NEWSROOM: 30 March - 05 April 2008

My maiden speech for you
05 April 2008 - Source: Su'a William Sio

Oute faapoipoi lilia faa-alofisa o tupu nai le malae o Vavau, ma ou faatulouna le paia maualuga o le maota fono faitulafono aoao o Aotearoa nei.

Tulou, tulou, tulouna lava.

Madam Speaker, it is important to me that I pay my respects to this House and its Members. And I have done this briefly in my mother tongue. It means I acknowledge this House and this space. I recognise its symbolism, its spirit, its special nature & purpose. I recognise & pay my
respects to all the members of this House.

Those of us who have observed this House from afar have done so with awe, admiration and respect. I now greet you all in the heavenly languages, as we say in Manukau City Kia ora tatou, Malo e lelei, Kia Orana tatou katoatoa, Ni sa bula vi naka, Taloha ni, Fakalofa lahi atu, Talofa lava, Malo le soifua, Namaste, Ni hao ma. Greetings to you all. Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa I extend my respects to the Governor General, His Excellency Anand Satyanand.

I acknowledge you, Madam Speaker, and I convey to you my sincerest appreciation for swearing me in today as the newest Labour Member of Parliament. I thank you for conducting my swearing in at 2.00pm, as I am told April Fools ended at midday.

I acknowledge the leadership of the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark, Cabinet Ministers and Members of the Labour Party caucus, and the New Zealand Labour Party. I am humbled by your support. I am proud to take up my place as a member of the hard-working Parliamentary Labour team. I am particularly proud to give my support to the significant
new Labour-led government policies that are realised today, April 1st 2008.

As an MP from Manukau City, I want you to know of the highest regard in which this Government is held, for the leadership and the confidence you provide to all our communities. People in Manukau, regardless of their politics, appreciate sincerely the effort that is made on their behalf.

I have received overwhelming support from all our communities throughout Manukau City. That is humbling. I am a proud son of Manukau. My voice will, I hope, add value and strength to those voices already in this House from Manukau City.

I also wish to acknowledge the coalition and support partners who have been an important part of the Labour-led government. I extend also my acknowledgements to the members from the opposite side of this House and the independent MPs. I particularly want to acknowledge all the Pacific members in this House. I thank you for your pioneering efforts, for opening the doors and paving the way for me and future generations who will follow.

When I learnt, I would be replacing Dianne Yates, (& I acknowledge her presence tonight, thank you Dianne) I felt it was important for me to return to my place of birth, to reflect on where I had come from, the new role I would undertake, and what I wanted to achieve in the years ahead.

So, during this Easter break, I flew to Samoa, the home of my ancestors, where my puke (my umbilical cord) is buried.

Easter Celebrations are important to Pacific nations and to Christian communities - and an important holiday for working people.

On Easter Sunday in Samoa, I was invited to speak at a Church service in Satapuala. It is my mother's village and my birthplace.

If you head east towards Apia from the international airport you'll first see Satapuala. The very next village is Faleatiu, and the sign reads Faleatiu- David Tua village. I feel a sense of pride in knowing who David is, a proud son of Manukau City, a world champion in our eyes.

The village elders gave me their blessings. The village High Chief, le afioga ia Toalepaiaalii, also gave me his blessings & wise counsel. This was important to me.

Here lies my grandfather Tiumalu Alatasi. His wife Taemanu Tiumalu lies in the Manukau Memorial Gardens together with my mother and my younger brother Kenneth.

My uncle Toloa is also buried in Satapuala. He and a group of friends died young. They went onto the airfield, picked up a bomb lying there, and - thinking they could use it to crush cocoa beans - smashed it onto the ground. And it exploded.

Here too lies my aunt Sene, who died young from the flu epidemic brought over to Samoa by ships allowed to land by the New Zealand colonial administration. On Easter Monday, I visited my father's village of Matatufu, in eastern Upolu, along the Aleipata strip where the best beaches are. I received the blessings of its mayor and elders.

Our Matatufu village rugby team play without rugby boots, or socks. I watched them thrash the Vavau village team. Then we visited the Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa, the high chief of our Lotofaga district, and received her blessing & best wishes.

My nephew Jared, who travelled with me, couldn't get over how slender & muscular the young people in Samoa were, as compared with some of my other nephew & nieces in New Zealand. Some of these boys will play for Manu Samoa or the All Blacks in the future.

