Staff Reporter
Auckland, June 30, 2025
Whānau Āwhina Plunket and The Asian Network Incorporated (TANI) have formalised a landmark partnership to enhance culturally responsive care for Asian families across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), officially signed last week, signals a shared commitment to health equity, cultural inclusion, and collaborative service delivery. It outlines how the two organisations will work together over the next 18 months to strengthen support for Asian whānau with young children, particularly in the areas of maternal and child health.
Safe and Responsive
According to TANI Chief Executive Vishal Rishi, this partnership is about removing barriers and ensuring every family has access to services that are culturally safe and responsive.
“Asian families often face language, social and systemic challenges. Working alongside Plunket, we are creating new pathways that are inclusive and meaningful,” he said.
Under the Agreement, Plunket will contribute clinical expertise in child health, development and behaviour. This input will be integrated primarily through the Healthy Baby Healthy Future Project, a key service offering text-message support and educational workshops for families. TANI will offer vital cultural and linguistic support, community engagement, and referrals for wraparound services.
These include connecting families with other support networks where needed, ensuring a holistic approach to family wellbeing.
Plunket Chief Executive Fiona Kingsford welcomed the MOU, stating it reinforces Plunket’s commitment to equity and community partnership.
“We are proud to work alongside TANI to support the wellbeing of Asian whānau in ways that respect and reflect their cultural needs. We know that early support makes a lasting difference, and by collaborating with trusted community organisations like TANI, we can ensure that no one misses out,” she said.
The partnership was shaped under the leadership of Vivian Cheung, Plunket’s Principal Advisor, Priority Populations, whose strong community insight guided the development of the MoU.
“As one of the fastest-growing ethnic populations in the country, Asian communities now comprise over 17% of New Zealand’s total population yet continue to face inequities in access to health services. One size does not fit all. It is important for Plunket to tailor our services and ensure they are relevant and accessible to all communities,” she said.
According to Plunket’s 2024 statistics, Asian families represent the highest number of new baby cases in Auckland and the second highest nationally.
TANI also recognised the strategic leadership of its Board, which continues to guide the organisation in championing culturally responsive public health services for Asian New Zealanders.
“This partnership is a powerful example of how mainstream and community organisations can collaborate in trust, bringing complementary strengths to support real change,” Mr Rishi said.
He said that the MOU has taken effect, with both organisations committed to ongoing review, shared learning, and outcomes that place the community at the centre.
