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Two Worlds, One Family

Fijian born and raised iTaukei Lora Waqabitu, was five when her family moved to New Zealand in 1997. She grew up out west and says our cultural strength is drawn from strong Pacific families. But while many values remain the same, certain ways of doing things in the islands need to be adjusted in order for our young people to thrive in the New Zealand environment Read more

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Great White Sunday Expectations

White Sunday for many Pasifika churches has been a time to celebrate children and a time of togetherness and performance. For some children, however, it is a time of stress and pressure. Poloma Iosefa, also known as MOMEACHOKES, reminisces about his White Sundays of years gone by as he positively encourages his own children in their first of many Lotu Tamaiti (Children’s Sundays/White Sundays) Read more

Treasuring Our Older Adults

It is part of our cultures to take care of and treasure our matua (elders). But as many as one in 10 elderly people in New Zealand experience some kind of elder abuse. Malia Hamani from TOA - Treasure Older Adults - Pacific reveals how to prevent elder abuse and neglect by sharing the no-blame approach its Pacific workers adopt. Read more

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Trauma-informed approach when working with Pasifika people

Pacific social service provider Le Va has produced this learning module to raise awareness of the effects of trauma and a trauma-informed approach when working with Pasifika people and families, promoting a strengths-based approach aimed at holistic restoration of peoples' wellbeing. Read more

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Southern Youths' Song of Motivation

The Dunedin Malie Samoan Youth Group have co-written a song for Pasefika Proud about their life experiences in their shoes. The 16 students expressed their stories of stress and family harm as motivation to turn their lives around and succeed in life, which inspired their own song recorded in English and Samoan in October. Read more

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Apply to join a new Community Advisory Group

We want to improve the way we work with community service providers to achieve our shared outcomes. Apply to join a new Community Advisory Group which will give communities a voice and opportunity to input into this work Read more

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Tackling the Silence of Family Violence

Producer Glenys Ngateina, along with Ace and Landa Tolai, who play the parents in the video, describe the impact making the video had on them, their friends, family, church and wider community, as people tackle the silent predator that is family violence. Read more

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Kiribati Migration Story

Our latest story in the Migration and Legacy series of our Pacific mothers features Betuao Chung, who migrated to New Zealand from Kiribati in 1981 after marrying a Kiwi. Betuao’s feelings of sadness at leaving her home country was mixed with excitement about what life in New Zealand would hold for her. Read more

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Measles Outbreak

As cases of measles continue to rise across New Zealand we share Pasifika translations of Measles Info Sheets below in order to help our people protect themselves and their families. Public health nurse and Miss Samoa NZ 2019 Fonoifafo Seumanu-Mcfarland shares information about the infectious disease and where to go to get your vaccine. Read more

Counselling for Pasifika by Pasifika

For Rev Saane Langi, Chief Executive of Langima’a Oceania Counselling Service and a Pasefika Proud supporter, their Pacific-focused service in South Auckland was born from a "healed brokenness" that now seeks to help others. The service offers counselling to Pasifika people, by Pasifika people. Read more

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Say Something

Pasefika Proud is to proud to release "Say Something", a family violence prevention video produced by Porirua Elim Christian Centre. Created to help break the cycle and raise awareness about family violence and to promote the message that it is okay to say something. Read more

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Christchurch draft Carers’ Strategy Action Plan 2019 – 2023 Talanoa

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) wants to talk with Christchurch carers and their families about the draft Carers’ Strategy Action Plan 2019 – 2023 and are holding a workshop in Christchurch on Wednesday 23 July. Read more

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Te Olaga Ola Filemu – A Life Embraced With Peace and Wellbeing

The Tuvalu Auckland Community Trust hosted the launch of the Tuvalu Family Violence Prevention Plan “Te Olaga Ola Filemu – A Life Embraced with Peace and Wellbeing” at the Kelston Community Centre in West Auckland on Saturday June 29. Read more

New Family Violence Laws Effective 1 July 2019

Pasefika Proud supporter Rev. Saane Langi, Chief Executive of Pacific counselling service in South Auckland Langima’a Oceania Counselling, explains the new legislation passed by Parliament to improve the legislative framework for family violence Read more

