Purpose: There are ethnic inequities in the provision of publicly funded hip and knee arthroplasty in New Zealand. Although Pacific peoples have the highest age standardised rates of total knee arthroplasty, their disproportionate exposure to osteoarthritis risk factors and inequitable access to health services make this difficult to interpret. Pacific peoples have the lowest age standardised rates of hip replacements, unlikely explained by a lack of need. This study aims to explore the experiences of Pacific peoples in New Zealand in accessing publicly funded hip and knee arthroplasty. The analysis of these perspectives will provide a deeper understanding on the ethnic inequities in arthroplasty provision and the impact on Pacific peoples. Methodology: This is a qualitative study, using talanoa, which is a Pacific research methodology of narrative inquiry. These decolonizing research methodologies are grounded in Pacific values and uplift Pacific voices regarding the inequities they experience. Results: There were 15 interviews which revealed personal experiences of fear and mistrust were leading factors limiting Pacific peoples willingness for arthroplasty surgery. Systemic barriers including prolonged waitlists, difficulty optimizing comorbidities and challenging interactions with health professionals which impeded their journey to surgery. Pacific values including family, love, reciprocity and connectedness enabled the participants to overcome these barriers and acquire surgery. Conclusion: An holistic approach is required to address inequities in accessing publicly funded surgery for Pacific peoples in New Zealand. International literature suggests the barriers faced by ethnic minorities are predicated by institutional racism which infiltrates multiple parts of the health system. Culturally grounded interventions centering Pacific values are proven to mitigate these barriers and improve access for Pacific peoples to this life changing surgery