Pacific Aotearoa

An all-female Pacific-crewed research vessel is sailing from Aotearoa to Tonga ⛵

The crew of wāhine is integrating traditional knowledge into their research practices, blending science and cultural wisdom to research whale populations.

Read more at https://bit.ly/4cxEU5b

Photo credit: Tongan Voyaging Society, Hinemoana II co-captains: Fealofani Bruun and Aunofo Havea.

🌺 Kam na bane ni mauri! Wikin te Taetae ni Kiribati - Kiribati Language Week is here 🌺

Celebrate Kiribati language and culture all week with events around the country, language resources and more!

Head to our website to find ways you can get involved: https://bit.ly/3IhtSCW

And follow NZ Kiribati Language Week for updates.

Kam na bane ni mauri 👋 Kiribati Language Week is almost here! The celebration starts on Sunday 7 July, and resources are now available on our website to help you celebrate the week 🎉: https://bit.ly/3IhtSCW

The community's chosen theme for 2024 is ‘Eutakirakean ma kabwaekekean ara taetae ni Kiribati ma kateira ao rabakaura, bon maurin ao tokabetin te I-Kiribati - Thriving and flourishing our Kiribati language, culture, and knowledge build I-Kiribati resilience and prosperity’.

Follow NZ Kiribati Language Week to see ways you can get involved 🌺

Congratulations to the Pacific leaders who have been recognised in the King's Birthday 2024 Honours List, for their services to Pacific communities. Mālō ‘aupito (thank you) for your dedication and hard work.

See the list of Pacific People recognised here: https://bit.ly/3Vc3H7t

Pictured: Leitualaalemalietoa Lynn Pavihi who has been appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Okirano Tilaia says his Samoan language has been "a vital pillar of strength as a Pacific young person growing up in Aotearoa":

"Growing up in Christchurch where I was often the minority in school, my language was often what I turned back to when I felt lost, unheard, or when I didn't know where I belonged. As I engage with communities, colleagues, and family, making my culture and language an everyday expression is crucial for it to thrive in Aotearoa."

Find language resources for Gagana Samoa i Aotearoa at https://bit.ly/3NvT4a0

☀️ Tālofa lava, Samoa Language Week / Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa is now here ☀️

Celebrate Samoan language and culture all week with events around the motu, language resources and more!

➡️ Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa (Samoa Language Week)
➡️ 26 May - 1 June
➡️ All over the country

Head to our website to find out more: https://bit.ly/3NvT4a0

Apply now for the Pacific Health Education Scholarships! Open until 12 June, the Pasifika Medical Association’s annual scholarships are an amazing opportunity for Pacific students and professionals in the healthcare sector.

There are a number of scholarships available. See if any are right for advancing your education and career at https://bit.ly/3V9outr

Tālofa lava 🎉 Samoa Language Week is almost here! The celebration starts on Sunday 26 May, and resources are now available on our website to help you celebrate the week: https://bit.ly/3NvT4a0

The community's chosen theme for 2024 is ‘Tautua i le alofa, manuia le lumana’i’, or 'Serve in love for a blessed future' 💖 Watch this space for more ways to mark

Keen to learn some Fäeag Rotuạm ta for Rotuman Language Week? Save this post to use these Rotuman phrases this week, and find language cards on our website to learn more: https://bit.ly/38ThVpq

🌺 Noaˈia, Rotuman Language Week / Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta is here! 🌺

Gasav ne Fäeag Rotuạm ta kamat ‘e ‘i. Se kạinag Rotuạm ne noh ‘e Niu Sirạgi, te‘is gasav a‘pumuạ‘ạkit ne Ministeri ne mou se famör Pasefika ‘e Niu Sirạgi (MPP) fại ‘e te‘ ne fạu la a‘häe‘ạkia famör Rotuma. ‘E fạu te‘is, gasav saghul ma tā fại vȧh la mou se famör Pasefika la a‘häe‘ạkia ‘oris fäega ma ag fak hanua. Gasav ne Fäeag Rotuạm ta täe kamatan ‘amnȧk te‘is.

