What We Do

Pou Pasifika is structured around four core focus areas:

Advocacy

Pou Pasifika exists to amplify the voices of Pasifika youth workers and practitioners. We are committed to:

  • Elevating frontline Pasifika youth development worker experiences voices
  • Ensuring Pasifika perspectives shape youth development practices, policies, resource flow and decision-making.
  • Building visibility and recognition for the Pasifika youth development workforce.
  • Collaborating with sector leaders to advocate for better work conditions and opportunities

We recognise the importance of culturally aligned practice and knowledge-sharing opportunities. Our approach centres on Moana Pasifika ways of knowing and doing. We aim to:

  • Facilitate learning spaces grounded in Pasifika frameworks and values
  • Explore leadership pathways that empower emerging and experienced youth workers.
  • Strengthen connections to existing and emerging youth work qualifications and standards.

Professional Practice from a Pasifika Lens

Local Engagement & National Connection

We know that youth work can be isolating, and that collective support is essential. We strive to:

  • Encourage talanoa and networking spaces, both online and in-person.
  • Create meaningful opportunities for regional and national collaboration.
  • Strengthen connections between Pasifika youth workers, so that experiences, wisdom and solutions can be shared across the country.

We believe that wellbeing is central to sustainable youth work. Pasifika youth workers carry much for their communities – our role is to ensure they are supported too. We aim to:

  • Encourage self-care and collective care practices.
  • Support spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
  • Create safe spaces for connection, reflection, and rest.

Wellbeing &
Support

A national steering group, made up of seasoned Pasifika youth workers and practitioners from across Aotearoa, plays a key role in shaping Pou Pasifika’s future. This group guides the development of Pasifika frameworks and best practice models, ensuring the initiative reflects the cultural wisdom, experience, and aspirations of the Pasifika youth development workforce.