Pasifika Wire

Talking about the uncomfortable issues around employee rights and discrimination within the workforce, pay equity, gender bias, bullying, and sexual harassment is something the Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner for the Human Rights Commission (HRC) says we need to get comfortable with. www.pasifikawire.com

While the decision to step into the political landscape was not the first career choice for the Chair of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board within Auckland Council, Lemauga Lydia Sosene says she has no regrets about the choice she made more than a decade ago. Armed with support from family, friends and colleagues and her own natural curiosity after her years working for Parliamentary services, it has led to a career Lemauga describes as tough, but a privilege. www.pasifikawire.com

Having worked across several disciplines in creative arts, media and theatre, Ioane Aleke Fa'avae has found his way back to the Education sector, pursuing his passion to provide ongoing support for students and develop a framework to maintain and teach Vagahau Niue at tertiary level. www.pasifikawire.com

Supporting students to find the why when deciding on a course of study is an important question a senior academic at the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) believes can help students whether that be through providing pastoral care or simply motivating them with their studies. Rose Marsters along with her colleague Colin Tuaa are the Pacific Leads at Wintec. Rose heads the Pacific Leads Learners Success pathway. She says when it comes to motivation you just have to find the right why. www.pasifikawire.com

How Can I Help? That's the first question Labour List MP Anahila Kanongata'a -Suisuiki asks when she is out and about meeting with constituents. Based in Papakura in Auckland, Anahila says service to the community is a driving force for her work in politics. It is  a role she believes is key when it comes to connecting people, making sure they are well informed about services and organisations that are available to access. www.pasifikawire.com

"Profound", is how a leading Pacific health expert would describe the past year dominated by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Dr. Colin Tukuitoga says it has been an unprecedented time and one we have not seen on this scale and impact in almost 100 years.

A graduate of the Tupu Tai Pasifika Public Policy Summer Internship programme says diverse perspectives are needed in public service and policy. Christian Baledrokadroka was one of 39 interns who completed the 11 week paid internship that kicked off in November 2020 and ended in January 2021. www.pasifikawire.com

Service to  the community is a driving force for the new Labour MP for Palmerston North, Tangi Utikere. Tangi served more than 10 years with the city council, four of them as Deputy Mayor. He is the first Labour MP of Cook Island heritage to represent the electorate after replacing former Minister of Workplace Relations, Immigration and ACC Iain Lees-Galloway after Lees-Galloway decided not to seek re election. Born and bred in Palmerston North Tangi is proud to represent his city as the MP under a Labour government even though he wasn't expecting it. www.pasifikawire.com

Advocating for Pasifika women across Aotearoa New Zealand is one of many platforms the national Pasifika women's organisation has committed to providing over its 45 year history. The National President for P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Inc. (Pacific Allied (Women's) Council Inspires Faith In Ideals Concerning All), says she is proud to see the work and the commitment from P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. women throughout the motu continue to offer support for their sisters, mamas, and families.

Co-founder and director of  Matavai Pacific Cultural Arts centre based in Sydney Australia says while 2020 has been a challenging and at times exhausting year it has provided some memorable and rewarding experiences amid a  global pandemic. Maryjane McKibbin-Schwenke reflects on the impact of COVID-19.