I feel a great sense of gratitude in knowing that New Zealand, through Prime Minister Helen Clark, has apologised to Samoa for injustices which occurred during colonial times.

I add my voice to the gratitude expressed by His Highness Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese and the people of Samoa in thanking this Labour Government for that apology.

Pacific communities have come a long way since the first arrivals in Aotearoa, New Zealand. We have faced many challenges on our journey and we continue to move forward. New Zealand's future depends on how well our young people do.

I am so grateful to my parents and all our elders who came to New Zealand so we their children could have a better future, in a land of opportunity.

As a community, our challenge is to take up these opportunities, to leave the old ways and embrace the new, whilst at the same time protecting those things which are sacred to us.

Last Thursday I arrived in New Zealand to the news of the death of my uncle Ralph. My family asked that I fly to Gisborne and provide support and comfort to his wife Faauuga. Her daughter Suni flew in from Washington State, USA. Other relatives arrived from Alaska and Wellington & we
conducted a brief service & shared the sadness of our loss.

My family is important to me. Not just my immediate family, but my extended family. Many of them are here tonight, and others will be listening or watching these proceedings from afar. My family is an international family, with relatives living in Australia, Hawaii, mainland USA, and in other islands of the Pacific. Language, culture & genealogy are important. We stay connected through the internet, BEBO and our family website.

Government initiatives to promote the use of Pacific languages are celebrated by Pacific communities. We must challenge our children to speak more than just one or two languages.

The family unit is a fundamental unit of any democracy. I am grateful that the Labour Government has policies which provide support for hardworking families who need assistance with housing, cheaper doctors visits and prescription costs, and the Working for Families tax relief.

I am grateful for the jobs we have & the opportunities to earn a living in New Zealand. I celebrate the lifting of the adult Minimum Wage to $12 dollars an hour. Part of a pattern! The minimum wage has been increased every year since 1999.

I acknowledge those employers who pay their staff well above the minimum wage, & make significant contributions to the local community, some of them are here tonight.

New Zealand businesses need to change their approach to competition.

Investment in the workforce should be the priority.

Business succeeds where communities are strong. I am from Manukau, a city which Sir Barry Curtis describes as "a microcosm of New Zealand society today, and into the future". He is right. If our government departments are able to work closely with all our community organisations, our country will be better for it. If this House gets things right in Manukau, we can then use that template to succeed in meeting the challenges of the rest of our nation.

Pacific communities other than Samoan dream of representation in this House.

The 15 stars of the Cook Islands, Niue, Tonga and the other New Zealand Pacific communities.

Labour is the only party with Pacific MPs. We are working hard to ensure that more come through the ranks.

It is also a dream shared by Asian communities throughout New Zealand. I believe that all political parties in this House must embrace diversity in the make-up of their teams. This is a noble goal. I will do my part in making this happen.

Last Saturday, at Manukau City's Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre, we celebrated with the Prime Minister the first showcase of the winning performances from each of the stages that competed in the ASB Polyfest. This is a festival started by my old school Hillary College in Otara, the capital of Manukau City. It came from a 1976 idea by a 6th form (year 12) kid by the name of Michael Rollo.

The showcase was a wonderful experience. Even the singing Mayor of Manukau was humbled by the talents. I am proud to say to this House, that Manukau City is truly the land of the young, the beautiful, and the gifted.

I am grateful for this government for the support it provides to the arts and creative industries. We have some of the most gifted & talented people in Manukau & indeed throughout all New Zealand, and this House needs to celebrate it & brag about it.

I have heard the concerns that members from across all political parties have about our youth. It is right that we be concerned. The youth of today will become the leaders of tomorrow. Young people of today are on the rollercoaster journey of life & will make mistakes.

Madame Speaker, I have 7 children. I am also responsible for numerous nieces and nephews. Some of them are in the gallery today and I am proud of all of them. These young people are the future leaders of our families, community, church and our government.

This House should do all it can to prepare the youth of today to take up their rightful leadership roles in the future. We ought to be slow to condemning them to jails or boot camps, and instead challenge them to realise their full potential.

We must challenge ourselves to see young people for what they can become, not for what they are now. Principled leadership is what these future leaders expect from us and from this House, and we must rise to that challenge for the sake of future generations of our nation.