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Stronger for speaking Samoan

This Samoan Language Week, Samoan reporter LAUMATA LAUANO, reminisces on speaking Samoan only in her first five years of life, and how it strengthened the relationship between her and her parents. Especially now that her mum has dementia and has steadily regressed to a state of speaking and understanding little English Read more

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Preserving Pacific languages to build stronger families

Let’s remember the importance of our Pacific languages when building strong, resilient families. Pacific cultures are a strength that can be used positively to prevent violence within families, and one of the most important facets of our cultures is language. Read more

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UN Women Support Act to Empower

Samoa’s Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, together with UN Women – United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women – MWCSD took action to empower women and girls to take a firm stance against domestic violence Read more

Measuring and Preventing Poverty

The New Zealand Poverty Measurement Project (NZPMP) was established in 1992 by Charles, along with Bob Stephens (School of Government, Victoria University) and Paul Frater from BERL (Business Economic Research Ltd). Read more

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Christchurch tragedy – advice for providers

This special issue of Kotahitanga (the MSD's newsletter) provides information for providers and other orgs about the help available to the people who have been affected by the terrorist attacks in Christchurch. Read more

Supporting your kids after a traumatic event

How children react to trauma is different from adults so the Ministry of Health has developed this resource with 1737 to assist adults with helping children who are in mental distress as a result of the traumatic event in Christchurch. Read more

Dos and Don'ts after a traumatic event

After a traumatic event it is normal to feel distressed and to experience symptoms of stress. The Ministry of Health has developed this resource with 1737 to assist those in mental distress as a result of the traumatic event in Christchurch. Such feelings of stress are a normal reaction to a traumatic event, and for most people they pass over several days or weeks. Read more

Coping after a serious event

This information sheet from national health provider Le Va has advice for coping after a serious event. Psychological distress is a normal response to this situation. Distress is not only experienced by people directly impacted, it is also experienced by people witnessing injuries and distress to others. However, there are will be some people that will have more profound reactions, particularly later on some time after the event, and will require assistance. Read more

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Coping with Distress

Many people in Christchurch and across New Zealand (and the world) will experience distress and horror following the fatalities in Christchurch - this is a normal reaction to a terror attack. Please be mindful of our Muslim community, our hearts and prayers are with the victims’ families and friends. We have information and mental health advice for coping after a traumatic event for those who need it. Read more

Eteuati Ete Opens Up on Family Violence

Comedian Ete Eteuati, well-known member of the Laughing Samoans duo with Tofiga Fepulea’i, shared his story at the Pasefika Proud Nga Vaka o Kaiga Tapu: Pathways to Wellbeing Fono at the Waipuna Lodge in February 2019 Read more

Culture and Values informing strong Pacific families

Dr Konai Helu Thaman, keynote speaker to the inaugural Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu: Pathways to Wellbeing Fono in February at Auckland’s Waipuna Hotel, emphasised the need to protect and preserve cultural knowledge systems. Sponsored by Pasefika Proud, the Fono enabled the discussion of Family Violence as it relates to Pacific communities, families, women and children. Read more

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Nga Vaka Fono emphasises importance of culture in preventing Family Violence

The Pasefika Proud-sponsored The Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu: Pathways to Wellbeing Fono on February 22 at Auckland’s Waipuna Hotel highlighted family violence prevention by delving into culturally responsive ways for our Pacific communities to address the issue and move forward. See some photos from the one-day event Read more

Strengthening Porirua’s Pacific families

While Christmas time and the summer break that follows is part of the silly season, it’s also known for a surge in reports of domestic violence. Theresa Nimarota, CEO of Taeaomanino Trust (pictured left) and Thomas Isaako, Manager of Counselling and Addictions (pictured right), talk about Taeaomanino’s services to support their families during stressful times and what it takes to build stronger, resilient families. Read more

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Victims/Survivors of Crime Anonymous Survey

