Poutū Pasefika - Let the boat be guided by an experienced helmsman
“Ia tautai o se mata’alia”
Let the boat be guided by an experienced helmsman
Talofa lava, Mālō e lelei, Ni sa bula vinaka, Kia orana,
Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālo ni, Fakatalofa atu, Mauri, Ia orana, Halo
The Poutū Pasefika is the newest of the J R McKenzie Trust’s four Pou/Communities of Interest focused on its vision of “Kia hua mai he whenua ka toko i te tika me to pono he korowai mō Aotearoa / A socially just and inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.” The focus of the Poutū Pasefika over the last year has been on the implementation of the Poutū Pasefika Strategy.
The Poutū Pasefika Strategy is a committed response to the review by the J R McKenzie Trust to support the Poutū vision that “Pasefika peoples’ voices are heard, elevated, and supported in a socially just and inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand,” and one which is guided by experienced and capable Tautai mata’alia – a Samoan term that describes the characteristics of chosen individuals placed at the helm of their respective organisations. They are competent and can be relied on by those they speak and act for. Tautai mata’alia bridge that space between their respective organisations and the J R McKenzie Trust, and whose galuega/kaupapa are also underpinned by the principles of “by Pasefika for Pasefika.” Support Pasefika values of alofa, family, reciprocity, and spirituality, and build support and maintain relationships.
The Poutū Pasefika vision nests within the JR McKenzie Trust’s purpose of a socially just and inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand. Pasefika contribute much to the economy, wellbeing and social tapestry of Aotearoa. The strategy acknowledge that Pasefika in Aotearoa are resilient, and they thrive through the many challenges they have and continue to face. Long-standing disparities in areas such as basic material needs, lower incomes, fewer assets, health, education and housing highlight and compound inequities. Furthermore, efforts to address inequities is constrained by numerous factors including focus, scale, capacity, and capability. The two areas where Poutū Pasefika currently directs its attention are on focus and scale of investments and capacity and capability of Pasefika organisations and groups, and developing and strengthening the capability of Pasefika organisations through robust relationships with suitable co funders and supporters.