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Nurturing our Pacific Values
A new community resource for parents and caregivers to help prevent the scourge of child sexual abuse has been launched by Pasifika-kaupapa organisation Le Va.
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P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Advocates for Pacific Women and Girls
With support from Pasefika Proud, P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A successfully delivered a number of initiatives designed to help keep Pacific women and girls safe.
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Vakavakai 'oe Ngaahi-Lelei-ke-Tupulekina ma'a e kakai Tonga 'i Aotearoa
ʻOku tukupa ʻa Pasefika Proud ke poupouʻi ʻa e ngaahi komiuniti ʻo e Pasifiki ʻi Aotearoa Nuʻu Sila, ke fakapapauʻi ʻenau ngaahi fakaʻamu makehe, mo fakahoko ‘a e ngaahi founga ‘oku tataki ‘e he komiuniti, ke nau a’usia ia.
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Assessment of Investments for Tongan People in Aotearoa
Pasefika Proud are committed to supporting Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand to determine their unique community aspirations and implement community-led solutions to achieve them.
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Empowering Youth and Unity in Cook Islands Communities: A Path Forward
On September 14, 2024, the Cook Islands Aotearoa Communities Plan Steering Group gathered in Auckland to discuss the implementation of national priorities. Supported by Pasefika Proud, the meeting focused on sustainable leadership and youth development.
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Fijian Community Plans Take Another Step Forward
The needs of Aotearoa's 18 Fijian communities received a significant boost at the end of September when a group of Fijian leaders gathered in Wellington for the National Fijian Wellbeing Bose Vata.
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One Year On: The Police and Champions of Change
The Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu’s Champions of Change (CoC) partnership with the Police Pacific Responsiveness Work Group in Auckland marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to address critical issues within Pacific communities, including family harm, youth challenges, and navigating the legal system in New Zealand.
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A Historic Day in Hawkes Bay
The work being done in the area of mental health in the Hawkes Bay area by the AIGAMUA group goes from strength to strength. Set up as a response to the rise of young people in the area suffering mental health issues, for the past year AIGAMUA dedicated itself to a health model to ''give hope to our people.''
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Pacific Practitioners’ Fono – Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland
The last of six nationwide Fono covering the problem of Family Violence/Sexual Violence (FV/SV) in our community has been held, this time in the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland region, funded and supported by PASEFIKA PROUD.
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Filling in the Gaps
A new report into Family Violence and Sexual Violence (FV/SV) instigated by the Ministry of Social Development makes for grim reading in places for our Pasifika peoples.The 'Gaps Report' focus is on areas which have the biggest impact on Tangata whenua and diverse communities.
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A Milestone of Hope: Celebrating the Graduation of the Seuga Programme
Pasefika Proud-sponsored initiative, Seuga, is making a powerful impact, supporting Pacific families in Christchurch to overcome family violence. Recently, this transformative programme celebrated the graduation of its latest cohort, marking a significant milestone in their journey of healing and empowerment.
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Pacific Practitioners’ Fono - Hawke's Bay & Tairāwhiti
Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti are the latest regions to welcome the Fono aimed at putting a halt to the scourge of Family Violence and Sexual Violence (FV/SV) in our Pasifika communities, funded and supported by PASEFIKA PROUD.
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Family Violence / Sexual Violence Accessibility Grants
In 2023, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) received time-limited funding to improve access to Family Violence and Sexual Violence (FV/SV) services for disabled people/tāngata whaikaha Māori (the Accessibility Fund).
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Elder Abuse, It's Not Ok
Elderly abuse is a very sensitive topic within Pacific communities, but it is something that needs to be talked about and confronted, not just in the community but within the family.
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Stopit Campaign Highlights Family Harm and Sexual Violence
New Zealanders are being asked to speak out as a campaign is launched to highlight family harm and sexual violence. Christchurch organisation Aviva is trying to highlight concerns around sexual consent.
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Calls for Stalking to be Illegal
The Coalition for the Safety of Women and Children is calling for Pacific support in its efforts to make stalking illegal in Aotearoa.
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Standing Up for the Children
In a New Zealand first, the thoughts and words of children on how individualised Family Violence advocacy makes them feel has been used in a landmark report.
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The Unspoken Series
Five Pasifika families are taking part in a series of videos to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health in Pacific communities.
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Pacific Practitioners' Fono – Waikato, Bay of Plenty & Taranaki
Fono participants were welcomed into K’aute Pasefika’s community fale and village by Leaupepe Rachel Karalus, Chief Executive. Her acknowledgement of the collective journey of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa set the tone for the theme of the fono, ‘Celebrating the Transformative Power of Connection.’
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From a Culture of Silence to a Culture of Change
Proud Tuvaluan Alamai Sioni, was born and raised in the Gilbert Islands now known as Kiribati. She’s a former teacher who attended the Toku Fou Tiale Tuvalu Family Violence Training Programme.
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Taking Control of Coercive Behaviour
Coercive Control and Entrapment is a pattern of abuse and violence where one person threatens and intimidates their partner (or ex-partner), controlling their choices and behaviour. Researchers and academics have met in an attempt to better understand the problems of coercive control.
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Fono brings together South-Island based practitioners
South Island-based practitioners working with Pacific peoples and communities to further address family violence and sexual violence have had their chance to get involved in the nationwide campaign to address issues in the sector.
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Improvements made, but more needs to be done for Pacific youth
There is plenty of positivity to take out of the findings of the Talavou o le Moana, Pacific Youth Health Report, released at the end of February 2024.
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Pasefika Proud 2023 A Year in Review
Here we take a snapshot look back over 2023 to reflect and celebrate what is happening and what was achieved.
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TENDER OPPORTUNITY - Integrated Services for Sensitive Claims
The Integrated Services for Sensitive Claims (ISSC) provides support to many survivors of sexual abuse and assault. Information is available for interested suppliers leading up to the tender which goes live on 2 April 2024.
