SUPPORTING PASEFIKA PEOPLES: Reggae artist and Niuean New Zealand activist Tigilau Ness (left) and Inquiry Senior Pasefika Engagement Advisor Fonoti Pati Umaga at the fono in Auckland.

Word is spreading among the Pasefika community about the Abuse in Care Inquiry following a series of fono in Auckland and Wellington.

Around 40 people from organisations and advocates supporting Pacific peoples attended the latest fono in Auckland on March 5.  The fono was led by our Pasefika engagement team and attended by Inquiry Chair Judge Coral Shaw and Commissioner Ali’imuamua Sandra Alofivae.

“Ensuring the Pasefika community knows about the Inquiry and can participate in it is vital,” says Berlinda Chin, Head of Community Engagement.

“We know Pasefika have been disproportionately over represented in care.  Our Terms of Reference specifically refer to the need for the Inquiry to recognise this and the status of Pacific peoples in our increasingly diverse country.

“By talking to the community we know we have to find better ways for them to engage with the Inquiry. What is right for one community is not always right for another. We are working on this,” says Berlinda.

The next fono will be held in Wellington in April, followed by another one in Auckland in May. Please get in touch with Pati Umaga or Tofa Fagaloa if you would like to find out more about the Inquiry or fono.