All-of-community by all-of-government: reaching Pacific people in Aotearoa New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT

A large portion of Pacific communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand continue to face socioeconomic hardship and have ongoing health needs that are affected by social and economic influences. The impact of COVID-19 has only exacerbated these needs and will continue to have an adverse effect on the current wellbeing, future health and sustainable development of these communities-if targeted efforts are not undertaken to meet their unique needs. The collective worldview of Pacific communities is fundamental to their existence; therefore, a response needs to be within a collective community. This viewpoint looks at the worldview of Pacific communities and the impact of COVID-19 and then discusses six key priorities for working with these diverse communities. The successful management and elimination of a pandemic should be assessed by how well Pacific and other vulnerable communities survive such a crisis.