Happy 20th Birthday SouthSeas
10 February 2019

Nine Pacific legends were recognised at a SouthSeas community dinner held at Te Puke o Tara community hall in Otara, with more than 300 people attending.
SouthSeas Healthcare CEO Silao Vaisola-Sefo says SouthSeas was born out of frustration, the statistics for Pacific people were not great and something had to be done.
“Today SouthSeas provides a range of health and social services, and recently we have been selected as 1 of 6 health providers to co-design what primary care looks like for Pacific people in the 21st century,” says Silao.
“Our longevity is a credit to our patients, funders and partners whose dedication to working with us is absolutely key to our success. As part of our anniversary we're looking forward to more opportunities that will celebrate the strength of those partnerships built over decades.”
Associate Minister of Health Jenny Salesa was the keynote speaker, acknowledging the nine trail blazers who made a decision in 1998 that something had to be done to improve the health of Pacific people in South Auckland.
“The celebration was a pleasant dinner. It's an opportunity to connect with founding members, past and present board members and staff and an opportunity for me to talk to a few people about challenges in the South Auckland community, especially about health,” Says Minister Salesa.
“I am incredibly proud of SouthSeas and its journey and the people behind the development of SouthSeas as an organisation and I look forward to many years of great service for our Pacific families and communities.”
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio had the honour of cutting the birthday cake.
“To celebrate 20 years is such a great achievement,” says Minister Aupito.
“The 20 years would not have been possible without the support of our Pacific families and communities and it is an honour for me as Minister for Pacific peoples to be part of this great event to celebrate SouthSeas’ rich history with our South Auckland community.”
The event was MC’ed by Auckland Councillor, Fa’anana Efeso Collins.
South Seas Healthcare
Physical address: 14 Fair Mall, Auckland 2023
Phone: 09 273 9017
Clinic opening hours
Monday – Friday: 8 am – 6pm
Saturday: 8 am – 1 pm
Sunday: CLOSED
Public Holidays: CLOSED
For After Hours Weekend and Holidays:
East Tamaki Healthcare, 160 Bairds Road, Otara
Phone: 09 274 3414
and East Care Health, 260 Botany Road, Botany
Phone: 09 277 1516