Recently, Māori health provider Raukura Hauora O Tainui held a special Wāhine Ora brunch for a select number of breast and cervical cancer survivors and sufferers.
The aim of the BreastScreen Aotearoa and the National Cervical Screening Programme is to reduce incidences and mortality rates. The uniqueness of Raukura Hauora's programme is that it provides a holistic approach by offering both programmes in a dual capacity to enhance women's well-being.
The pamper day's organisers, Heather Emery and Marama Piripi, had an exciting morning planned for their guests.
Hokimate Pehi was invited along as a support person for her cousin Peggy Glover, who is a survivor of breast cancer. She says it was a huge eye-opener as to what services Raukura Hauora have available for Māori and Pacific women who reside within South Auckland to Auckland Central.
They were all treated to a bountiful brunch served by the kaimahi tāne, and each woman bravely stood up to share their personal experiences on dealing with breast or cervical cancer, and how it has impacted them and their whānau.
After brunch, a team of approx 15 volunteers pampered the ladies with mirimiri, facials, make-up and new hair-dos before the surprise of a professional 'NZ Native Arts - Māori And Pacific' portrait session took place.
A short video clip of their before-and-after portraits has been posted to YouTube and social media, and the results have all the ladies brimming with pride, including Hokimate.
If you are wanting to know any more information about the breast or cervical cancer services that Raukura Hauora provide, you can check out their website here, or contact them directly on: (09) 263 8040.