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22Oct PYoM THUMB

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. Read more

20Oct AoI THUMB

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. Read more

15Oct24 CaF THUMB

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. Read more

8Oct24 FCP THUMB

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. Read more

9Sept24 CoC THUMB

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. Read more

1Aug AHD THUMB

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.'' Read more

24Jul FVSV THUMB

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. Read more

10Jul FitG THUMB

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. Read more

10Jul CtrG THUMB

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. Read more

25Jun PPF THUMB

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. Read more

26Jul FVG THUMB

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). Read more

24Jun EA THUMB

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. Read more

11Jun Aviva THUMB

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. Read more

11Jun Stalking THUMB

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. Read more

17May25 WF THUMB

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. Read more

6May AV THUMB

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. Read more

3May PPF THUMB

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.’ Read more

3May CoS THUMB

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. Read more

5APR CCE THUMB

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. Read more

12Mar PPFUpdate THUMB

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. Read more

6Mar24 TM THUMB

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. Read more

18Feb YiR THUMB

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. Read more

18Feb24 TO THUMB

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. Read more

15Jan24 PPFU THUMB2

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. Read more

11Jan24 10Y THUMB

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. Read more

11Jan24 NYH THUMB

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. Read more

11Jan24 SS THUMB

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. Read more

14Dec NZP THUMB

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. Read more

27Nov BeingHeard THUMB

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. Read more

17NovVL THUMB

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. Read more

17NovAigmua THUMB

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. Read more

9Nov Launch THUMB

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. Read more

Toa Sept23 THUMB

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). Read more

Child Youth Wellbeing THUMB

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. Read more

Affirming Works Sept23 THUMB

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. Read more

9Nov Toa THUMB

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. Read more

young peopleTHUMB

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. Read more

Prosperous Pacific Communties THUMB

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. Read more

6Sept SJ THUMB

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. Read more

6Sept AFJ THUMB

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. Read more

17Aug SWBDTHUMB

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’. Read more

17Aug NVTHUMB

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. Read more

17Aug MFPTHUMB

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. Read more

11JulK Kyla THUMB

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. Read more

11Jul Serena THUMB

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. Read more

11Jul Judge THUMB

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. Read more

8Jul SANDRA THUMB

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. Read more

8Jul EMMA THUMB

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. Read more

11Jul Hon THUMB

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. Read more

Fono23 THUMB

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. Read more

8Jul FAMILY THUMB

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.  Read more

8Jul NV THUMB

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. Read more

8Jul CABRINI THUMB

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. Read more

8Jul Seuga THUMB

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, Read more

Violence report THUMB

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. Read more

PP 15Jun THUMB

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.. Read more

28May PP THUMB

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. Read more

Marie THUMB

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. Read more

Samoa LANG23 THUMB

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). Read more

19May PP THUMB

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. Read more

24Apr PP1 THUMB

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. Read more

Women THUMB

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. Read more

9Apr SafeOnline THUMB

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. Read more

9Apr Feedback THUMB

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. Read more

Nga vaka THUMB

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). Read more

7Mar FHF THUMB

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. Read more

Community THUMB

Community Support Package

Here we share important information provided by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to help our communities rebuild and recover. Read more

Pela THUMB v2

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. Read more

New year THUMB

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. Read more

2Jan RV THUMB

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. Read more

2Jan PK THUMB

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. Read more

22Dec SVW THUMB

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. Read more

22Dec SV THUMB

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. Read more

13Dec RMFP THUMB

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. Read more

Still Here THUMB

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. Read more

One Word THUMB

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. Read more

PBT THUMB v2

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. Read more

Tokelau TH v2

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. Read more

Fono THUMB

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. Read more

Finding our future TH v2

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. Read more

Nga Vaka THUMB

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. Read more

3 Oct EA THUMB

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. Read more

3 Oct WPB THUMB

PACIFIC WORKERS SUBJECT TO ABUSE

“Unacceptable” levels of abuse towards Pacific people have been highlighted in a Human Rights Commission report. Read more

20Sept Fijian Wellbeing THUMB

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. Read more

22 Sept PD THUMB

TAGALOATELE’S ABSOLUTELY POSTIVE APPROACH RECOGNISED

Tagaloatele Professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop has been acknowledged in the Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian Awards. Read more

22 Sept TA THUMB

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. Read more

10Aug IIP THUMB

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. Read more

3 Aug DGG THUMB

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. Read more

9Jul TK THUMB

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. Read more

5Jul HH THUMB

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’. Read more

5Jul NV THUMB

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. Read more

29 Jun WP THUMB

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. Read more

20 Jun ND THUMB

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. Read more

20 Jun BE THUMB

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. Read more

RT 3May THUMB

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. Read more

6 Apr FishingforAnswers THUMB

Fishing for Answers

To Kiribati people, fishing is way of life, reflective of traditional behaviours and norms handed down in each generation. Read more

