Of all the jobs Taufisiahi Mimita did when she arrived in Auckland from the village of Mutalau in Niue in 1972, one in particular stood out.
“I remember I started a job as cleaner at a rest home in Herne Bay,” says the mother of five, who everyone calls Fisi.
“I remember going in to clean a toilet, but I couldn’t do it. I walked out and thought I would never do that type of work again.”
She had lots of other jobs, including factory work, later returning to cleaning at Auckland Hospital and various offices in town.
But she was searching for a position that offered greater satisfaction and security.
When a cousin at Pacific Homecare suggested she apply for a cleaning position that was available and included training, Fisi didn’t hesitate to apply.
Starting work one day a week at PHC’s previous site in East Tamaki, Fisi’s hours gradually increased.
So did the opportunities, and Fisi received additional training to take on more homecare duties as she up-skilled.
Fisi now works between 30 and 32 hours a week and looks after three or four clients a day.
She says her training at Pacific Homecare prepared her well for her duties, far better than her first experience cleaning at the Herne Bay rest home.
“Thinking back to that, I was unprepared in my mind for what I had to do. The training at Pacific Homecare helped me better understand the importance of looking after ones that need help,” says Fisi, who has been married to Sasani, a truck driver, for more than 40 years.
“My job has lots of variety, including personal care, cooking and cleaning. I love helping and talking to people from different cultures. I feel this is the job I was always meant to do.”