Alcohol, drugs, street gangs, smoking, gambling, prostitution, sexual abuse & family violence all contribute to the demise of our young people and stop them reaching their full potential.

I am grateful to the many community focused organisations which work extremely hard to provide leadership & opportunities for our youth. Youth projects such as 274, Genesis, and MMAD provide face to face engagement with positive results. The Gifted Kids Programme, Turn Your Life Around (TYLA), 274 Computer Clubhouse, Project K, the Churches and many more make a big
difference for our young people.

Schools such as Rongomai Primary, which my children attend, or my old school Mayfield Primary School in Otara; or Mountain View Primary, located on Mountain Road, at the foot of the Mangere Mountain, all work extremely hard to provide a high standard learning environment at an early age. We appreciate the Government's efforts in supporting the education of our children and providing affordable healthcare.

In recent months, Manukau's Mayor Len Brown and I have been spreading a message of dreams to our young 8, 9, and 10 year olds. We have asked them to dream big dreams, to believe that they can achieve whatever they set their minds and hearts on.

We want them to dream not just of becoming doctors, lawyers, and teachers, nor just to dream of being plumbers, mechanics, builders and electricians. These are all worthy aspirations, with quality programmes provided by Manukau Institute of Technology, Te Wananga o Aotearoa & many other providers in our city.

But we want them to dream big dreams. To dream of finding the cure for cancer, or solving poverty, or of bringing about peace in the war-torn parts of the world, or of cleaning up the environment from people's pollution. I will work with all members of this House to ensure that we deliver our duty to provide the leadership and inspiration to our young people. They expect it of us. They are the future.

This Parliament has a special spirit of its own, and I want to acknowledge all those members who have served here, and have now gone to the other side - Sir Maui Pomare, Sir Apirana Ngata, who comforted the Samoan MAU leaders incarcerated in Mt Eden Prison by the colonial governments of 1916.

I acknowledge members of past governments, especially those of the first Labour Government of 1935 who recognised the desires of the Samoan people for self-governance. They set in motion a process by which Samoa became the first independent Pacific nation of the Pacific, in 1962. My family celebrated that event by naming one of my sisters Tutoatasi, meaning Independence.

I see this House as a gathering place of the collective knowledge and wisdom of our great nation. From here that knowledge and wisdom is woven to create a vision of a better tomorrow for all our communities.

That must be a vision to inspire us for years to come, a great legacy for
those yet to be born. To stretch and challenge all our communities, to
realise their fullest potential. A vision to unite us as a secure and
confident nation, accepting of our diversity. A vision where no one is left
behind.

I was raised by my extended family to believe that leadership is about serving people. That holding public office is the highest level of serving your fellow human beings, a stewardship given by the people. One ought to treat it with respect, care and the dignity it deserves.

I pray that I will be able to make a contribution to this House which upholds the dignity and mana of this place. To leave a legacy that my family, my friends, and my community, and especially my children are proud of.

As I close my remarks, I want to thank my friends and colleagues from the trade union movement who are present tonight, and the Komiti Pasefika in particular. I acknowledge union matriarchs Liz Lilo Smith and Fili Fiu & many others. I thank you all for your friendship and your ongoing support.

I will continue working with you all.

Madam Speaker, I announce tonight that I will resign as Deputy Mayor of Manukau City. I thank HWM Len Brown, councillors, community board members & city staff who have made the time to attend tonight. I know how demanding our city is and appreciate your presence.

I thank the community leaders who are present this evening. And all the traditional leaders of the Pacific nations for your encouragement and best wishes. All our Church leaders for your spiritual counsel and support. I express my appreciation to members of the Labour Party from Manukau East & Mangere for all your support. I also acknowledge the Pacific Sector Council.

I thank the members of my extended family, my friends & colleagues from Auckland & Wellington, for the sacrifice they made to be here. I acknowledge all my extended family here tonight, and those listening & watching these proceedings from a distance.

I especially acknowledge my late mother, Sene & my father, le Afioga ia Aupito Sio, lau afioga ile Sao Usoalii. Thank you both for your love and support.

Finally, I want to thank my wife Jean and our children. Some are here and some observing from home. I really appreciate your ongoing support. I love and appreciate you all.