➡️ Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta (Rotuman Language Week)
➡️ 12 - 18 May 2024
➡️ All over the country

Celebrate Rotuman language and culture all week with events around the motu, language resources and more! Head to our website to find out more: https://bit.ly/38ThVpq

An Auckland dance teacher is proud to be sharing and nurturing her Pacific culture through dance 💃

Finemoka Fotuhetule founded Taonga O Te Moana to teach Pacific dance to 5-16-year-olds around Northland.

Now, Finemoka is planning heading to the Cook Islands for the week-long culture and dance festival Te Maeva Nui in 2025.

Find out more about Finemoka's journey: https://bit.ly/4a6R2rS

Ioane Fiso has a dream of heading into space 🚀

He's now taking his next giant leap towards this astronaut ambition, starting his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Canterbury.

Find out more about Ioane's stellar journey on our website: https://bit.ly/3UlgNPh

Leading Writer Joanna Mafi is grateful for "for every challenge and opportunity that has allowed me to be where I am, and be who I am" 💪🛥️

As the Royal New Zealand Navy's Sailor of the Year, Joanna is spending Anzac Day at Gallipoli, and says “For us as Pacific peoples, this is also a time where we pay tribute to our Pasifika people who bravely stood alongside our Kiwi soldiers during tough times."

Find out more about Joanna's remarkable journey at https://bit.ly/3UzubAQ

Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People is calling on Pacific disabled people and their families to share their experience of disability through an online survey. The survey, with alternate formats, complements a series of meetings being held across the country.

The information gathered during the meetings and through the survey will help Whaikaha develop its National Pacific Disability Action Plan.

Find out more and take the survey now: https://bit.ly/3JoZUhv

Pacific aviation workers are flying high thanks to JNP Aviation ✈️✈️✈️✈️

The Mount Maunganui-based company is supporting and promoting Pacific and Māori aviation staff through "education, encouragement, inclusiveness and empowerment".

They're creating opportunities for Pacific people to move into new roles and take on more responsibility, and funding workplace training for new employees too.

Read more at https://bit.ly/4cTWl0w

The first rugby legends have been inducted into the new Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame 🏉

Rugby icons Sir Bryan Williams, Jonah Lomu, Seiuli Fiao'o Fa'amausili, Peter Fatialofa, Brian Lima, Waisale Serevi and George Smith are the first members of the initiative, that was established in 2023 to honour and celebrate the incredible achievements of Pacific players, coaches and contributors to rugby.

Read more on our website: https://bit.ly/49o6cIV

A new cycle track has opened at a Porirua intermediate school, and it's proving popular with the whole community 🚲

Read about the remarkable fitness journey of Uso Bike Ride founder Alaiseuava Chris Te'o and why he thinks health and wellbeing can help kids achieve their dreams: https://bit.ly/3Vy57e3

This week Auckland ASB Polyfest got a boost, as the Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti announced continued support for the festival. Come down today and celebrate with us on the final day of Polyfest!

LESSGO POLYFEST! ASB Polyfest 2024 kicked off in Tāmaki Makaurau on Weds and it's been epic 💥
Head down to Manukau Sports Bowl today and tomorrow to experience this massive celebration of all things Pacific!
➡️ Six stages of amazing performances
➡️ Heaps of Pacific kai
➡️ Immaculate vibes
📷 snaps by ASB Polyfest photographers Ben Campbell and Thomas Wandstraat

It's Ōtautahi Christchurch's turn to celebrate Pacific culture this weekend!
Get along to Hagley Park on Saturday to cheer on the brothers and sisters from 23 high schools in a huge day of music and dance 💃💃💃
Head to canterburypolyfest.co.nz for all the details

KILIKITI 💥 AT 💥 THE 💥 BASIN 💥
Wellington's iconic cricket ground was transformed this weekend when the unique Pacific sport kilikiti was played for the first time ever on this historic site 🏏 Check out the colour, camaraderie, cheer and community in these great snaps from Cricket Wellington

