E fofō ele alamea le alamea. The Starfish Heals & Mends Itself. Samoan Mental Heath
Tracks
Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only
| Wednesday, June 24, 2026 |
| 2:05 PM - 2:25 PM |
Overview
Dr Ta'avale Ioana Mulipola, Auckland University of Technology
Details
1. Cultural awareness and knowledge in mental health care are core in understanding mental health need of Samoan/Pacific people.
2. Language is key to achieving equity care for indigenous and migrant mental health consumers. Therefore, language support should be available and accessible in all stages of care.
3. Cultural appropriate care is a 'right' for all consumers and to prevent harm.
Presenter
Dr Ta'avale Ioana Mulipola
Rn/lecturer
Aut
E fofō ele alamea le alamea. The starfish heals & mends itself. Samoan mental heath.
Biography
Talofa lava, I am Ta’avale Ioana Mulipola. I migrated to New Zealand with my family and started my nursing training. I worked in mental health in the areas of adult community services, intensive complex care, primary care, and Pacific mental health services. My fluency in the Samoan language and cultural expertise has allowed me to make a unique contribution to mental health care for Samoan people in the New Zealand health care system. My research focus is on the core importance of Samoan language and culture for holistic health and mental wellbeing.