Have your say before the 1st of March! The ‘Strengthening the Criminal Justice System for Victims Survey’ (also offered in Te Reo) is designed for victims/survivors to have their say on what works, what doesn’t and how it can be improved. Share your experiences, thoughts and ideas about the criminal justice system in New Zealand anonymously. Read more

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The Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu: Pathways to Wellbeing Fono

Pasefika Proud is one of the key supporters of The Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu: Pathways to Wellbeing Fono on 22 February 2019, a FREE Fono for those who want to contribute to the discussion of family violence as it relates to Pacific communities, families, women and children. Read more

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Helping Hands to End the Harm

The Henderson and Manurewa clinics of The Fono Dental and Medical Health Centres hold groups for Pacific men and women who have volunteered their time in an effort to free themselves from a violent past. Hear from facilitators Loga Crichton (pictured left) and Fononga Le’aliki (pictured right). Read more

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Tokoroa's 12 Tips of Christmas

Christmas can be a stressful time for our families. Sometimes we find ourselves feeling more frazzled than festive, especially when the pressures that accompany our busiest holiday period often escalate into higher rates of violence and abuse. However, with help from our Tokoroa community, the South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services (SWPICS) have put together this hilarious video presenting 12 tips to a stress-free Christmas. Read more

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Pacific in the Park a Success

Thousands of Pacific people descended on West Auckland’s Moire Park to attend Pasefika Proud’s Pacific in the Park, despite strong gales and the constant threat of rain. Thankfully, the rain stayed away and those who made the effort were rewarded with a great afternoon and evening of food, giveaways and entertainment while strengthening the Pasefika Proud messaging of Our Families, Our People, Our Responsibility. Read more

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Pacific in the Park

We’re proud to be sponsoring this year’s “Pacific in the Park” on Friday 30th of November 2018 at Moire Park. NZ Police Sergeant Sila Fagaesea Siaki talks about the longstanding event which helps connect key service providers to our communities because it’s our families, our people, our responsibility. Read more

The Job in Hand

Saunoamaali’i Dr Karanina Sumeo is first Pacific woman to be appointed as the Human Rights Commission’s new Equal Employment Opportunities. Karanina joined the Human Rights Commission following her role as Principal Practice Advisor (Pacific) at Oranga Tamariki (OT), working to improve outcomes for Pacific children and their families. Read more

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Up2 Tokelau Youth Gameshow celebrates Family Values

Five Wellington college teams of four students each took part in a youth gameshow Up2 Tokelau in early September at the Porirua Elim Centre. The students not only walked away with prizes, but knowledge of Traditional Family Values based on the Tokelau Conceptual Framework for addressing family violence; Kāiga Māopoopo. Read more

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Attitude Determines Altitude

When Robson Tavita’s father, Tuilaepa Ropisone Tavita, died in 2005, Robson became determined that it wouldn’t be in vain. Inspired by his late father’s belief in respect, honour, discipline and values and the importance of culture to one’s identity, Robson gathered together an eclectic group of trusted friends, mainly Pacific and Maori, who knew his father well. Read more

Dr Yvonne Crichton-Hill: Pacific Family Violence Research Series Overview

DR YVONNE CRICHTON-HILL gives an overview of the issues and the Pacific Family Violence Research Series. Read more

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Pacific Family Violence Research series now available

A lack of data regarding family violence and Pacific communities led the Ministry and the Pacific community representatives to work to improve information and evidence about Pacific family violence. Read more

I AM ME

Pasefika Proud are proud to support I AM ME, an event created by women for women to share experiences for a better tomorrow. Read more

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Talanoa and Safe Spaces

After a life in administration, working for public and private organisations in Samoa, Eleni Mason moved to New Zealand and became involved in an administration capacity in the health sector. As CEO for Pacific Health Services Porirua, Eleni’s focus is on preventing Family Violence, which she knows is beneficial, providing you involve everyone in talanoa (discussion) and allow them a safe space to have their say. Read more

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Coming up in the Capital

It’s festival season in the Wellington Region. Here we provide a preview of some upcoming Pacific festivals to mark in your calendar. Read more