✨ The dates you've been waiting for ✨ No'ia, Tālofa lava, Mauri, Kia orāna, Mālō e lelei, Talofa, Ni sa bula vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālo ni, Halo olgeta, Halo Oloketa, Tēnā koutou kātoa and warm Pacific greetings 🌺

Dates for Pacific Language Weeks 2024 have been announced! You can find the dates for all 11 language weeks here: https://bit.ly/3o4SfeW

📆 Mark your calendar,

💜 share the dates with loved ones,

🎉 and get ready to celebrate.

Pacific women are leading the way in so many sectors throughout Aotearoa, from arts and music to science and academia, and even in our own leadership team.
Today for we're celebrating the remarkable achievements and contributions of all Pacific women ♀️ 🌺
Tag or share to shout-out the women you know who are leading the way.

Snaps from Northland Pasifika Fusion Festival last weekend in Whangārei 📷📷📷 Featuring the Minister for Pacific Peoples, crafts, music, dance, and some seriously fly Pacific 'fits 👚 🌺

Not even “busted knees” will stop Fa’alogo Va’ai gearing up for Kilikiti at the Basin.

Kilikiti is a Pacific sport that's infused with fun, community, family, singing and dancing.

For the first time ever this weekend, it'll be played at the Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington, with free buses from the Hutt and Porirua so everyone can get involved.

Bring the whole whānau, a picnic, and enjoy a day out with food stalls, fun games, music, giveaways and more.

Find out more about what makes Fa'alogo so passionate about kilikiti: https://bit.ly/3TkfoJy

Cricket Wellington

Fa’afetai tele mo lau tautua, auaunaga, ma alofa mo tagata uma. Manuia lau malaga.

Thank you for your faithful service, commitment and compassion for all our communities. Rest in love and light Fa’anānā Efeso Collins.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Fa'anānā Efeso Collins this morning, while taking part in a charity event in Auckland.

Of Samoan and Tokelauan descent, Fa'anānā Efeso was a pillar of our communities. From the South Auckland suburb of Ōtara, he served the community over many years. We acknowledge the hard work he put into local and national politics to progress issues he was passionate about, particularly in education and helping our young people realise their potential.

Known for his good humour, Fa'anānā Efeso was funny, smart, and articulate. He will be greatly missed by many.

Our thoughts and alofa are with his wife, daughters, extended family and community at this sad time.

A delegation visited the Pacific last week to reinforce New Zealand's ties with the region.

Led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters, and Health and Pacific Peoples Minister Hon Dr Shane Reti, the delegation visited Tonga 🇹🇴, Cook Islands 🇨🇰 and Samoa 🇼🇸 and spent time discussing the shared issues our communities face, particularly in health.

Read more about the visit: https://bit.ly/49dTMEg

When the option to work at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples arose, TupuToa intern Aleisha Funaki jumped at the chance to work at the agency which champions her community.

Taking nothing for granted, Aleisha hopes to make the most of the opportunity in front of her, with aspirations to increase Pacific representation in the tech space.

Read more about Aleisha’s intern goals at the Ministry here:

Intern aims to gain a rich understanding of Pacific perspective | Ministry for Pacific Peoples Information about current emergencies across New Zealand such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes and how Pacific Peoples can access support in times of crisis.

The Pacific Fusion Fashion Show has been solidified as an international fashion event, attracting audiences from around the world, while proving the Pacific community excels at high-end fashion experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In its seventh year, a sellout show, proudly sponsored by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, was successfully hosted at New Zealand Warbirds Association at Ardmore Airport recently, featuring 21 designers (including 16 emerging and seven international designers).

Read more here:

Pacific fashion descends on Aotearoa | Ministry for Pacific Peoples Information about current emergencies across New Zealand such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes and how Pacific Peoples can access support in times of crisis.