and human resources assistant chief executive officer Lily Vaiotu-Leauga. It was ‘‘a fantastic opportunity’’ for ‘‘relationship building’’ and for international visitors to come to the region, Ms Fanene-Taiti said. ‘‘We feel very humbled and honoured they chose Waitaki for this visit, and the Oamaru Pacific Island Trust was proud to be hosting the delegates this week.’’

Source: Otago Daily Times March 21, 2026 15:36 UTC