When Metua Bates - Faasisila speaks to community groups about her role as ALAC’s Pacific Action Plan Manager she says, “I model the practicality of moderation. I’m not here to say, ‘stop drinking’, I’m here to say, ‘look at how we are drinking and ease up on the drink’.”
Metua grew up in a teetotaler environment, however, as an adult she decided that it was importantfor her to be able to demonstrate how it is possible to drink responsibly. Her preference, however, is alcohol - free drinks.
“People that know my family and my upbringing would say, ‘What would you know about the challenges of responsible drinking?’ But when I go out and drink to show that it is possible to drink moderately, they are more likely to take ALAC’s message of moderation (including abstinece for some) more seriously,” she said.
Research shows that fewer Pacific people consume alcohol compared with the rest of the population. However, those few Pacific people who do drink are relatively heavy drinkers and often drink to harmful levels. The average annual consumption of alcohol by Pacific drinkers is almost double that of the general population.
“I have seen the impact of binge drinking on those around me. The ‘ease up on the drink’ campaign gives us the tools to be able to talk to the people we love about their drinking because we care about them. It is very powerful ”.
Metua’s role at ALAC is to oversee the implementation of the Pacific Action Plan that will guide how ALAC will work with Pacifi c people over the next three years. The plan’s aim is to involve Pacific communities in designing their own solutions.
“We are very diverse as Pacific people, however, what we share in common is a strong sense offamily and obligation to our communities,” said Metua.
Metua was born in the Cook Islands in the village of Amuri on Aitutaki and raised in New Zealand from the age of four. Her career in the health sector spans over 30 years. She trained as a nurse in New South Wales, Australia. After working for some years as a theatre nurse in NZ she decided to move out of hospitals and into public health. She has worked extensively with Pacific peoples and is a founding member of the Cook Islands Nurses Association (NZ) and the Cook Islands Health Network Association (NZ). During the 80s and 90s Metua was fortunate to work in the sector when Pacifi c health was in its infancy under the guidance of some of the great Pacific leaders, like the late Dr Leopino Foliaki. Leaders of Pacifi c NGOs such as Pacifi c Health & Welfare, P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A and Samoan Nurses Association were instrumental in launching and sustaining her journey in Pacific health.
“I am passionate about reducing alcohol’s harm when I think about my loved ones and the legacy I want to leave my children, grandchildren, friends and future generations. God’s richest blessings to you all.”
