Pulotu-Endemann, Fuimaono Karl

Jocelyn Peach
Aug 25, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jan 6

Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Registered General and Obstetric Nurse, MNZM, JP, Honorary

Doctorate Massey University

Health Consultant, Aniva Future Leaders Programme

Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann was born in Apia, Western Samoa and moved to New Zealand as a child in 1959. As a child he went to Edmonton Primary School and then Rutherford High in West Auckland. In 1971 he applied for the psychiatric nursing programme based at Oakley Hospital in Point Chevalier, later became Carrington Psychiatric Hospital. He graduated in 1974, as the first registered Pacific psychiatric nurse. He later completed the registered general and obstetric nurse programme.

Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann was appointed as a charge nurse at Carrington Hospital. He advocated for Pacific patients who were admitted directly from Sāmoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands and Niue without family support. The patients were taken away from everything they knew and were isolated. He observed clear disparity in the treatment of Pacific patients who he believed were diagnosed with a more serious psychotic illness, even if the doctor could not really communicate with them.

For more than 30 years Fuimaono Pulotu-Endemann has gained a strong reputation as a health consultant, Pacific health academic, fa’afafine, registered psychiatric, general and obstetric nurse, who has contributed to the health sector with a speciality in mental health. He is known for his strong advocacy for Pacific people at governance level and has long contributed policy advice, leadership and governance across a high number of local, national and international health and social services. In 1990, Pulotu-Endemann became one of only two Pacifica Justice of the Peace in New Zealand. Fuimaono Pulotu-Endemann is recognised as a role model and a strong advocate for fa’afafine in New Zealand, the Pacific, and the world. He was one of the first openly fa’afafine employees in the New Zealand public service and he has dedicated most of his life to standing up for fa’afafine voices and rights. As an educator, he rose to be associate head of Manawatu Polytechnic's Nursing and Health Studies (now UCOL). He has been involved with the Aniva Future Leaders Programme.

In the 2001 New Year Honours, Fuimaono Pulotu-Endemann was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to public health. He developed the Fonofale model of Pacific mental health, accepted by the Mental Health Commission as the standard for treating Pacific mental health. And he has represented Pacific people on numerous bodies, including the Parole Board, Psychologists Board, NZ Aids Foundation, Hutt Valley and Capital and Coast DHBs, and Alcohol and Liquor Advisory Council, member of the CreativeNZ Pacific Arts Committee..

In June 2022, Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann has been presented with an honorary Doctor of Health degree (honoris causa) by Massey University in recognition of his outstanding service and contribution to the health of Pacific people. Massey University Chancellor Michael Ahie acknowledged his immense contribution to Aotearoa Pacific people, respected educator, a trailblazer and an exceptional individual who has used his cultural background and broad and relevant professional and academic trajectory to serve and represent Pacific people. Massey University Dean Pacific Professor Palatasa acknowledged Fuimaono’s service to health, the Pacific community, and to Rainbow Pasifika aiga. speaks volumes for the lives of people and communities he serves in Aotearoa. His service and leadership has been exceptional.

Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann has continued for over 25 years as an independent Pacific health consultant working on projects to develop Pacific mental health and wellness awareness through working directly with Pacific communities; currently working with low decile Primary schools in South Auckland on mental health and wellbeing initiatives that bring together Pacific parents, families and teachers. He recently submitted to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care at their request as part of the public hearing on Pacific people's experience of abuse in care, 'Tulou - Our Pacific Voices' ("the Hearing") Talanoa Panel discussion on 'Pathways into care'.