More Pasefika Proud Fono held: "Our Families, Our People, Our Responsibility"

Pasefika Proud has published a report of a two-day Fono held in Wellington in September, "Our Families, Our People, Our Responsibility."

The Fono was hosted by the Ministry of Social Development. It built on the Pasefika Proud National Fono for Pacific Community Leaders held in Auckland on 20-21 June 2016.

Liz Tanielu, National Director, Pacific at the Ministry of Social Development, says the Fono aimed to ignite conversation at a regional level to respond to family violence.

The Wellington Region Fono Report summarises the key themes and community voices from the Fono under the following headings:

• Keynote speakers
• Issues
• Sector Discussions
• Application of cultural frameworks
• Government work programmes
• Youth workshops
• Working lunches
• Local action plans

Issues identified as facing Pacific children, young people and their families in the Wellington region include:

• Generational gaps, identity and parental support
• Poverty
• Overcrowding in homes
• Under-reporting of family and sexual violence
• Awareness of other services
• Provider transparency and accountability
• Systemic issues
• Learning from what we know
• Faith-specific issues
• Issues for youth

The next Fono will be held the South Island in November. There are plans for a Youth Fono in the New Year.

Related media

Call to investigate $1.5m of govt contracts, Radio NZ, 17.03.2017