Ia soifua ma ia Manuia
 

Local Pacific Women's 'PASSION' for cancer screening
04 April 2008 - Source: Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs

The Wellington Central Branch of P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A will this Friday host an exciting event to raise awareness of breast and cervical screening for Pacific women.

P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Passion – an evening of fashion, entertainment and dance – is on this Friday 4 April, 7pm, at the Marist St Patricks Clubrooms in Hataitai, Wellington.

“Our branch members really wanted to do something to get our people talking about these issues openly and understanding the importance of getting regular checkups,” says Mele Wendt, Wellington Central Branch President.

“It can save lives. We are very excited about the attention and support P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Passion has attracted. It’s going to be a fantastic night.”

Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Luamanuvao Winnie Laban will open the evening and speak about her recent experience with breast cancer.

Popular comedy duo ‘The Laughing Samoans’, singer Moana Ete and Pacific fashion designers including Tutina Pasene have also come on board to support the event. Goods donated by the local Pacific and non-Pacific business community will be auctioned off on the night.

Funds raised on the night will go towards a Pacific health service providing free screening clinics for Pacific women in Wellington. Last year the Government launched a National Cervical Screening Campaign targeting Pacific and Maori women, highlighting a culturally friendly approach to raising awareness of cervical screening.

“This is one way of achieving this objective within a social setting,” adds Wendt.

For more information contact: Mele Wendt, President of Wellington Central branch, ph 027 244 5594
Email melewendt@yahoo.com


Background Information on P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A

P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Incorporated (1977) is a national non-governmental organisation for Pacific women living in Aotearoa New Zealand. All women are eligible to become members of the organisation irrespective of background, faith and ethnicity as long as they agree to support and abide by the aims and objectives of the organisation.

P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Inc. has branches throughout the country from Whangarei in the north to Invercargill in the south. Branches exist to create opportunities for Pacific women to support one another and encourage each other to contribute and participate in the wider community especially on issues that affect them and their families.

www.pacifica.org.nz

Tax credits for people made redundant
03 April 2008 - Source: Inland Revenue Media Release

A simpler, fairer system of tax on redundancy payments takes effect this week.

People who receive redundancy payments will be entitled to claim a tax credit of six cents in the dollar up to a maximum of $3,600. Anyone who has been made redundant since 1 December 2006 is eligible to claim from 1 April 2008.

Group Manager Assistance David Udy said the tax credit benefits anyone who has been made redundant.

‘’In some cases, people have been pushed into a higher tax bracket by the lump sum redundancy payment.

“These payments have incurred a higher rate of tax, without taking into consideration the recipient's personal tax rates before and after redundancy,’’ said Mr Udy.

“This change makes the taxation fairer.’’

This rebate is standalone, and not related to any other payments or end-of-year square-ups, Mr Udy said. ‘’People can claim at any time during the year.’’

To claim the tax credit, customers will need to complete the claim form (IR524), and provide documentation that clearly shows the amount of the redundancy payment received. This could include a letter from their employer, a payslip or a calculation sheet provided by the employer.

More information, including the application form, is available at
http://www.ird.govt.nz/yoursituation-ind/retirement/redundancy-tax-credit/

The form can also be requested by calling 0800 257 773.

Financial assistance for HIV positive people
02 April 2008 - Source: New Zealand AIDS Foundation Press Release

A new Wellness Fund aimed at providing financial assistance for HIV positive people living in New Zealand has been launched this week by the New Zealand AIDS Foundation.

The needs-based service has been designed by the Foundation in consultation with people affected by HIV and AIDS nationwide, and is aimed primarily at covering health-related costs where alternative sources of funding are unavailable.

“Despite substantial improvements made over the last decade in the treatment of HIV, New Zealanders living with the virus continue to face significant and diverse challenges in maintaining their health and wellbeing,” says NZAF National Positive Health Manager Eamonn Smythe.

The Wellness Fund provides small grants of up to $750 per annum for those on low incomes. These can be used to reimburse fees incurred by GPs, massage, podiatry, physiotherapy, osteopath, acupuncture, naturopathy, nutritionists, dieticians, or other health-related needs.

Special grants of up to $3,000 are on offer for healthcare or services which are not publicly funded, such as lipoatrophy treatment.