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Pacific Practitioners’ Forum Update
The work of a devoted group of Pacific practitioners whose aim is to combat Family Violence and Sexual Violence (FV/SV) is taking shape.
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Celebrating Pasefika Proud – 10 Years On
For more than a decade, Pasefika Proud has been working with Pacific communities to develop and deliver Pacific responses to Pacific issues.
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Thirteen Proves to be a Lucky Number for Pacific Recipients
Thirteen Pasefika people have been honoured in the New Zealand 2024 New Year Honours List. Pasefika advocates, academics, artists, business professionals and sport were included.
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Breaking Silence | Web Series | 3 Seasons
The Breaking Silence series hears powerful stories from those affected by domestic violence and explores how the abuse cycle is being broken. Season 3 examines failings of the Family Court system and how the Hague Convention can fail women and their children in the context of violence.
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NZ Police and Pasifika Champions Unite Against Family Violence
In a groundbreaking effort to tackle family violence within Pasifika communities, Inspector Sila Fagaesea Siaki played a part in the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between Nga Vaka's Champions of Change and the Police.
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Being heard – voices from Pacific women and girls
A new report elevates the voices of Pacific women in Aotearoa New Zealand – experiences, both good and bad, and aspirations for the future. The report speaks to the resilience of Pacific women and how far they have come. It celebrates progress, reflects on the past, and acknowledges the path ahead.
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Leading the Way from a Young Age
Whether he desired the role or not, VITALE LAFAELE has always been a leader. He did it as a child growing up in a Samoan family in Grey Lynn, doing any job he could – milk runs, paper rounds, stacking shelves - to help his family, where Mum and Dad (Souoapuava and Kalolo) both worked two jobs to help the family get by. He is doing it today running leadership courses for the Ministry of Social Development.
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Family First
In the heart of Hastings, where a vibrant Pasifika community thrives, a movement known as AIGAMUA is gaining momentum. Led by Jayjay Sali-Laga'aia and Marateina Fameitau, AIGAMUA is dedicated to the mental health and well-being of their Pasifika youth and families.
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Launch of Moui Olaola, National Niue Strategic Wellbeing Plan 2023-2025
A collective effort between the Niue communities in Aotearoa supported by Pasifika Proud will hopefully ignite real change and unleash the potential and the power in its people when it is launched on Saturday (October 21) 2023.
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Leading the Way to a Better Future
For a good number of years TOA (Treasure Older Adults) Pacific has been to the forefront of caring and advocating for our matua (elders).
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Using Her Voice for the Youth Community
A Youth Plan webinar aimed at making Aotearoa ‘’the best place in the world for young people’’ has highlighted the challenges facing Pacific youngsters.
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Retreat Helps Affirming Works Take Steps Forward
Helping families come together in a safe environment was the aim of a three-day ‘Prosperous Families’ retreat hosted by Affirming Works.
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TOA PACIFIC Celebrate 20 Years
For the past two decades our older pacific population has been well cared for by a special group of people. Now that group – Treasure Older Adults of Pacific (TOA Pacific) has itself been acknowledged for the sterling work it has done over those 20 years.
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Time for Action on Pacific Practitioners' Forum Plans
Following on from the well-received Pacific Practitioners' Forum into Family Violence and Sexual Violence, a number of ideas are about to be put into action from a collective of suggestions at the two-day event.
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Prosperous Pacific Communities
The Pacific Employment Action Plan Fund is now open to Expressions of Interest until Monday 30th October 2023 to help build prosperous Pacific communities. The fund is for programmes that upskill Pacific workers so they can get sustainable jobs, with higher wages, in high-growth sectors.
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Seeking Justice for Pasifika Youth
A three-year study “by Pasifika, for Pasifika with Pasifika research’’ has found that more needs to be done for our Pasifika youth and their families to move them away from the justice system.
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Yale Student Has the Key to Stopping the Flow of Online Bullying
A West Auckland teenager, about to head off to study at Yale University in the United States, hopes to leave behind a legacy that will help other young Pacific youth who are struggling with issues around social media, online bullying, and sextortion.
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Te Aorerekura Hui Jun 2023 – Strengthening work being done
More than 230 people attended the second annual Te Aorerekura Hui in Jun 2023, with another 200 taking part online in meetings and panel discussions on the ‘National Strategy to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence’.
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Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu Tongan cultural framework training
Natalie Hopkins is a social worker for Parentline Hamilton who facilitates two programmes - The Incredible Years Parenting Programme which is around prevention of sexual violence. Through her role as a social worker, Natalie holds a long-term contract working with whānau with complex needs.
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Nga Vaka o Kaiga Tapu’s Samoan cultural framework training
Mapusua Fetuao Peleti works for Emerge Aotearoa as a service manager for their ‘Mental Health & Additions Pacific Community support team, and Mobile Community support team in Counties Manukau, Auckland.
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Looking after our greatest assets
As the National Pacific Practitioners Fono commenced, participants heard from the General Manager of the Wellington Rape Crises Centre, Kyla Rayner, who has worked in the survivor space across family and sexual violence for many years.
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Bringing more Pacific voices to the table
Serena Curtis, the General Manager, Pacific and Community Capability Programmes for the Ministry of Social Development spoke to the Fono on the contribution the MSD was making to Te Aorerekura.
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Building a pathway for a better future
Judge Ida Malosi, the country’s first female Pasefika judge, spoke at length about building confidence towards innovative responses in restorative pathways.
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In the seat to drive change for the better
Ali’imuamua Sandra Alofivae, MNZM, Chair of the South Auckland Social Wellbeing Board was another to speak early on the first day of the Fono. Her topic was a critical look at how to ensure Pacific voices count to drive change across the system.
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Practitoners’ Fono to strengthen connections
The two-day National Pacific Practitioners’ Fono which aims to strengthen connections for practitioners working in the areas of family violence and/or sexual violence, has been held in Auckland.
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A change 180 years in the making
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, The Hon. Marama Davidson, represented the Government at the Fono and she covered the theme of weaving knowledge and actions together in relation to the Te Aorerekura Strategy.