6Apr SexualAbuseAwareness THUMB

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’. Read more

2022 WSWD THUMB

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. Read more

Language Week Dates 2022 Condensed v2

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. Read more

Affirming HERO

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. Read more

National Strategy 14Dec THUMB v2

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. Read more

New Data 14Dec THUMB

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. Read more

10Mar MBV

‘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. Read more

SupportingFNC 2Dec THUMB v2

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. Read more

24 Nov VaW THUMB v2

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. Read more

Tokelau LW THUMB

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. Read more

Boat Builder THUMB

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. Read more

Niue LW THUMB

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. Read more

HuN THUMB

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. Read more

KPS THUMB

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. Read more

Grace Book Extract HERO

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. Read more

Migration Story Hero

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. Read more

Leaders THUMB

Next Generation of Pacific Leaders

Forty-four young people from West Auckland high schools recently graduated from the Tula’i Pacific Youth Leadership Programme. Read more

Caitlin THUMB

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. Read more

Young THUMB

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 Read more

Tongan THUMB

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. Read more

Tiktok THUMB

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 Read more

Caren THUMB

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. Read more

Dawn THUMB

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. Read more

Wellbeing THUMB

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. Read more

MFAT THUMB

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). Read more

Tongan Advisory THUMB

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. Read more

Tongan Society THUMB

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. Read more

Dahlia THUMB

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. Read more

PLW THUMB

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. Read more

Rotuma THUMB v2

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. Read more

HMarama THUMB

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. Read more

Ranui THUMB

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 Read more

2 THUMB v2

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. Read more

Eye THUMB

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. Read more

8mar THUMB v2

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. Read more

Fijian THUMB

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. Read more

PYP THUMB

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. Read more

MJ THUMB v2

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. Read more

Rising THUMB

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. Read more

Stop THUMB

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. Read more

NZI THUMB

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 Read more

BB HERO

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. Read more

Garden THUMB

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. Read more

Tokelau THUMB

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. Read more

Mele THUMB

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. Read more

Ainise THUMB

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. Read more

Darin THUMB

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. Read more

Tuvalu THUMB

Tuvaluans on the Rise

New Zealand's first Tuvaluan Christian congregation has a new church that has been years in the making. Read more

Tania THUMB

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. Read more

Unpay THUMB

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. Read more

SAVAGE THUMB

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. Read more

Tonga THUMB

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. Read more

Aulola THUMB

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. Read more

Fiva THUMB

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 Read more

PLW THUMB

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. Read more

Fathering THUMB

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.   Read more

John THUMB

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. Read more

Ranui THUMB

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. Read more

FV THUMB

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. Read more

Kiribati THUMB

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. Read more

HonPono THUMB

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. Read more

Tony THUMB

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. Read more

Tevita THUMB

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 Read more

Landa THUMB

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. Read more

Latu THUMB

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. Read more

QB THUMB

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. Read more

Koko THUMB

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. Read more

ngavakaradio HERO

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. Read more

Judy THUMB

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 Read more

Sala THUMB

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. Read more

Matt Brown THUMB

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. Read more

Ngaire THUMB

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. Read more

VKTT THUMB

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.” Read more

pasifikamums THUMB

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. Read more

Ani THUMB2

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. Read more

marieon531 THUMB

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. Read more

Restoring Mana THUMB

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. Read more

Mates THUMB

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. Read more

voiceofkainga THUMB

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. Read more

latuitsnotokay THUMB

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. Read more

Faafete THUMB

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. Read more

SandraAlofivae THUMB

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. Read more

andrewbecroft THUMB

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 Read more

westakltuvalu THUMB

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 Read more

JudgeLopeGinnen THUMB

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 Read more

OamaruTonganMalieYouth THUMB

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 Read more

PIWR THUMB

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. Read more

DunedinSamoaMalieYouth THUMB

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 Read more

whitesunday THUMB

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

elders THUMB

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

levahealing THUMB

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

CHCHyouth HERO

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

kiribatimigrationstory THUMB

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

langimaa THUMB

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

saysomething THUMB

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

CHCHcarers THUMB

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

TFVPsansMarie THUMB

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

saane THUMB

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

SamoanSpeaking THUMB

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

SLW GenStory THUMB

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

UNwomen Sa 3THUMB

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

charles THUMB

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

ete THUMB

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

DrKonai THUMB

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

ngavakaphotos THUMB

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

TT THUMB

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

NgaVakaFono TEASER

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

Loga and Nonga The Fono THUMB

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

Yvonne THUMB

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

PacificFamVioRes THUMB

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. 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

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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. 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

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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. Read more

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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. Read more

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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. Read more

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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. 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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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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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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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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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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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

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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. 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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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

NEWS Faaolataga Leasi TEAS

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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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

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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. Read more