A third grant scheme (up to $500 per annum) reimburses travel costs related to attending New Zealand-based HIV conferences or travelling outside of your region to see an HIV specialist or NZAF counsellor.

“The Wellness Fund is maintained entirely through donations and bequests from the community,” Smythe says. “The New Zealand AIDS Foundation’s fundraising efforts, chiefly World AIDS Day, help to generate a significant part of this.”

For more information on the Wellness Fund, including funding criteria and application forms, please visit www.nzaf.org.nz . You can make an automatic $10 donation to NZAF by phoning 0900 RIBBON (742266) (you must be the bill payer).

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) O-League match
01 April 2008 - Source: Oceania Football Confederation Press Release

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) O-League match between As Manu Ura and Auckland City in Tahiti on Saturday night will have an effect on all three teams in Group A.

Auckland will be desperate for a win to stay in contention with group leaders Waitakere United who leads the table by four points. They will be wary of their Tahitian counterparts and know they can’t afford to slip up as a loss will effectively hand the group to Waitakere United.

AS Manu Ura will be looking for a repeat performance of their last home game against Waitakere when they defended well as a unit and were able to snatch a 90th minute equalizer. AS Manu Ura has also finished top of the Tahiti Division Federale for the second season in a row.

Manu Ura are in competition with Ba in Group B for wooden spoon in the O-League and will be desperate to snatch a point in their final game to jump above the Fijian champions, should they lose.

The teams that finish bottom in Group A and Group B could lose its OFC O-League status depending upon its final playing record this season. The winner of the OFC O-League Preliminary tournament will take the place of the bottom club with the worst playing record.

Tafea FC of Vanuatu replaced AS Mont Dore of New Caledonia for this season’s OFC O-League.
Waitakere United will also be closely monitoring the action from Papeete and will be ready to start the celebrations should Manu Ura cause an upset of the NZFC champions.

Auckland will be looking toward South African duo Grant Young and Keryn Jordan to give them the start they need. Jordan is on his way back to full fitness after missing most of the NZFC season due to illness and injury and could well provide the spark that has sometimes been missing in the Auckland City attack.

The match kicks off at 20H00 local time (7pm NZT)
Please note the time difference crosses the international date line.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steven Holloway phone +64 21 88 40 18
OFC Media and Communications Officer email steve@oceaniafootball.com

Extra Information:

P W D L GF GA Pts GD
Waitakere Utd (NZL) 3 2 1 0 4 2 7 2
Auckland City (NZL) 2 1 0 1 6 1 3 5
AS Manu Ura (TAH) 3 0 1 2 2 9 1 -7

OFC O-LEAGUE
GROUP A
AS MANU URA (TAH) vs. AUCKLAND CITY (NZL)
STADE PAEA
PAPEETE

TAHITI
Kick Off: 20H00 local time (1900 NZT)
URA: 1. Jonathan TOROHIA; 2. Rex FAURA; 4. Jean-Yves LY WAUT; 5. Philippe MORETTA; 6. Tamatoa TAUIHARA; 7. Henri TAPEA; 9. Nohoarii ROBSON; 10. Auguste WASHETINE; 11. Hiashi KAKE; 12. Hiroana POROIAE; 13. Taia HONG; 14. Stephane TUAIRAU; 16. Daniel TAPETA; 17. Adrien TAERO; 18. Dave PENI; 20. Billy MATAITAI; 22. Temarama TAUIHARA; 23. Jean Paul FAURA;
Coach: Teivitau PITO (TAH)
AKL: 2. Joel MATTHEWS; 3. Craig WYLIE; 5. Ben SIGMUND; 6. Ki-Hyung LEE; 7. James PRITCHETT; 8. Chad COOMBES; 9. Paul URLOVIC; 10. Grant YOUNG; 12. Tamati WILLIAMS; 13. Alex FENERIDIS; 14. Keryn JORDAN; 15. Jeff CAMPBELL; 16. George SURI; 19. Salesh KUMAR
Coach: Colin TUAA (NZL).

All Blacks win in Hong Kong 2008
31 March 2008 - Source: icWales.com

New Zealand won their ninth Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens title and first since 2001 with a 26-12 victory over South Africa.

The All Blacks extended their record winning streak to 42 games with a fifth win out of five events on the IRB World Sevens Series circuit this season and a seventh straight victory, having won the final two in 2007.