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National Pacific Practitioners’ Fono
Two-day Fono held in Auckland on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th July for NGO and community practitioners working in the areas of family violence and/or sexual violence.
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Fāmili Vā Lelei building Safe and Resilient Families
Through its unique strengths-based interventions and faith-inspired principles, SIAOLA’s Fāmili Vā Lelei Fāmili Vā Lelei programme is empowering families to build stronger, safer, and more resilient homes. By taking a holistic and innovative approach, the transformative programme is dedicated to reducing family violence and promoting family wellbeing among Tongan families and church communities.
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Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu going from strength to strength
New research commissioned by Pasefika Proud paid recognition to the Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu framework as identifying a range of protective factors including healthy family relationships, positive cultural identity, sense of self belief, equity between genders, communication skills, knowledge of family violence and the law, participation in Pasifika cultural and faith communities, education, employment, and good access to services.
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Sister Cabrini in good spirits as a new book is launched
Sister Cabrini ‘Ofa Makasiale’s three decades of work in trauma counselling in and around South Auckland has been captured in print. A Catholic sister for more than 50 years, Sister Cabrini was raised in Fiji, and is of English and Tongan ancestry.
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Breaking the Circle of Family Violence
A Pasefika Proud-sponsored programme is providing support for men to help them break the circle of family violence. The 10-week Christchurch-based course is called Seuga,
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Pasifika Protective Factors for Family Violence in Aotearoa New Zealand
New research commissioned by Pasifika Proud provides valuable insight into contributors to family violence for Pacific peoples and recommendations on how to protect our Pacific families, children, and futures.
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15)
It is part of our cultures to treasure and care for our matua (elders) but up to one in 10 elderly people in Aotearoa suffer some form of abuse most closely linked to vulnerability and coercion..
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The transformative benefits of Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu
Turanga Māori is fundamental to the Cook Island cultural practices to help Cook Island people build safe and healthier families.
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Looking Back on a Job Well Done
From the day Pasefika Proud was named back in 2011 Marie Schmidt played a leading role. But, after 12 years with Pasefika Proud, and twenty plus years before that working in the Ministry of Social Development, Marie has moved on to a new challenge.
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Be Proud of Your Language
Be proud of your language and grounded in your identity, that was the advice to Samoans living in Aotearoa during Samoan Language Week (May 28 – June 3).
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Workforce Development
When Pacific peoples are victims, perpetrators, or witness family violence it is important they receive the best advice and support. Part of that is about growing the family violence knowledge and skills of those working in the community in a professional capacity or on a voluntary basis to provide services to Pacific peoples.
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Never too late to break the cycle of violence
Judy Faka’osi Siaki and her husband Moughan Siaki have a solid marriage, the Hawkes Bay couple of Tongan and Samoan descent are raising their children free from violence, navigating disagreements in their marriage safely and healthily. However, this wasn’t always the case.
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One In Three Pacific Women …
Statistics for family violence against Pacific women in New Zealand show that 32 percent of those surveyed admitted to experiencing some form of abuse.
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Staying Safe Online
Pacific youth, parents and communities are being warned to be aware of the rise in cases of ‘sextortion’ being reported in Aotearoa.
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Request for Feedback - Deadline 26 May 2023
There are significant gaps in family violence and sexual violence (FVSV) services in Aotearoa New Zealand. This means not everyone can access the support they need when they experience or use violence.
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Turanga Māori Reducing Family Harm On and Off Tokoroa’s Sports Fields
Turanga Māori is changing behaviours on the rugby league field in Tokoroa, according to Pacific Sharks Rugby League Chairman, Neville Takiri (Aitutaki, Ngāti Raukawa).
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Family harm figures spike following cyclone
As if families haven’t suffered enough with the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle, there are fears of further suffering, this time inflicted in the home.
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Community Support Package
Here we share important information provided by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to help our communities rebuild and recover.
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K’aute Pasifika Village Opens in The Heart of Kirikiriroa
When impossible becomes possible and finally a reality with the opening of the K’aute Pasifika Village in Hamilton. Over 1500 people from across Aotearoa and the broader Pacific Region gathered to celebrate the momentous opening of the first stage of K’aute Pasifika’s Village, in Kirikiriroa in January 2023.
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Pasefika celebrated in New Years Honours
Sully Paea’s dedication to improving the lives of Pacific youth in South Auckland was the reason given behind his inclusion on the 2023 New Year’s Honours List. His work in setting up learning opportunities for youth is well known.
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Recognising values and talents as i-Kiribati
A six-week programme developed and delivered by Mahu Vision Community Trust and funded through Pasifika Proud, has left a group of Kiribati women feeling more confident about their worth and value, and with a greater understanding around the issue of family violence.
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Facing up to challenges with an app-solutely great resource
An animated app designed by Pacific people for Pacific people has been launched to help parents navigate the “more challenging moments” they have with their young children.
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Help at hand for workers in sexual violence roles
A landmark report has been released which will hopefully benefit the Pacific sexual violence workforce in Aotearoa. For the first time ever the Pacific sexual violence workforce has been the sole focus of research. It came in a joint study between the University of Auckland and the Ministry of Social Development as part of a wider four-year sexual violence research and evaluation work programme.
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So va'a so good
It may have taken almost 20 years, but a promise John Misky made to his late grandmother over a game of cards has finally been fulfilled. When we did our original story on his endeavour, John told Pasifika Proud that one of the reasons he wanted to do the project was that it brought back memories of sailing a wooden va’a with his father when he was a kid back in Tokelau.
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A role model for Pasifika
Ida Malosi is comfortable with setting firsts and proud of her Samoan heritage. A founding partner in an all-Maori and Pasifika women law firm in 1994 (King Alofivae Malosi, specialising in family law and youth justice), she first sat on the district court bench in 2002 and established Pasifika Youth Courts in south and west Auckland before being seconded to Samoa in 2013 as a Supreme Court judge.
