N.Z. recognises need for new Pacific vision

By Sapeer Mayron 13 November 2018, 12:00AM

In a national summit held at Eden Park in Auckland yesterday, the New Zealand Ministry for Pacific Peoples gathered the community to launch the Pacific Vision and Reflections report.

This is the first report on Pacific peoples since 1999, when the then Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs released their vision on “navigating the currents of the new millennium.”

Minister of Finance, Grant Robertson, and Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio gave opening addresses, and officially launched the report, called Pacific Aotearoa Lalanga Fou.

In the report foreword, Aupito said the vision for Pacific people in N.Z needs to reflect changes in the community.

“Pacific communities in Aotearoa have changed markedly since 1999. Sixty per cent of the community is now born in Aotearoa,” he wrote.

The report states that Pacific values, and effective relationships will be key to the ongoing development of Pacific communities.

In the research, the ministry found Pacific communities are already driving their own solutions to ongoing issues in New Zealand, like housing, education and mental health, but without much government or community support.

Four key goals are outlined in the report, which focus on strengthening language and culture, Pacific peoples labour, entrepreneurship and affordable housing, improved preventative and primary health care, and better education experiences and career pathways for youth.

Case studies for success in these areas are illustrated, as well as a plan for next steps.

Early next year, partnerships should be invested in and innovative ideas piloted, as well as an action plan with government agencies put in place.

May 2020 will see a second Pacific Aotearoa Summit to report on 2019’s progress.

Read more about the report on page 17 

By Sapeer Mayron 13 November 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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