K'aute Pasifika and Pinnacle Inc. announce a strategic partnership, forming a new venture named Fatu Lalaga to support the ongoing delivery of clinical excellence and high-quality healthcare.
Pictured from left: Namulauulu Lale Ieremia – K’aute Pasifika Chair, Leaupepe Rachel Drent – K’aute Pasifika CEO, Amit Prasad – Pinnacle Chair, Justin Butcher – Pinnacle CEO.
K'aute Pasifika and Pinnacle Inc. are excited to announce a strategic partnership, forming a new venture named Fatu Lalaga. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for K'aute Pasifika's expansion into general practice ownership, with the new venture Fatu Lalaga acquiring Hamilton East Medical Centre (HEMC).
“Through the acquisition of Hamilton East Medical Centre (HEMC), Fatu Lalaga is supporting the ongoing delivery of clinical excellence and high-quality healthcare. This aligns with K’aute Pasifika’s pursuit of equity and excellence for all as the benefits from HEMC will also support our charitable objectives,” said Leaupepe Rachel Drent, K’aute Pasifika CEO.
A provider of holistic wellbeing services, the joint venture enhances the sustainability of K’aute Pasifika. The partnership enables both partners to leverage each other's strengths – Pinnacle’s leadership in the primary care space and K’aute Pasifika’s leadership in cultural responsiveness and equity.
“HEMC was selected for its established commitment to quality primary care, making it an ideal first practice for Fatu Lalaga. This partnership allows us to explore different practice models while learning from HEMC’s team,” said Justin Butcher, Pinnacle CEO. “It's important to emphasise this partnership ensures a smooth continuity of care for HEMC’s patients; their dedicated GP team, staff, and the high-quality care they provide will not change. Additionally, partnering with K’aute Pasifika strengthens relationships and improves access to health for Māori and priority populations – a shared goal.”
K’aute Pasifika and Pinnacle share a deep commitment to uplifting the health and wellbeing of Pacific people.
“Our organisations have a shared understanding that health needs to be responsive to the needs of the community and this can vary across communities. This starts with an understanding that health alone will not deliver wellbeing,” says Drent. “We’re excited to work together to optimise our combined strengths.”
This joint venture is a demonstration of the partners’ commitment to excellent, equitable, accessible healthcare for Pacific, Māori, and priority populations, and builds on years of collaboration in supporting Pacific families’ health and wellbeing needs.
About Fatu Lalaga
Fatu Lalaga (In Samoan, Fatu - seed/heart; Lalaga - weaving) signifies the powerful collaboration between K’aute Pasifika Trust and Pinnacle. In Samoan culture, Fatu represents the core or essence, while Lalaga symbolises the act of bringing things together and building strength through unity.
This joint venture embodies this collaboration, weaving together the strengths and values of both organisations to create a stronger foundation for healthcare delivery, particularly for Pasifika and vulnerable communities. By combining expertise, Fatu Lalaga aims to strengthen existing bonds and forge new connections, ultimately leading to a brighter future for health.
About K’aute Pasifika
K’aute Pasifika, a leading provider of well-being services in the Waikato region, offers free health, education, employment, and social services. With a 25-year history, this charitable trust delivers holistic wraparound support for all people using Pacific models of care and practice.
About The Pinnacle Group
The Pinnacle Group is a not-for-profit primary care organisation, managing healthcare for nearly half a million people enrolled with 84 practices across Tairāwhiti, Taranaki, Rotorua, Taupō-Tūrangi, Thames-Coromandel, and Waikato. Pinnacle Inc is one of the four largest Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) in the country, traditionally managing and supporting its general practice network.
For further information, contact:
Maria Low
Communications and Engagement Manager, Pinnacle Inc.
Email: maria.low@pinnacle.health.nz
Mobile: 027 232 0106
Shannon Patterson
Communications Lead, K’aute Pasifika
Email: shannon.patterson@kautepasifika.co.nz
Mobile: 00614 75251266 (AUS) / (07) 834-1482