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Still Here
In 1971, 45 per cent of Auckland’s Pasifika population lived in the inner city. Now, they’re fewer than 2 per cent. Through the eyes of Pacific youth and their families, a four-part docu-series by @Re: Docs with the support of NZ On Air, celebrates the small but mighty Pasifika community in inner-city Auckland who have remained despite decades of rampant gentrification.
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One Word
Contributors to a unique art display in Christchurch have been asked one simple question … What one word would you use to describe the most special woman in your life? That word has been painted onto boards on show at the exhibition.
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Putting Our Trust in Social Enterprise
Pasefika Proud has played its part in the 2022 Pacific Business Trust Awards held in Manukau in mid-November. Ten awards were presented to Pacific business leaders for innovation, achievements, and success at a well-attended function.
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Kāiga Tokelau Wellbeing National Strategic Plan 2022–2026
Aotearoa’s Tokelau community has identified the five key areas it will target in its strategic outlook for the betterment of its people.
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Navigating A Path Forward
Covid may have slowed it down, but The Fono, the Auckland-based health service, is pushing ahead with its work to establish three ethnic-specific Church Navigator roles to benefit Samoan, Tongan and Cook Island people in Auckland and Northland.
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Finding Our Future Leaders
Getting more Pacific people into governance roles is the aim of a 54-page report released in late October. Launched by the LEAD Centre for Not-for-Profit Leadership, it examined the issues behind the reasons there were not more Pacific people in governance roles, and the challenges faced by those who aspire to such positions.
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CHAMPIONING CHANGE IN OUR COMMUNITIES
The disruptions of COVID-19, Delta and Omicron prevented full delivery of capability training and programme development but 2022 has seen a significant resurgence in activity with positive outcomes for the community.
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PACIFIC ELDER ABUSE
With the rise in the number of older people in Aotearoa’s Pacific population, the spotlight is being shone upon a problem that comes with it – elder abuse.
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PACIFIC WORKERS SUBJECT TO ABUSE
“Unacceptable” levels of abuse towards Pacific people have been highlighted in a Human Rights Commission report.
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FIJIANS COME TOGETHER FOR A BETTER FUTURE
A journey which began 15 months ago, aimed at improving the wellbeing of Aotearoa’s Fijian community has come to fruition.
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TAGALOATELE’S ABSOLUTELY POSTIVE APPROACH RECOGNISED
Tagaloatele Professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop has been acknowledged in the Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian Awards.
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TE AOREREKURA - A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Te Aorerekura is a 25-year initiative recognising that a range of social conditions contribute to violence. With that in mind a two-day National Hui took place at the end of July bringing together government, tangata whenua, communities, and specialist sectors.
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Investment in Pacific People's Future and Place in the World
A report released on approaches to addressing family violence and violence against women has been described as an investment in Pacific people's future and their place in the global world within which Aotearoa New Zealand belongs.
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Dear Great Grands
Imagine setting up a system so that generations a hundred years into the future can listen to generations from as far back as the mid-1900s. Arizona Nofoali’i Leger did, and it is the inspiration for her Spotify series Dear Great Grands.
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Te Mauri - Otago Kiribati Young Peoples Project
#PasefikaProud is honoured to share a video series entitled Te Mauri which consists of three videos developed and produced by Kiribati youth from the University of Otago and a few from Otago Polytechnic.
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Family violence message hits home
A workshop to provide Pacific males with support to understand the importance of family without violence has been hailed as “an awesome experience” by participants. Put together by The Fono and supported by Pasefika Proud the theme of the workshop was “Love is my Language’.
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Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu - Reclaiming and revitalising culture as the basis of wellbeing
When Pacific peoples are victims, perpetrators, or witness family violence it is important they receive the best advice and support. Part of that is about growing the family violence knowledge and skills of those working in the community in a professional capacity or on a voluntary basis to provide services to Pacific peoples.
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Fijians formulate a plan for Wellbeing
Encouraging Fijians living in Aotearoa to stop being so shy and humble when it comes to accessing Government services was one of the main points to come out of a meeting in Wellington in June 2022.
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No one deserves to die within the context of family violence
The release of the latest review into family violence deaths in Aotearoa is a sobering read for Pacific people.
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Breaking the Cycle of Bullying
Capturing the hearts and minds of the next generation of Pacific Islanders is seen as crucial in attempts to stem the flow of bullying.
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Ruby Tui no Stranger to Struggles
Black Ferns Star, Ruby Tui, born to a Samoan father and a Palagi mum in Wellington is no stranger to struggles. She often uses her platform and voice to openly discuss social issues.
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Fishing for Answers
To Kiribati people, fishing is way of life, reflective of traditional behaviours and norms handed down in each generation.
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Sexual Assault Awareness Month held every April
#SAAM Sexual Assault Awareness month is a global awareness campaign held every April. The 2022 theme is ‘Building Safe Online Spaces Together’.
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World Social Work Day 2022 – 15th March 2022
2022 theme: ´Co-building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind´ coinciding with the theme of the people´s summit that will take place on the 29th June to the 2nd July.
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PACIFIC LANGUAGE WEEKS 2022
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio has announced the 2022 Pacific Language Weeks series, highlighting the contribution of those who have provided life-saving Covid-19 messages in the nine Pacific Island languages over the past two years.
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AFFIRMING A FRESH START
Having returned from living in Tonga in 2021, business founder Emeline Afeaki-Mafile’o and her husband, Alipate, have seamlessly re-established themselves back in Otahuhu, South Auckland, through their much-appreciated food hub.
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National Strategy to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Marama Davidson joined tangata whenua and sector representatives on the 7th of December 2021 to launch Te Aorerekura, the country’s first National Strategy to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence.
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New data website hopes to help improve Pasifika wellbeing in Aotearoa
Figure.NZ, supported by Stats NZ, launched a free website which brings together data for and about Pacific people in New Zealand. It also gathers reports, research, and a list of experts who can help give important Pacific context to the data.
