The September Employee of the Month is Matapouai Tearaitoa.
Matapouai’s nomination was sent in on behalf of a Pacific Homecare customer, “on behalf of my mum and my sister, we appreciate Mata the most, the way she handles my mum all the time, very gentle and calm. I would recommend her as a star of the week from our own point of view.” Blown away by her love, care, and professionalism, this shows why Matapouai is deserving of the Employee of the Month.
Mata and her brothers were raised by their grandmother in the Cook Islands, on the island of Atiu a.k.a “Enuamanu, the land of the birds”. Here, she joined Girl Guides, played many sports and attended church alongside her grandmother, who was the main inspiration behind everything she did.
“I learnt a lot from my grandmother always. I remember my grandmother used to tell me always look out for our elderly people and help them wherever I go, never look down on them and show respect towards them. Always helps out in the community in our church and our village.”
In 2009, Matapouai arrived in New Zealand on a dancing trip called Atiu Mangaia. Years on, she married in Fiji to a Bangladeshi man, and together, the lovely couple have two beautiful children. One son and one daughter.
In 2017, Matapouai began her journey with Pacific Homecare as a Support Worker.
“I came to the right place to work. Thank you PHC. I mainly do complex care, household tasks, and personal care with the customers. I encourage them to do the best they can do e.g., exercise and so on.”
When asked what her favourite part about working for Pacific Homecare is, she said it is seeing each and every customer. “I’m always happy to see my clients in the morning and see how happy they are to see me. Also, how family and clients greet you and welcome you into their homes. You feel that happiness inside you and how ready you are to do your tasks for the day.” Being Mata’s favourite part about working at PHC, also accounts for her inspiration behind working here. Saying, her friends, family, customers, and Pacific Homecare are the inspirations behind her work.
Meitaki maata, Matapouai, for your heart of service and drive to be the best Support Worker you can be to our customers at PHC.
Get to know Matapouai with Quickfire Questions:
Three words would you use to describe Pacific Homecare: Love Care and Professionalism.
Favourite food of all time: Island food and seafood.
Best music genre/song: Cook island music and R&B
Favourite movie/TV show: Korean and Filipino TV shows.
Favourite place to visit: Of course, the Cook Islands.
Language/s spoken: Cook Island and English.
Best part of your job: Being with my clients, laughing and singing. Spending time with them and hearing their stories of them back in the day.
