On Monday 15 August, we were privileged to welcome Markerita (Meg) Poutasi, National Director, Pacific Health at Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand back to Middlemore to meet senior leaders and the Pacific Team.
The name Poutasi is synonymous with Middlemore Hospital, our Poutasi Link is named after Meg’s mother, Dr Karen Poutasi, and her father Reverend Samuelu Poutasi, also worked for our Pacific Health team, offering cultural and spiritual support for patients and their families.
Poutasi is also a village in Samoa with which some of our Pacific Team share a connection, so more than a name, Meg shares a history and bond with us.
‘It’s a real blessing to be here, I feel like I’m coming home,” says Meg.
“I grew up running around in the corridors of Middlemore Hospital and we lived just across the road. It’s very special being here.”
Doana Fatuleai, General Manager Pacific Health Development, says the team thrilled to spend time with Meg.
“Knowing she has expertise in change leadership, strong Pacific health equity focus and enhancing models of care with communities is exciting and we are eager to highlight our Pacific work and inform priority areas and gaps.
“We have an opportunity to hear her vision for Pacific health and national insight towards improving health outcomes for Pacific peoples.”
As well as her background in strategy, law and Pacific development, Meg also worked as the Director of Pacific Health for the Northern Region Health Coordination Centre where she led the regional (from Northland to Counties Manukau) approach to the Pacific health response to COVID-19.