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‘My Baby's Village’ calling on kāinga to support parents of newborns
Safe Sleep Awareness Day – Friday 3rd December.
Pasefika Proud has joined the Pacific Infant Care Collective responsible for the ‘My Baby's Village’ initiative which aims to ensure Pacific parents of newborns have the support needed to keep their baby safe.
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Supporting far north communities
In August 2019 a talanoa was held to set up a Trust to provide support for the growing number of Pasifika people living in the Far North of New Zealand. Coinciding with the celebration of Tongan Language Week in September, the Tongans’ infectious impact eventually resulted in the establishment of the Te Hiku Pasifika Trust at the start of 2021, providing invaluable support for Pasefika families.
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International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November)
Violence against women and intimidation of violence is an abuse of women’s human rights. It limits women’s participation in social, political, and economic life. This significantly impacts on development outcomes, affecting families and communities and placing significant strains on healthcare, social services and policing and justice systems.
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Tokelau champions language and culture
COVID-19 continues to be a powerful reminder of the importance of language and culture to the wellbeing of our Pacific communities, said the Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio.
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A Va’a represents a purpose built for wellbeing
John Misky was six years old when he and his family left the islands of Tokelau for a new life in Aotearoa. Adapting to a new life and learning a new language in New Zealand brought its challenges. But his connection to the sea inspired him to pursue a life of building and sailing va’a to keep alive the voyages of our Pacific ancestors which span over centuries.
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Language assists Tagata Niue to thrive
Despite the uncertain times we face with the challenges of COVID-19, our cultural knowledge, values and language remain constant, helping us progress towards goals in life, said the Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio.
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Hear Us Now #HUN is a podcast about family violence survivors
While it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to kill one through neglect. The Podcast calls for the sharing of stories, revealing pain and speaking up to seek help.
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Kainga Pasefika Services – by Pasifika, for Pasefika
Congratulations to Pasefika Proud provider Kainga Pasifika Services for establishing the first community service by Pasifika, for Pasifika in Hawke’s Bay.
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Grace brought me here - Book extract
For Lima Hansen Author - International Speaker/ Author of Grace Brought Me Here, who once rejected her Samoan roots in an effort to move on from horrific abuse suffered as a child, her faith gave her the strength to forgive, and share her powerful story.
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TUVALUAN MIGRATION STORY
Pasefika Proud is honoured to launch the last episode in the video series of Migration and Legacy stories featuring our Pacific mothers.
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Next Generation of Pacific Leaders
Forty-four young people from West Auckland high schools recently graduated from the Tula’i Pacific Youth Leadership Programme.
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When things go south ... We'll deal with them like south
South Auckland poet Caitlin Jenkins has won the IIML National Schools Poetry Award with her poem South.
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Young, Free & Pacific
Around 100 students from around Auckland converged on the Mangere Arts Centre in August for two days to immerse in stories from our Pacific community leaders
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Tongan Society South Canterbury Wins Two Awards
On August 17th the Tongan Society South Canterbury General Manager Sina Latu, and President Pauline Luyton accepted an award celebrating and acknowledging unsung heroes who support New Zealand’s health and disability services.
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Meeting the Challenge
Tik Tok Siva Challenge aimed at Pasefika youth to be proud of their culture and identity. It was the initiative of Christchurch-based Daisy and Seta Timo through Cross-Polynate
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Performing with Pride
As the first Pacific woman to be appointed chair of the New Zealand Arts Council in its 55-year history, Cook Islander Caren Rangi, ONZM, is confident there will be many more to follow.
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Formal Apology for Dawn Raids
Prime Minister Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern formally apologised to Pacific communities impacted by the Dawn Raids in the 1970s at a ceremony staged at Auckland Town Hall on 1st August 2021.
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Achieving wellbeing for our Pacific nations
The strategic priorities for Pasefika Proud around achieving wellbeing for our Pacific communities is articulated in the Pasefika Proud Pathways for Change Framework launched in 2019.
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Maopoopo Family Violence Training launches in Tokelau
On June 1 the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between MSD and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
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Forging Resilience and Compliance
Over the past decade, the city of Christchurch has suffered more than its fair share of tragedy. The ongoing effects of Covid-19 have further exacerbated the city’s struggle to return to normality.
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Sharing Pasifika Cultures
In 2016 the Tongan Society South Canterbury was created to bring together, support and empower its Tongan community, whānau, family and kainga within its sizeable region.
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Protecting Culture to Protect Families
Dahlia Malaeulu is a Wellington-born Samoan author of Milas My Gagana Series and an educator who is publishing eight books this year. The publications are a reflection of her own identity and gagana/language journey, particularly for those not born in Samoa.
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Rotuman Language Week Affirms Language as the key to Pacific wellbeing
The first Pacific Language Week this year makes it clear that language is the key to the wellbeing for all Pacific people said Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio.
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Rotuma Rises for first Pacific Language Week
When Rotuman Tristan Petueli started photography using his mobile phone, friends and family provided positive feedback, suggesting he had the talent to take it further.
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Government launches significant initiative towards Violence Prevention & Elimination
Minister for Family and Sexual Violence, Marama Davidson has launched a national engagement process to prevent and eliminate family and sexual violence.
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Honouring our Elders
The Tuaāsinasina o Ranui programme hosted and launched at the Ranui PIPC Presbyterian Church on March 18 2021 stems from within its West Auckland parish community. The Church was established in 1952, its parishioners span across at least four generations among a close-knit fellowship of more than 200 worshippers strongly connected to the church and its innovative programmes
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Michel Mulipola's role helps Pasefika youth navigate the digital waters and space with greater safety and respect.
Facebook partnered with the Save the Children to deliver an online safety campaign for the Pacific. As part of the I Am Digital campaign, it featured educational material in Pacific languages to help address issues with children concerning material online. Michel accepted a role to help provide support and educational material.
