As someone who considers themselves a bit of a fruit salad, a mix of cultures with each bringing its own flavour, I've grown up surrounded by rich traditions and strong values. My mum is Māori, Scottish and Australian heritage and my dad is Cook Islander. I was raised with deep respect for culture, community and what it means to care for others in ways that go beyond words.
But when illness hits, especially something as serious as cancer, diabetes and heart conditions, I’ve seen the disconnect where those worlds do not always meet. Medical language can feel like another world. It is full of complex terms and systems that don’t always make sense. This is a challenge I’ve faced both personally and alongside loved ones, and it’s what drives me to share insight that can help other families navigate the medical world with more confidence and clarity
Why We Need to Change the Conversation in Our Communities
In many pacific and māori families, health is not always talked about until it is too late. We are taught to stay strong, trust the doctor, not to ask too many questions. But that silence can mean a late diagnoses and few options for treatment.
The truth is that illness does not care about age, gender or culture. It affects our sons, daughters, parents, cousins and friends. That’s why we need to change how we talk about it. So, start with simple family health check-ins. Make health a normal part of everyday conversation.
Start the conversation today and download our Check In Care More Guide and Medical Information linked below:
👉 Check-In, Care More: A Guide for Families
Remember - You Deserve Care That Fits You
We know the medical system is not always easy to navigate. It does not always speak our language or understand our stories. But that does not mean we have to stay quiet.
You are allowed to ask questions. You are allowed to be confused. You are allowed to be heard.
And when you are going through something like cancer or serious illness, what you need is more than medicine. You need comfort. You need clear information. You need care that sees you as a whole person.
Final Thought Being a Pacific Islander or Maori means carrying strength, care and culture. Let’s use that strength to speak up about our health. Ask questions. Take action early. Share what we learn. When we care for ourselves, we help care for our families too.
Author: Jena Ngatupuna