We’re proud of New Zealand’s Pacific heritage, and the culture and connections we share. As we secure our recovery from COVID-19, we’re committed to working with Pāsifika communities to support Pacific wellbeing in Aotearoa.
Here are just some of the ways we’re backing Pāsifika:
More people in jobs and training
We’ve made it easier for young people to get the experience and qualifications they need to succeed. We expanded the Tupu Aotearoa programme to more regions, connecting more Pacific people with work and learning opportunities, and our free apprenticeships are encouraging more people into jobs in the trades. We also made the first year of university and polytechnic free, helping young people take the next step.
Stronger languages and culture
Languages play a key role in our sense of belonging and our understanding of how we came to be here. We’re making sure Pacific languages are protected for the next generation by investing in education, community organisations, and events that strengthen languages for the future. We’ve also refreshed our shared vision for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, empowering Pacific communities to drive change in the priority areas of languages, cultures and identities, economic development and income, and health and wellbeing.
Healthier, more affordable homes
We believe everyone deserves a warm, dry place to call home. We’ve launched the Pacific Housing Initiative, partnering with Pacific organisations to build affordable homes and providing support to help families buy their own home. Our housing package is making support more accessible to first home buyers, closing a tax loophole that benefits property speculators, and making it easier to build new houses. We’ve also made life better for renting families, by limiting rent increases, banning unfair letting fees, and requiring landlords to make sure rental properties are healthy.
A Pāsifika-led recovery
We’re supporting Pāsifika communities to lead the way as, together, we recover and rebuild from COVID-19. Through the Pacific Aotearoa Community COVID-19 Recovery Fund, we’ve invested in community-led projects that will support Pacific peoples in New Zealand through our response and beyond. We’re also continuing to roll out the free, safe COVID-19 vaccine to protect everyone in New Zealand.
For Pacific by Pacific
Not only are we making spaces for Pacific people to lead their communities in the health, education, and housing sectors, Labour now also has 11 Pacific members of Parliament – our biggest ever Pāsifika caucus – with three holding ministerial portfolios and one serving in the role of Deputy Speaker of the House. This group is determined to deliver for Pacific communities across Aotearoa.