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Eye of the Liger
As a self-taught comic artist and die-hard wrestling fan, turned professional wrestler and successful online gamer, Michel Mulipola was never one to hide his talents. Growing up in a strong Samoan musical family tracing back to the villages of Vaimoso and Lefaga, with the Mulipola name hailing from Manono, Michel discovered many paths.
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Celebrating International Women’s Day – March 8, 2021
The 2021 theme celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also aligned with the priority theme of the 65th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
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Fijian-Indian youth in Aotearoa forge a new sense of identity and pride
While their journeys differ in the fact that the Indian community began arriving in Fiji 140 years ago, Fijian-Indians have also adapted and assimilated to living in Fiji. Having assisted in directing a video for Pasefika Proud, Shakeel Khan says his participation was an eye opener for him.
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Pacific Young People’s Understanding of Family Violence
In 2019 MSD commissioned Malatest International to undertake qualitative research to understand young Pacific people’s perspectives on family relationships and family violence.
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MJ’s Best of both worlds
A strong sense of independence, resilience and faith runs through Tongan-born Mary Jane Kivalu, or MJ as she’s known. Such traits are why she left friends and family in South Auckland to study and forge a new life in the South Island city of Dunedin.
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Rising to the Challenge
Descended from a Samoan family of missionaries and church ministers who provided pastoral care across the Pacific generations ago, Delphina Soti recalls listening to stories of past sabbaticals partaken in the Pacific which led to her devoting her life to service.
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Ending Violence Against Women
Through a 10-year commitment, Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development – Pacific Women connects more than 170 gender equality initiatives implemented across 14 Pacific Island countries.
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Supporting Recent Migrant Victims
Action on family violence is a priority for the NZ Government. A number of reports from 2018 refer to the necessity to do more to increase awareness of family violence issues. A cross-Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Victims of Family Violence Project 2019: Final Report was instigated to assess
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Nearly Invisible
In August 2020 The Backbone Collective released a report prepared for the Ministry of Social Development detailing what longer term support would have helped some women victim-survivors to get safe, recover and rebuild their lives after experiencing family violence.
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Community Capability and Resilience
Reverend Anitoni Misa, Church Minister EFKS Upper Harbour, knows the importance of serving their local Pacific communities by co-ordinating budgeting initiatives encouraging families to learn to grow their own vegetables in their own backyards.
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Gagana Tokelau youth taking to the Language
As a founding member and Minister for the Congregational Church of Tokelau in Porirua, Reverend Elder Tui Fakafotu Sopoaga received a QSM medal for services to the Tokelauan community in 2019.
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Niue Beginnings
As chairperson of the Vagahau Niue Trust based at Favona School in Mangere, South Auckland, Mele Nemaia has been a leader in promoting and preserving her Niue language in New Zealand for decades.
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A boost for new social workers
Graduate social workers are getting greater support and supervision at the start of their career through an initiative created with the Public Service Association.
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Finding Faith in Fiji
Daren Kamali’s late grandparents are among the many fond memories of his childhood upbringing in Fiji. It’s a matriarchal line which he holds close.
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Tuvaluans on the Rise
New Zealand's first Tuvaluan Christian congregation has a new church that has been years in the making.
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Unearthing Abuse Without Care
The Royal Commission of Inquiry: Abuse in Care aims to uncover what happened to children, young people and vulnerable adults in state and faith-based care in New Zealand between the years 1950-99. **We speak to specialist court lawyer and President of the Pacific Lawyers Association Tania Sharkey, as the New Zealand-born Tongan lawyer and her colleagues embark on their work in this historical Inquiry.
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Service and Selflessness
One evening a week the Isaia family, Sue, Pati and their daughters Paige, 14, and Ember, 12, pack the boot of their car with pots, a shiny steel kettle and a menu sign board and head to a soup kitchen in South Auckland. They know there is great need where they live and they want to help.
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Savage Beginnings
The newly released New Zealand movie Savage directed by Sam Kelly, is inspired by stories from the nation’s boys homes from 1950 to 1999 and the early history of gangs. Savage follows Danny, a fictional character, across three decades of his life, taking a deeper look at a boy who grows into the brutal enforcer of a gang and to understand how he got there.
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Tongan Language Week theme underpins Pacific Wellbeing approach
The 2020 Tongan Language Week theme of “Fakakoloa ‘o Aotearoa aki ‘a e Lotu Mo’oni”, which in English means “Enriching Aotearoa New Zealand through prayer and faith” is the theme the Tongan community will use to underpin their COVID-19 response towards economic recovery and the rebuild as they celebrate the 10th year of Uike Lea Faka-Tonga, Tongan Language Week.
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Enriching Aotearoa
Unitec Academic Programme Manager ‘Aulola (Lola) Fuka Lino has fond memories recalling growing up as a child in Tonga. Life was good to her and their family before moving to Auckland in 1985 when Lola was seven years old. Following the initial culture shock upon arriving in New Zealand, Lola is fulfilling her and her family’s wishes and expectations with a sense of gratitude living in a nation that accepts and embraces the diversity of all Pacific nations in Aotearoa.
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Pacific Perspectives on Family Violence
The New Zealand Family Violence Clearing House is the National Centre for family and whanau violence research and information. Researcher, lecturer, and PhD Fuafiva Fa’alau, from the University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, along with co-author Sharyn Wilson, BCouns, MNZCCA, and director of Soul Talk Auckland collaborated in a paper titled Pacific perspectives and family violence in New Zealand in order to accommodate Pacific worldviews
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Growing Support for Pacific Language Weeks
The increasing popularity among Pacific communities celebrating Pacific Language Weeks has received a further boost with funding from the Ministry of Pacific Peoples. Ministry’s Provider Languages Fund will further support its Pacific Wellbeing approach.
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Fathering Behaviour
Director of AUT Pacific Islands Families Study Dr El-Shadan Tautolo talks about its important research for fathering behaviour and how it impacts on the development of their children. The research highlights the need to make an effort to be involved and prioritise time with their children when they can.
