Meet Our Team

APSS Team

The core members of the Asian Patient Support Service (APSS) team are bi-lingual and have qualifications in fields such as social work, medical, nursing, counselling, health promotion, mental health and community work with enriched work experiences in New Zealand or overseas.

Our team members understand the impact of culture on health and wellbeing; are competent with the provision of socio-cultural assessment, cultural advice and emotional support as well as clinical coordination. Our team are able to identify a client’s level understanding of NZ health system; can provide culturally appropriate support; and have knowledge about relevant resources and community agencies.

Team Leader (TL)

Cultural Support Coordinators (CSC)

• 3 bi-lingual Chinese CSCs (Mandarin and Cantonese)

• 1 bi-lingual Korean CSCs

Support Roles / Contractors

The following roles are available to support the APSS core team on a contracted / as needs basis.

Cultural Support Workers (CSW) - Bureau

• 4 bi-lingual Chinese Bureau CSWs (Mandarin and Cantonese)

• 1 bi-lingual Korean Bureau CSW

Cultural Support Workers are contracted as bureau staff to support Asian patients and families based on assessed needs.

CSWs are bi-lingual and have a range of academic backgrounds or practical experiences in social work, medical, disability and mental health sectors. Our CSWs understand the impact of culture on health and wellbeing; and are capable of providing cultural advice and emotional support to clients. Our CSWs are familiar with the NZ Health System and health services available, and and have good knowledge of community resources and agencies.