Media Release: Historic launch of Pou Pasifika, a New Chapter for Pasifika Youth Development in Aotearoa

More than 150 Pasifika youth workers, sector leaders, and government representatives gathered in Māngere today to celebrate the official launch of Pou Pasifika, a new landmark initiative dedicated to championing Pasifika youth development workers and practitioners in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Pou Pasifika is a new national initiative co-designed by and for Pasifika youth development workers and practitioners which is focused on strengthening local engagement and national connections, advancing professional practice from a Pasifika lens, providing advocacy, and supporting the wellbeing of Pasifika youth workers and practitioners.

The initiative is supported by Ara Taiohi, the national peak body for youth development in Aotearoa, and Ola le Ola Aotearoa Trust, a charitable trust providing youth services and youth housing based in Ōtara, Auckland.

Chillion Sanerivi, Pou Pasifika National Manager, says, “Today marks a new chapter for Pasifika youth work in Aotearoa. Pou Pasifika recognises the unique way Pasifika youth workers and practitioners serve our communities. It is the solution we have been waiting for.”

“For years, Pasifika youth workers and practitioners have offered unwavering commitment, service, and cultural wisdom to support young people, yet their contributions have often been undervalued or unrecognised. Pou Pasifika affirms our identity as a Moana Pasifika collective, grounded in our own cultural knowledge and practices. By strengthening local engagement and national connections, advancing professional practice from a Pasifika lens, providing advocacy, and supporting wellbeing, we’re creating the conditions for both youth workers and young people to thrive,” says Sanerivi.

With an estimated 5,000 Pasifika youth workers and practitioners across Aotearoa, including volunteers in churches, sports and recreation, and creative spaces, there has been no national initiative to convene, connect and support them, until now.

Pou Pasifika is structured around four core focus areas – advocacy, advancing professional practice from a Pasifika lens, local engagement and national connection, and wellbeing support. Regional engagements and fono are planned over the coming months to continue building the Pou Pasifika and inviting more Pasifika youth workers and practitioners into the network.

A national steering group, made up of seasoned Pasifika youth workers and practitioners from across Aotearoa, will play a key role in shaping Pou Pasifika’s future by guiding the development of Pasifika frameworks and best practice models. This will ensure the initiative continues to reflect the cultural wisdom, experience, and aspirations of the Pasifika youth development workforce.

Jane Zintl, Chief Executive of Ara Taiohi, the Peak Body for Youth Development in Aotearoa shared her support, “We are very excited to mark the official launch of Pou Pasifika. It is another vital step in supporting young people in Aotearoa to thrive. Ara Taiohi celebrates Pasifika youth workers and is proud to be working together towards long-term systems change”.

Taitosaua William Peace, Chief Executive of Ola le Ola Aotearoa Trust added, “Pasifika youth workers have guided our communities through change and challenge. Today is a recognition of that legacy and a commitment to their continued wellbeing, growth, and connection.”

The launch event featured speeches by Secretary for Pacific Peoples and Chief Executive for Ministry of Pacific Peoples (MPP) Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone, Jane Zintl, and Chillion Sanerivi, as well as acknowledgements of long-serving Pasifika youth workers, and performances by Pacific R&B/Soul band Brotherhood Musiq. One of the highlights was the unveiling of the Pou Pasifika brand identity by the Secretary for Pacific Peoples, which represents strength, cultural grounding, and collective purpose. This brand symbolises a new era in youth development for Pasifika communities across the country.