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The Power of Trust

Being present and engaged with our at-risk young Pacific people is essential to building trust. Having delivered community-based mentoring social services to at-risk communities for more than 20 years in the heart of Otara, South Auckland, no one knows better than Crosspower New Zealand. Read more

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Pacific experiences to inform policy and practice

Dr Julia Ioane, a Samoan clinical psychologist and lecturer in psychology, says all Pasifika youth involved in the justice system have, in some way, been exposed to or experienced family violence. South Auckland born and raised, Julia hopes her new research will help inform policy and practice to help our young people and their families going through the youth justice system. The aim is to build on resilience factors they already have to end the cycle of violence. Read more

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Samoans on the move

Walking Samoans is an ambitious attempt to help Samoans take responsibility for their own health. A Walking Samoans Leaders Fono on 4 May brought together Samoan community leaders to discuss future training and workshops to keep Samoans on the move. Read more

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Unpacking Niuean Values

Maliaga Erick has been involved with social work since migrating to New Zealand with her family from Niue in 1975. Through her career and voluntary work, Maliaga has worked tirelessly towards creating safe spaces for Pacific women and children. She is excited to be facilitating the Fakatupuolamoui Niue Family Violence Training Programme for the second year. Read more

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Love and Respect shine through

The Pasefika Proud team went out to visit four schools participating in Polyfest to talk about Love and Respect. These were the values identified by a focus group of 25 young people as the top two values they believe make families strong. Read more

Preventing family violence through culture

Launched in 2016, Pasefika Proud’s Nga Vaka Family Violence Training Programme (PFVTP) has seen some interesting and heartening results so far. With the 2018 training programmes starting soon, we look at how the programme is tailored to help community support workers and community members, with working knowledge of the communities they serve, who are often the first point of contact for Pacific families at risk. Read more

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Embracing her culture

Jane Malauulu feels immensely proud to see other people embrace her Samoan culture at ASB Polyfest. The year 13 Mangere College student and Samoan Group leader says she draws on the strength of her family’s support, built on love, respect and staying connected to her culture, in order to lead. Read more

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Foundations of love, respect and patience

Year 13 Mangere College student leader Levi Teleiai joined ASB Polyfest to keep his aganu’u (culture) alive here in New Zealand. The 17-year-old, who migrated from Samoa in 2016, says the values of love, respect and patience taught to him by family have made him the all-round leader, both in and out of school Samoan group, he is today. Read more

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Fiji Migration Story

Our next story in the Migration and Legacy series of our Pacific mothers features Amalaini Ligalevu-Legge, who migrated with her husband and children from Fiji in the early 1970s. Her message to her children and grandchildren is that if they want to be known as a Fijian they need to speak the language and understand the culture. She is proud of the achievements of her family, and is satisfied she has done what she came here to do when she migrated. Read more

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Niue Migration Story

Pasefika Proud is proud to launch a second series of Migration and Legacy stories featuring our Pacific mothers, as a follow up to our series of stories from our Pacific fathers. Our first story in this series features Akeletama Etuata who migrated with her husband to New Zealand from Niue in 1967. She recalls thinking that New Zealand homes seemed to have everything you’d ever need or want. “But the thing is you have to have money to get that life here.” Read more

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Preventing Families from Harm

As a police officer in South Auckland, Papaloa Talosaga has heard plenty of tales of woe of Pacific people arriving in the land of milk and honey, only to find the experience has turned sour. He’s working to spread the Pasefika Proud message to build strong families, preventing and addressing violence. Read more

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Helping Families (Kāinga) “Prosper"

Affirming Works run a family violence awareness programme that doesn’t teach families anything new, but it crucially reinforces what they already know. Translated to mean Prosperous Families, Kāinga Tu’umalie helps to prevent and restore families from violence by providing a safe space for them to strengthen relationships and identify key issues within their family unit to work on. Read more

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Projecting Hope

Maintaining hope in your darkest hour can get you through the longest night. Just ask the Project Hope team, who help to address and alleviate family violence, sexual violence and abuse amongst our Pacific communities by first helping young Pacific people talk about their harrowing experiences in order to heal. Read more

