Kia orana, Fakaalofa lahi atui, Malo e lelei, Ni sa bula vinaka, Na maste, Talofa lava, Taloha ni, Talofa, Noa'ia Kia ora koutou, and welcome to you all.

Thank you for inviting me to speak. I am delighted to be here today, and may I congratulate the Galuola members for their efforts in organising a new psychological practice in Auckland, and also for your contribution to protecting and promoting the health of Pacific peoples. Especially to Siautu Alefaio, a registered psychologist who I believe will pioneer psychological practices with our Pacific people.

It is also my pleasure to be able to acknowledge the significant contributions of many professionals, communities and families in the development of Galuola. Your commitment, dedication and passion are greatly appreciated.
May I just reassure you that this Government has made and will continue to make Pacific health a priority.

STRENGTHENING NEEDS OF GALUOLA:
It is a major step forward that today we celebrate the establishment of a new psychological practice one that is owned and operated by Pacific psychologists. A key aspect of ensuring that the dream of Galuola is realised; is that it will be a place for community experiences and training of educational psychologists.
I know a significant amount of work has been completed to identify what is needed to improve community service, by restoring knowledge in children, young people and families. We all acknowledge this positive development and we want to build on these gains - not lose them, as you mention specifically, the Samooan proverb says ‘O le ala i le pule o le tautua’ - the way to great things is through service.
Many of you will already know about Galuola, however let me take this opportunity to mention their goals and aims: Galuola is:
·One which encourages love, to reduce the disparities that exist between different groups in our society.
·One that offers support for each other by meeting the needs of local communities; service both in giving and receiving through increasing community involvement in decision-making.
·One which recognises the value of the family, in which it provides a framework and overview within the heart of Galuola and relational honouring through word and deeds as the strategy that shows the way forward for Galuola.
We need to make sure that new Pacific ventures are recognised and supported. We need to improve the links between developing and well developed care, minimise the fragmentation of these services and address economic, language and cultural differences which are barriers that hinder communication to our Pacific people.
I am pleased to know that Galuola recognises the need to train more Pacific peoples in the area of psychology and will provide valuable support and experience in providing a learning environment for future educational psychologists.
I wish Galuola success in its mission to 'serve communities by restoring knowledge in children, young people and families.
I am honoured and proud to declare Galuola – a niu wave of psychological practices open.

ENDS