K’aute acquires Hamilton East Medical Centre

Hamilton Pasifika health provider K'aute Pasifika has acquired the Hamilton East Medical Centre.

It has also forged a strategic partnership with Pinnacle Inc, forming a new venture Fatu Lalaga.

K'aute Pasifika CEO Leaupepe Rachel Drent says it enhances both partners to leverage each other's strengths.

“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.”

K’aute Pasifika has a 25-year history in the Waikato region, providing free health, education, employment and social services.

Leaupepe said Pinnacle’s leadership in primary care complements K’aute Pasifika’s leadership in cultural responsiveness and equity, and will also support their charity work.

In Samoan culture, Fatu represents the core or essence, while Lalaga symbolises the act of bringing things together and building strength through unity.

The Hamilton East Medical Centre with medical staff in 2023. Photo/Facebook

Pinnacle CEO Justin Butcher said choosing an established medical centre will allow them to explore different practice models while they are learning from the existing team.

“HEMC was selected for its established commitment to quality primary care, making it an ideal first practice for Fatu Lalaga.

“It’s important to emphasise that 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.”