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Better to Give Than Receive
A lifelong love of dance, performing and education has enabled John Kiria, who hails from the Cook Islands and of Aitutaki and Rakahanga lineage, to see the world. As part of Cook Islands Maori Language Week and the founder and manager of the Anuanua Performing Arts Troupe, John reflects on his strong sense of faith and its ongoing importance for future generations to have pride in their language, where they’re from and the goals for what they want to achieve.
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Overcoming the Odds
The West Auckland suburb of Ranui has experienced its share of family violence. But when the community-minded couple of Rob Luisi and his wife Emelita (Zee) Luisi were invited to attend a community meeting in the west Auckland suburb of Ranui in 1999, they were surprised but delighted to hear what was potentially in store for them.
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Creation Narratives to Work with Family Violence
Polytech Institutions Whitireia New Zealand and Weltec are seeking interest to participate in a research study, which has been approved by the Ethics and Research Committee and undertaken by Apolonia Muldrock. The purpose of the work is to gather shared experiences of pacific clinicians who are using pűräkau (pacific creation narratives) in their work with family violence.
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Language - A Powerful Tool for Kiribati Families
Lydia Teatao emigrated from Kiribati to New Zealand in 2006 with her three children and graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from Whitireia Community Polytechnic in Porirua, Wellington. Now as Social Services team lead at Southseas Healthcare Trust in Otara, South Auckland, she’s passionate about working within the Pasifika community to alleviate intimate partner violence with the Kiribati community.
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Continuing and Strengthening Pathways for Change
The Hon. Poto Williams, Associate Minister for Social Development, celebrated the launch of Pasefika Proud’s Pathways for Change 2019-2023, which identifies and sets the priorities and thinking, culminating in the Pathways for Change 2019-2023 framework. It was launched in Wellington on July 6 alongside the Ministry of Social Development’s fellow Violence Prevention Frameworks – E Tū Whānau and It’s Not Ok.
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Redemption, forgiveness and communication
As his marriage deteriorated following his infidelity, Tony Faifai, aka Buks, found God. He formed his relationship with God and was given the chance to form a healthier relationship with his wife and children. The Christian Hip Hop artist uses his story to reach out to those who need the same redemption, forgiveness and second chance he was given. To communicate, to pray and to be Pasefika Proud.
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Building healthy relationships through Kainga Pasifika tools and skills
The Voice Of Kainga Pasifika Services Tevita Faka’osi aired an episode on tools and skills to help build healthy relationships, bringing in a couple who completed Kainga Pasifika Services’ 16-session family violence-prevention programme. They shared their experience of how it impacted on their marriage and their family. Listen to the episode
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Pasefika Proud Breaking Silence with Stuff
Following the strong traction of Pasefika Proud’s Say Something video, in which ELIM Porirua Church participated in to raise awareness of family violence, Ace, Landa and their son, Lavakhi, who played the family in the short film, have participated in an upcoming docu-series for Stuff, made with the support of NZ On Air.
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Factoring Faith, Culture and Tradition Into Resiliency
Tualoaina Latu To’omaga can relate to experiencing and witnessing family violence and abuse. The Director of Positive Impact Consultancy Limited, educator for the Brainwave Trust Aotearoa and SKIP Champion for Oranga Tamariki lived through the trauma of an abusive childhood.
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Pacific Leadership Makes Pasefika Proud
Pasefika Proud congratulates all the recipients from the Pacific who were honoured at the 2020 Queens Birthday Honours List. The Pacific presence continues to grow within the honours, along with a greater diversity among their achievements within their chosen paths, including community, education, youth, health, music, entertainment, the arts and much more.
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Koko Samoa Youth Show Team: Maintaining Healthy Family Relationships with Gagana Samoa
For Samoan Language Week, we speak to the Koko Samoa Youth Show team who grace our airwaves every Saturday night from 6pm to 10pm on Radio Samoa 1593AM (and livestreamed on Facebook). They share with us their thoughts on the importance of speaking your mother tongue in maintaining healthy relationships with your family members.
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Nga Vaka O Kaiga Tapu Family Violence Prevention Radio Talanoa
The Cause Collective’s lead facilitators have been on the radio addressing and sharing tips to navigate the increased instances of family violence loaded with knowledge from Pasefika Proud’s Samoan, Tongan, Kiribati, Tuvaluan, Tokelauan, Fijian, Cook Islands and Niuean Nga Vaka o Kaiga Tapu frameworks. Watch the special radio programming and remember to stay kind, stay safe, stay Pasefika Proud.
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Recover and Rebuild
As longstanding CEO of the Anglican Trust for Women & Children – ATWC - in the South Auckland suburb of Otahuhu, JUDY MATAIA understands the challenges and heartache of fostering among families. For those challenges to further compound amid the Covid-19 lockdown is expected. Yet the response of her Pacific community reinforced her faith in their resilience and desire to help those most in need
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The power of words | TEDxYouth Christchurch
Sala Tiatia experienced domestic violence for the first time when he was 6 years old however verbal abuse hurt Sala’s internal world the most—until one particular English class, with one particular English teacher, turned Sala’s dark world around. In this compelling and emotional TEDxTalk, Sala shares the words that bought light to his world and how he speaks light into the world of some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable young people now because of it.
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Barbershop where men go to heal TEDxChristchurch
We share this TEDxChristchurch talk with Matt Brown who grew up in a violenct household and learned how important it was for men to have a place where they could be heard. An internationally acclaimed barber, hair artist, author, husband, father of three he shares his story of family violence while growing up with a violent Samoan father and how it changed for him.
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A peaceful language for a resilient family
Director of SunPix Ngaire Fuata shares what it means to hear the Rotuman language spoken as someone who grew up celebrating her culture but not being able to speak Rotuman. She grew up in a family that was strong in Rotuman values despite not speaking the language herself.
