About Pou Pasifika
Pou Pasifika is a national initiative dedicated to championing Pasifika youth development workers in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Pou Pasifika is co-designed by and for Pasifika youth development workers and practitioners, because we believe when they thrive, our young people do too.
Ola le Ola Aotearoa Trust, a charitable trust providing youth services and youth housing based in Ōtara, Auckland is the umbrella for the national initiative and is also supported by Ara Taiohi, the national peak body for youth development in Aotearoa.
When Pasifika youth workers and practitioners are valued, supported, and equipped, they in turn enable young people to flourish, uplifting themselves and positively contributing to their aiga and community.
Our Approach
Our journey is woven together by Moana Pasifika principles; the values, cultures, faiths, and wisdom we carry from our Pacific heritage.
We embrace a Pasifika-by-Pasifika approach in everything we do, ensuring that our people and our cultures lead our decisions.
From the way we talanoa, to the way we build relationships and lead, Pou Pasifika reflects who we are, where we come from, and where we’re heading together.
Our Brand
The Pou Pasifika logo is a visual representation inspired by the traditional lashings used throughout Pasifika fale (houses). To learn more about our branding including the logo, colour, and hiapo pattern, click here.
Our Story
Pou Pasifika emerged from the collective vision of Pasifika youth workers and practitioners across Aotearoa who recognised the urgent need for a dedicated support system.
2021
In 2021, initial talanoa began through a collaboration with Ara Taiohi, the national peak body for youth development.
Senior Pasifika youth workers and practitioners united to identify youth sector challenges and co-design solutions, laying the foundation for what would become Pou Pasifika.
Through a series of fono and workshops, two key issues were identified:
- A lack of a unifying identity or tūrangawaewae that affirms Pasifika ways of working with young people.
- Youth development in Aotearoa lacked recognition as an equitable and respected profession.
The Pacific Warriors Report (2021) captured and amplified these voices, confirming the urgent need for a national Pasifika-led initiative. It validated the lived experiences of youth workers and practitioners and helped shape the kaupapa and strategic direction of Pou Pasifika.
To read the Pacific Warriors Report, click here.
2024
In 2024, Pou Pasifika took shape as an official national initiative coming under the wing of Ola le Ola Aotearoa Trust (a Pasifika youth organisation), which agreed to host and support our work.
With this support, we appointed our first National Manager (Chillion Sanerivi) and hosted our inaugural national fono Fresh & Go! event in Auckland which saw 143 Pasifika youth workers come together to connect and learn.
2025
By early 2025, our network was growing in Aotearoa (Christchurch and Wellington), and we celebrated our official launch on 27 March 2025, marking a new chapter for Pasifika youth development in Aotearoa. Our unique Pasifika branding and identity was also unveiled at this event.