Consultation opens on the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ Long-term Insights Briefing
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is inviting people who would like to contribute their knowledge and experience, to help shape the future of Aotearoa through a new Long-term Insights Briefing: Shared Futures – Deepening our understanding of Māori-Pacific Identity in Aotearoa.
Long-term Insights Briefings help government agencies explore future-focused issues that matter for Aotearoa New Zealand.
This briefing focuses on the experiences of people who identify as both Māori and Pacific, an important and growing population connected by shared whakapapa, culture, and histories. It will explore how their strengths and realities will influence Aotearoa’s future, and how policy can better reflect their needs and aspirations. We want to hear from those with lived experience, as well as from whānau, extended networks, iwi, researchers and communities who have insights to share.
Secretary for Pacific Peoples, Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone, strongly believes that Māori-Pacific communities carry the strength of rich cultures, with proud legacies.
“Māori as tangata whenua and Pacific peoples as tagata moana share ancient whakapapa, honoured through the concept of tuakana-teina - the bond between older and younger siblings, united by shared taonga, values, and principles,” says Gerardine.
More than 94,000 people in Aotearoa currently identify as both Māori and Pacific, with this number expected to grow. Nearly half of this population is under 15 years old, highlighting the importance of understanding and supporting this youthful and rapidly growing demographic.
“By listening to young people and those who support and care for them, we can help shape futures where their cultures are celebrated and centred in decision-making. As they grow and contribute across all parts of society, our systems must honour their identities and support them to thrive."
“I invite you all to share your views, particularly our younger people, because it’s your futures we are thinking about,” says Gerardine.
The consultation is open from Tuesday 20 May to Friday 20 June 2025. We encourage you to read the summary document, then share your views through our online questionnaire or by joining an in-person session.
For more information visit: www.mpp.govt.nz/long-term-insights