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Sharing the Love with Vaka Tautua
As the head of the only ‘for Pacific by Pacific’ national health and social services provider, Amanda’s concerns for the plight of Pacific communities, categorised as one of the nation’s most vulnerable, are real in every sense. But so is the faith she has in her hardworking team and Vaka Tautua’s partner organisations to deliver. For her, it’s all about “sharing the love.”
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To our Pasifika Mothers
We just want to wish all our Pacific mothers a Happy Mother's Day from the bottom of our hearts. As the foundation and glue of our families our mothers have a more-or-less thankless job sometimes. Let's take the time to appreciate, love and respect all of our mothers. Not just on special occasions like Mother's Day but all the time. Remember to stay kind, stay safe, stay Pasefika Proud.
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Pacific Islands Womens Refuge creating safe bubbles
Ani Vahua, coordinator of the Pacific Island Womens’ Refuge (PIWR) reflects on how they’ve responded to the calls for help by Pasifika women during Alert Level 4 and beyond by communicating with family members online and through the phone, telling Cook Island stories and singing songs to keep connected.
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Leading the Way
Pasefika Proud Lead Advisor Marie Schmidt speaks with Radio 531 PI morning host Brian Sagala about the Pasefika Proud initiatives for Pacific by Pacific, which aims to encourage violence-free respectful relationships. Especially during the challenging times of lockdown, and stats have shown an increase in domestic violence reports as Pasefika Proud asks that we all remember to stay kind and stay safe.
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Helping Hands
The Siaola Vahefonua Tongan Methodist Family Wellbeing Service launched their own offices in March 2020 but within a month of the opening, Tongan communities, along with the nation, found themselves in lockdown due to the deadly onslaught of the COVID-19 epidemic. Executive Director Kathleen Tuai-Ta’ufo’ou remains determined to continue to do what it takes to assist those in need.
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Mates Construction – Anger in your bubble?
Mates in Construction New Zealand have some advice about coping with stress, anxiety and anger during this uncertain time. As many of our Pasifika are in the construction industry watch the video and make contact if you need to. Remember if you need help know that help is available to you during all alert levels and beyond. Stay safe, stay Pasefika Proud.
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The Voice of Kainga Pasifika Services - Family First
With New Zealand on lockdown due to COVID-19, Tevita Faka’osi, the Voice of Kainga Pasifika Services (Dove HB) on Radio Kidknappers, stresses the need for courage, kindness and unconditional love in their programme about creating safe and healthy family relationships. LISTEN TO EPISODES from the show and remember to keep your family safe during this time and stay home, stay safe, stay Pasefika Proud.
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Latu To’omaga - how violence affects a child's development
In an interview with It's not Okay educator and presenter for the Brainwave Trust Latu To’omaga discussed the development of a child’s brain and how violence can have a major impact on those children who grow up around it. Watch the interview and remember to treat all our family members, young and old, with love and respect.
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Bruised and Abused
Between 1950-1999 there were Pasifika people who were abused when in the care of the State or faith-based institutions. In response, the Royal Commission of Inquiry Abuse in Care was established to investigate this abuse. Among those in care was Fa’afete Taito, a Samoan boy who grew up institutionalised, but willing to share his ordeal for others to learn from.
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Fulfilling the dream
Samoan-born Ali’imuamua Sandra Alofivae as a Barrister set up one of the biggest child protection practices in her South Auckland law firm with two colleagues Ida Malosi and La-Verne King and became a strong advocate for vulnerable Pacific families. As one of four commissioners on the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry, Sandra calls for the voices of the Pacific community to be heard.
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Strive for our Children to Thrive
As an ambitious, yet caring young lawyer seeking justice for the vulnerable in establishing the Mangere Law Centre, Andrew Becroft cites his time in South Auckland as pivotal to his role today as the nation’s Children’s Commissioner. Appointed in 2016, he sees the need to be a “merchant of hope” for many of today’s Pacific youth, and is adamant about “a Pasefika by Pasefika” approach where community support remains key
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West Auckland Tuvalu Youth: Tuvaluan Values
“Our parents came from the islands for us to have a better future here.” The young West Auckland Tuvaluans focus on culture and their parents’ migration in their Pasefika Proud Malie Young People Aotearoa Project. The video is a reminder to Tuvaluans around NZ of their roots and how to live purposeful, violence-free lives through unique Tuvaluan cultural values for this generation and the next. Watch the video
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Connections and relationships paramount to strong Pacific families
Judge Faumui Penelope (Lope) Ginnen was an experienced family court barrister, who also had a corporate governance career before her appointment in July 2019 as only the second Samoan woman district court judge in New Zealand. She firmly believes that solutions for the issues plaguing our communities and families come from within our own communities
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Oamaru’s ‘Kato Mo’ui Lelei’ a Pasefika Proud Malie Young People Aotearoa Project
Our next Pasefika Proud Malie Young People Project is a series entitled Kato Mo’ui Lelei which consists of four videos developed and produced by the young Tongan people of Oamaru. The students came together to brainstorm, develop ideas and scripts of a four-part series incorporating their strong cultural values. Watch the series
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Celebrating three decades of Strengthening Pacific Women
In late 2019 the Pacific Island Women’s Refuge (PIWR) celebrated 30 years of helping Pacific women, children and families from violence and sexual abuse. Its longevity is symbolic of its strength, with a small, courageous and capable team striving to meet the needs of those most vulnerable safely and culturally, ensuring no one is left behind.
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Southern Samoan Youth group provide HOPE to family harm survivors
Dunedin’s Malie Samoan Youth group have produced an inspiring, heart-warming video for the Pasefika Proud Malie Young People Aotearoa project not only for themselves, but all Samoan Youth around the country. Watch here
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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).
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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Pacific Family Violence Research series now available
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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’.
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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.
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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).
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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?’
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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”.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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’.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Building momentum
National Director Pacific, Ministry of Social Development Liz Tanielu is excited and optimistic at the commitment shown by the Pasefika Proud community in working towards the common goal of eradicating family violence in New Zealand.
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