Gordon Tietjens’ team appear to be on an unstoppable march to an eighth IRB World Sevens Series title in nine years – a run only broken by Fiji in 2006 - having won 30 points in Hong Kong to go 38 points clear of the Springboks in the standings.

And the series could be sealed in Adelaide, the third from last event, next week.

The All Blacks progressed to the knock-out stages with three wins out of three before a 26-7 quarter-final win over Wales and a 34-0 semi-final defeat of Fiji.

Defending champions Samoa, who ousted England 17-12 in the cup quarter-final, were defeated 12-10 by South Africa in the last four.

Lote Raikabula found a gap to cross under the posts just one minute 15 seconds into the final as the All Blacks demonstrated their intent.

Raikabula again burst through the Springboks’ defence and off-loaded to Steven Yates, who crossed for his eighth try of the tournament.

Mzwandile Stick collected a loose ball and raced through to score under the posts as South Africa pulled within seven points but Raikabula barged over from close range on the hooter.

Tomasi Cama, the leading scorer on the circuit this season with 188 points, successfully converted for the third time for a 21-7 interval lead.

Zar Lawrence went over on the left wing less than two minutes into the second half to leave the Springboks facing a 19-point deficit which they could not overcome.

South Africa claimed a consolation when Fabian Juries, the leading try scorer in the series with 30, touched down but New Zealand secured a historic triumph.

Captain DJ Forbes said: “We had come here for victory and the way we’ve done it, it’s something to be proud of.

“This team will be remembered – we’ve made history.

“This is my third Hong Kong – we lost in two semis – and to win this one is something special.

“I’ve been blessed to be a part of this team, let alone be captain.”

Tietjens, who has been in charge of the All Blacks’ sevens team for 15 years, said: “To go and win it like we have and continue quite a good winning run, is really pleasing.”

Tietjens was reluctant to compare past teams with the current crop, but South Africa captain Neil Powell believes the 2008 line-up are the best yet.

“Their record speaks for itself,” he said.

“They’re not on a roll for nothing; they’re a really special team and if you want to beat them you have to bring something special to the field.”

France, winners of the plate in 2000, reclaimed the second-tier prize with a 17-14 victory over Argentina.

The contest was 14-all at full time forcing sudden death extra-time.

The Pumas were penalised immediately from the kick-off and Les Bleus opted to kick at goal, a decision greeted by mass disapproval.

Simon Sarthou was calmness personified amid a crescendo of boos as he slotted the decisive kick.

Defending bowl champions Russia retained their title in a 19-14 win over Zimbabwe.

Study On NZ-Pacific Children Gets Funding Boost
30 March 2008 - Source: Pacific Magazine

A New Zealand study of Pacific children launched in 2000 has received a Government funding boost of nearly NZ$4 (US$2.3) million, allowing it to continue for five more years.

The Auckland University of Technology study of 1000 children born in 2000 at Middlemore Hospital from Pacific parents and led by professor of developmental psychology Dr Janis Paterson reveals crucial information on Pacific-focused issues, such as health, the impact of living in a different country, the survival of Pacific cultures and other factors considered to be influential in a child’s life.

The $3.75 million grant to AUT is one of five from the Foundation for Research Science and Technology's $8.1 million available for the "Building an Inclusive Society" portfolio. The Foundation had previously invested NZ $2M in the study.

Paterson says the grant will allow researchers to interview the children themselves, now aged nine and to follow them into adolescence.

The first of its kind in New Zealand, the study has so far allowed researchers to gather data on each child’s height, weight and language development. Information on the children’s nutrition and physical activity is also being collected.

Nine years on, the study has resulted in improved immunisation services for Pacific children, Paterson says, as well as greater emphasis and education on diabetes, obesity prevention and healthy eating patterns as well as the appointment of New Zealand’s first Samoan lactation consultant to work with breast-feeding mothers.

The study, while providing significant insight into the lives of Pacific Island children and families in New Zealand, has led to other major developments, such as a cohort of Pacific Island researchers who have joined the project.

Pacific people represent almost 7 percent of New Zealand’s population and are over-represented in many adverse health and social statistics. Prior to the research, little information was available on Pacific cultures in New Zealand.

The study will be used as a stepping-stone for public health and social intervention programmes.

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