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Rise and Shine

Pasefika Proud is proud to launch this Rise and Shine disability song. Rise and Shine aims to address the stigma that sometimes leads to the physical and emotional abuse of disabled Pacific people, and features Auckland high-schoolers Tone6. Read more

Brothers bond

In the next Rise and Shine disability story, brothers Leatuao Larry Tupa'i-Lavea, and Adeaze duo Feagaigafou (known as Nainz) and Logovi’i (Viiz) Tupa’i remember their mum Selepa Malaefono Feterika Tupa'i fondly. Read more

Lavinia’s a living example

In the next Rise and Shine disability story, Lavinia Lovo is a 22 year old Samoan-Tongan with Spina Bifida. Lavinia wants to be a counsellor for the disability sector to help disabled people relate to their counsellor and wants them to know that she understands what they’re going through as a living example. Read more

Brothers Adeaze in their role

As the eldest brother to Feagaigafou (known as Nainz) and Logovi’i (Viiz) Tupa’i from the multi-award-winning duo Adeaze, Leatuao Larry Tupa'i-Lavea has distant memories of growing up in Samoa with his mum Selepa Malaefono Feterika Tupa'i. Read more

Mathew's mission

This Rise and Shine Disability Series story features Mathew (Matt) Ngametua, who is a Cook Islander with mild Cerebral Palsy hemiplegia and diplegia.Matt is proud to be living an independent life and credits his mum with teaching him to live independently. Read more

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Get rid of Christmas stress

Christmas is a time of family. But it can also be one of stress, and your family can find themselves feeling more frazzled than festive. Especially when the pressures that accompany our busiest holiday period can often escalate into higher rates of violence and abuse. We have some useful tips to help take the pressure off as we count down the days to ‘the most wonderful time of the year’. Read more

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Luhama Inspires

Pasefika Proud is proud to launch the Rise & Shine Disability Series. Luhama Niu is a Tongan with Cerebral Palsy who works part-time at Z New Zealand at Tom Pearce Drive at Auckland Airport. She works out and volunteers at her gym and her activity group, and is a volunteer at the library after-school programme. Luhama is learning, teaching and inspiring others to be proud of being Tongan and to focus on what they have on the inside more than the outside. Read more

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Rise & Shine a light on disability and family violence

A new series of Rise and Shine Pacific Disability Resources are now launched to raise awareness of disabled people and family violence. They challenge some Pacific community attitudes towards the disabled community, addressing the stigma that sometimes leads to the physical and emotional abuse of disabled Pacific people. Read more

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Creating strong resilient families

The Siaola Famili Lelei initiative has been recognised by Police for their work towards alleviating family violence and child abuse amongst their Tongan communities. Operating under the Vahefonua Tonga Methodist Mission Charitable Trust umbrella, Siaola is a joint programme with the NZ Police, Pasefika Proud and other key agencies. Read more

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Pasefika Proud message spreads to Samoa

Samoa is learning from the Pasefika Proud campaign, with Samoa’s own family violence prevention communications campaign being developed thanks to project support from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). Read more

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Not a nobody

As one of the most recent Pacific migrant populations to New Zealand, Tuvaluans are considered a minority within Pacific communities. Statistician and proud Tuvaluan Manuila Tausi has been involved in the New Zealand Tuvalu community since settling in Wellington with his family in 2004. Despite lacking definitive stats around family violence within the community, he knows it’s most certainly an issue. Read more

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What is a Pacific Man?

