Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs

Current projects and works

Projects and initiatives which we are involved in are outlined below. They all relate to improving outcomes for Pacific people in health and welfare, housing, education, training and employment.

 The Pacific Economic Action Plan

The Pacific Economic Action Plan (PEAP) incorporates the Pacific Women's Economic Development Plan in a Ministry-driven strategy to progress economic development for Pacific peoples in New Zealand.  They will be redeveloped in a new plan due to be completed in 2010.  The goals of the current plans are to:

• Goal One - Education:
  High Pacific achievement at all levels of the education system, resulting in a highly skilled Pacific workforce.
• Goal Two - Workforce Development:
  Highly skilled and versatile Pacific workforce.
• Goal Three - Business Development:
  Pacific entrepreneurs and businesses are significantly contributing to New Zealand’s economic development.
• Goal Four - Creative, Emerging and Growth Industries:
  Greater participation by Pacific peoples in the creative, emerging and growth industries.
• Goal Five - Entrepreneurial Culture:
  Greater participation by Pacific peoples in entrepreneurial activities.
• Goal Six - Leadership:
  High representation of Pacific peoples in leadership positions and private and public sector bodies.

  Read more about the Economic Action Plan (PDF)

 

 Orama Nui – Housing Strategy for Pacific Peoples

The Ministry worked with Housing New Zealand to develop a strategy and work plan to better meet the housing needs and aspirations of Pacific people. The Ministry is looking at the opportunities that are created from the strength of Pacific families, communities and churches.  We are also helping to make sure that Pacific people are aware of the range of government services and products for rental and home ownership.  Read more about Orama Nui. 

 

 Pasifika Education Plan

We work in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MoE) to accelerate educational improvements for Pacific peoples.  The Pasifika Education Plan covers early childhood, compulsory schooling, tertiary, and sector-wide education issues.  Read more about the Pasifika Education Plan for 2009-2012.

 

 Pacific Health

We are working with the Ministry of Health on priority actions to improve Pacific peoples’ health.  ‘Ala Mo’ui sets out priority actions for the next five years that will contribute towards improving Pacific peoples’ health. It will help achieve the government’s goal for better, sooner and more convenient health services. Read more about ‘Ala Mo’ui: Pathways to Pacific Health and Wellbeing 2010-2014.

The Ministry’s work focuses on the social determinants of health including improving education and housing, and building the capacity of the Pacific workforce and Pacific providers.

Read more about Pacific health on the Ministry of Health website.

 

 Lu'i Ola Auckland Pacific Disability Plan

Working with the Ministry of Health to develop a plan of action for assisting Pacific people with disabilities to access services and improve their quality of life.
Read more about the Pacific Disability Plan

 

 Pacific Pathways to the prevention of sexual violence

The Ministry has commissioned research to provide insight into the development of successful sexual violence prevention strategies for Pacific communities in New Zealand.

 

 Settlement in New Zealand

We continue to be involved in the New Zealand Settlement Strategy.

We have commissioned research on the economic and social contribution of Pacific communities and organisations to Pacific migrant settlement in New Zealand.  This is funded by the Department of Labour’s Migrant Levy Contestable Research Fund. The research will be released once it is completed.

Read more about the New Zealand settlement strategy on the Immigration website. 

 

 Taskforce for Action on Violence Within Families

The Ministry is a member of the Taskforce led by the Ministry of Social Development working towards eliminating violence within families in New Zealand. 

 

 

 Pacific Youth Leadership and Transformation (PYLAT)

Pacific Youth Leadership and Transformation (PYLAT) was a 2010 project to develop Pacific youth leadership in Canterbury.

Our Christchurch regional office led PYLAT in partnership with PACIFICA Women (Christchurch Branch) and several other Government agencies.

PYLAT aimed to identify young Pacific leaders and immerse them in real life situations, enhance their aptitude at problem solving, and improve their leadership skills.

The centrepiece of the project involved a simulation of the New Zealand parliament (parliamentary select committee format). About 80 youth/students took on roles such as members of parliament, speaker/chairperson, civil servants, consultants, journalists, lobbyists, and event organisers. The simulation took place in Christchurch in April 2010.

Decisions on holding PYLAT in future years are pending.

   Read the final PYLAT Communiquè (PDF).
   Contact our Christchurch Office for further details.

 

 Pacific Modern Apprenticeships

We are promoting career opportunities through our Pacific Modern Apprenticeship campaign, targeted at Pacific young people.  The scheme is designed to increase their uptake of apprenticeships and to encourage more Pacific women to consider taking up trade training.

We are working collaboratively with the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), Industry Training Federation (ITF), and tertiary education providers, to put together an awareness programme for modern apprenticeships.

Our campaign, called “The Apprentice”, was rolled out in 2009. Read our Apprentice brochure (PDF file) which profiles Pacific people who have worked through apprenticeship training in a range of trades;  and provides all the information on how you can get started in a modern apprenticeship now.

Find out more about Modern Apprenticeships on the TEC's apprenticeship website.

 

 Puataunofu Manukau Pilot Project

This is a pilot project being developed by the Department of Labour. Its goals are to promote and raise awareness of health and safety issues for Pacific workers and Pacific youth in workplaces and communities in Manukau. Read more about the project on the Department of Labour website. 

 

 Auckland Youth Support Network

This network aims to address issues of gang and youth violence in Manukau.  The Ministry of Social Development is leading this project with support from social agencies throughout the region.  Read more about the network on the Minstry of Social Development website.

 

 Leadership

We are working to build Pacific leadership in the public and private sectors. In the public sector we have developed and host a policy training course, and intend to introduce a companion course for more senior Pacific public servants. We fund the Pacific Business Trust to build supportive relationships between successful and emerging Pacific businesses. 

 Business and entrepreneurship

The Ministry funds the Pacific Business Trust to provide a range of services identifying, fostering and supporting Pacific businesses. For more details go to www.pacificbusiness.co.nz