Pasefika Development
The strategy for Pasefika development is organised around two priorities: strengthening leadership capability and building the infrastructure needed to support Pasefika kaimahi (staff), whānau, and aiga (family). Together, these priorities reflect Visionwest’s belief that hope begins at home, and grows through strong relationships, cultural identity, and trusted support.
Nuiean Language week at Koru Paihere
Priority 1: Strengthen our leadership capability
This priority focuses on encouraging Pasefika staff to partner with the Pasefika Capabilities Lead so information can be shared so staff can be engaged in cultural activities across Visionwest sites. Pacific Language Weeks for Samoa, the Cook Islands, and Tonga have provided opportunities for staff to promote their cultures, take part in collective talanoa (conversation) through Teams, and strengthen connection across the organisation.
These celebrations have created space for staff to deepen understanding of language, culture, and protocols, while helping identify those who naturally gather others and may be suited to mentoring or future leadership opportunities such as Te Korowai Taumatanui. Further equipping of new staff has also taken place through the Tūhono Pasefika presentation.
Priority 2: Strengthen and maintain structures
Work under this priority has begun through an increased Hub presence, closer engagement with services, and participation in national and local Pasefika spaces, including PACIFICA, Le Moana Collective, the Community of Practice Fono with Te Whatu Ora, the Pacific Housing Symposium, and Auckland Council research on Pasefika homelessness.
Within Home Healthcare, this has included reviewing induction materials to consider how Pasefika is represented and how kaimahi (staff) are understanding how cultural responsiveness can be strengthened. A small Pasefika staff survey in July also highlighted the value of trusted communication channels, including families, churches, social media, and Visionwest’s own Home Healthcare staff.
External engagement is increasing the visibility of a Pasefika-specific role within Visionwest and deepening understanding of the needs and challenges facing Pasefika aiga, particularly in housing and home healthcare. Local initiatives, including IT donations to South Pacific Island schools, also extend this work beyond Visionwest and strengthen relationships with wider communities.