Pasefika Proud is proud to present this ‘What Is a Pacific Man?’ video, featuring Pacific men. Church ministers, community leaders and violence prevention advocates share their personal stories of family violence and ask a fundamental question – ‘what does it mean to be a Pacific man?’ Read more

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Ace brings his best

After a lengthy professional rugby career in New Zealand, the UK and Europe, Ace Tiatia returned home to Wellington, determined to transform men’s lives through an environment built on strong family foundations. Read more

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Wellington communities tackle money management to reduce family stress

Wellington Pacific communities have fully embraced the need to help families reduce stress by better managing their finances. Playing a leading role in this is the Wellington Pacific Leaders’ Forum, a group that was launched following the Pasefika Proud Wellington Region Pacific Community Leaders Fono. Read more

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Wellington Pacific Leaders’ Forum Setting The Agenda

The Wellington Pacific Leaders’ Forum is helping to ‘set the agenda’ for Pacific communities in central Wellington. The Forum has had 7 meetings since October 2016 and has organised a series of initiatives and activities aimed at increasing awareness of family violence and promote the cultural strengths and value of safe families. Read more

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Managing Stress

The sudden death of his brother aged in his mid-30s prompted Rob Ngan-Woo to research stress in all forms of life. His popular and engaging presentation Enraged to Engaged at the Gathering of the 3000 revealed how to develop greater resilience to stress, transforming it into resilience for life-long empowerment Read more

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Tongan Migration Story

Our final story in the Pasefika Proud Migration and Legacy series of our Pacific fathers features Nimi Finau who migrated from Tonga in 1960. New Zealand was another world, and Nimi missed his family and friends, but looked forward to succeeding in New Zealand.His advice to others is to do what you can to succeed, and help those around you to succeed. Read more

Love and Leadership

David Tua may have retired from the boxing ring four years ago, but the former world heavyweight title contender can still wow an audience, as he revealed how the love of his life helped turn his life around and gave him new purpose with their Love Leadership Programme. Read more

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Tokelau Migration Story

This Pasefika Proud Migration and Legacy series of our Pacific fathers features Niusila Taupe from Tokelau. Niusila migrated in 1960 and remembers adjusting to life in New Zealand, meeting others in his community through work and church. His legacy is encouraging children to learn, in school, about their culture and how to live in New Zealand. Read more

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Cook Islands Migration Story

The next story in the Pasefika Proud Migration and Legacy series of our Pacific fathers features Samuel Samuel who came to New Zealand from the Cook Islands in 1964. He recalls learning about different cultures including NZ Maori, Samoan and Tokelauan and was involved with the Cook Islands Council. Read more

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Gathering of the 3000 engages Pacific men on key issues

Pacific men assembled to take part in more than 20 workshops at the Gathering Of The 3000 over Friday 30 June and Saturday 1 July at Porirua’s Te Rauparaha Arena. The first event of its kind, it aimed to tackle issues facing the community, in particular Pacific men. Read more

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Samoan Migration Story

Pasefika Proud is proud to launch this series of Migration and Legacy stories of our Pacific fathers. The first was launched at the Gathering of the 3000 and features Etipasi Daniells-Silva who migrated from Samoa in 1958 with dreams of becoming a “film star”. Read more

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The Gathering of the 3000

To start a movement for change, The Gathering of the 3000 will inspire, equip, and connect thousands of Pacific men from the Wellington region to address the challenges Pacific communities face. Read more

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Heartbreakers and Heroes

Beulah Koale knew how to act the part of a young bakery worker in the critically-acclaimed film One Thousand Ropes. It was part of the life he lived growing up in South Auckland. At both the Wellington and Auckland premieres, attended by Pasefika Proud, he spoke openly from the heart about violence within his own family. He speaks to Pasefika Proud about his champions – the women in his life. Read more

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Kiribati Leaders meet to progress three-year family violence prevention plan

They came together to agree the actions to be implemented for a three-year Maneaba Strategic Action Plan (MSAP) for Kiribati Communities in New Zealand. Read more

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Transforming Hopes from One Thousand Ropes

The Auckland and Wellington premieres in March for the film One Thousand Ropes, supported by Pasefika Proud, left audiences in no doubt about the lasting devastation violence can cause to Pacific families. Men who attended the premieres were moved by its impact Read more

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We Love Our Families

Pasefika Proud presents this great community initiative of the Wellington Pacific Leaders Forum. This is a series of three family violence prevention episodes starring the much loved Tofiga Fepuleai sharing the message to love our families and to keep each other safe. Read more

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Breaking the cycle

Mother of Divine Mercy Women’s Refuge helps victims of family violence get away from harm and to begin the process of healing through a ‘whole family’ approach. Susana Fiu Fetalai shares her story and how it motivated her work in family violence.When Susana Fiu Fetalai walks into a room, she fills it with her warmth. Her experience and compassion prompted her to establish Mother of Divine Mercy Women’s Refuge more than 20 years ago. Read more

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Youth Champion

Ailine Kei is an aspiring social worker who was inspired by the passion in Pacific peoples’ search for solutions to reduce family violence. Born in Tonga, growing up in Auckland and Australia before her family made Christchurch their home, Ailine will never take for granted the loving supportive environment provided to her. Read more

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United in protecting women of the world

Presenting at the United Nations in New York Conference on The Prevention of Violence Against Women in 2013 was an honour in itself for Porirua’s Fa’aolataga Leasi. What made it more rewarding was coming away from it knowing it wasn’t ‘just another talkfest’. Read more

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Understanding and action through faith

Pastors Maria and Apolo Simeona of Kings Lake Living Waters and Rev Masunu Utumapu, Samoan Methodist Church Auckland South Synod are both passionate about finding solutions to the issues of family violence within their congregations and communities. Read more

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Standing up to make a difference

As the first and only Cook Islands Presbyterian minister to hold a doctorate, Rev Dr Tokerau Joseph appreciates the value of knowing one’s history and culture. Read more

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Reaching our people

Pacific Service Coordinator at Stopping Violence Services Christchurch, Tapu Tuisuga, realised a long time ago that people needed more than a bible verse and a prayer to combat family violence. Read more

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Proud to be Pasefika

As CEO of South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services (SWPICS) in Tokoroa for more than a decade, Akarere Henry is proud of the family violence work undertaken since she joined the organisation. Read more

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Porirua Proud

Life was a struggle for the Tauira family when they first arrived in Porirua from the Cook Islands. But their faith and some smart motherly advice turned things around. Read more

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Facing the issues head on

Sitting all alone on a swing at 1am in the morning at Naenae Park in Lower Hutt wouldn’t be regarded as the safest place to be. Tusha Penny, then a local police sergeant, says not even the local so-called tough guys would venture into the park at that time of night. Read more

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Changing the record

Caring for New Zealand’s most vulnerable children is a big responsibility but one that Gráinne Moss is taking on with the utmost humility and open-mindedness. As the Chief Executive of the new Ministry for Vulnerable Children Oranga Tamariki, Gráinne is fully aware of the significant responsibility it carries. Read more

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Building capacity for effective services

Ofa Boyle, a long-time advocate for supporting families to become free of family violence, was recognised for her work at the inaugural Pasefika Proud Awards in 2013. She set up Fale Pasifika O Aoraki in 2008 with two other Pacific women, providing social support to the growing number of Pacific people in South Canterbury. Read more

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Agents of change

When Malagaoma Allan Va’a began mentoring South Auckland Pacific youth in the mid-1980s the young men that he worked with saw him as a big brother. He laughs at how he’s seen by them now. Read more

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Pacific leaders leading the change

When Fa’amatuainu Tino Pereira, a Pacific leader and consultant on public sector issues, left a successful and lengthy broadcasting career with Radio New Zealand in the late 1990s, he thought his days in the media spotlight had passed. Read more

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Shining a Light of Hope

As lead contributor to the Tokelau content in the Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu Framework document and a part of both the Tokelau and Tuvalu National Community Minister for the Presbyterian Church of NZ, Rev Linda Teleo Hope provides a unique perspective. Read more

NEWS JackCarrol TEASER

Transformational Change

As a partner at KPMG, one of the ‘big four’ global accounting firms, Jack Carroll knows his organisational and strategic skills were fully utilised with his secondment to lead the transformation programme to develop a new Vulnerable Children’s Entity aimed at supporting vulnerable children and families. Read more

NEWS RevFitifitiLuatua TEAS

Doing it the Pasefika Way

Samoan Congregational Minister of EFKS Hornby, Reverend Fitifiti Luatua, draws on his experience from more than 30 years living in New Zealand and serving God as an ordained minister. Read more