(UPBEAT PERCUSSIVE MUSIC) Captions by James Brown. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2025 - Noa'ia e mauri. Fakaalofa lahi atu ki a mutolu oti. Welcome to Tagata Pasifika. On the show today ` with an election next year, can Labour make inroads on the coalition? We talanoa with deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni. - We've just gotta put our heads down and do the work. And that's what we've been doing since the last election. - In our Pacific News Wrap this week, Fiji announces a new five-year housing policy. - It is built on extensive consultations that reflects the values and the voices of our people. - And our youth workers get a much-needed helping hand in the form of Pou Pasifika. - Part of that challenge that we have is that youth work isn't taken seriously. - Talofa lava. Kia orana. To our talanoa first, and Labour Party deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni has added Auckland issues to her list of responsibilities, as they keep an eye on next year's election. It's another change for the seasoned MP, whose party has been doing well in the polls. But can this momentum last? We put that question and others to the MP earlier this week. Talofa lava and welcome, Carmel. Thank you for coming on the show. - Talofa lava. Thank you for having me on the show. - Firstly, the passing of Pope Francis. I know it's got a big impact on our Pasifika community as well. - Yeah. I mean, we've got a significant number of our Pasifika community that are Catholic, of course disproportionately so many are Christian, and, even if not Catholic, have a sense of respect for the Pope, so this is very significant, and there's a real sadness out there. - Let's talk about your party and the polling. Polling really well. Are you surprised? - Um, in some ways, not. I think that, at the election, New Zealanders voted for change. But what they've got is not the change that they expected. There's been so many policies that have been introduced that weren't part of any election campaign manifesto. And New Zealanders aren't feeling better off. - National and their miscalculations ` National's reading of the room, it's really, I guess, landed in Labour's favour in terms of the polls. - I think people are seeing a unified front and a team that could easily step in and are ready to govern, and that's important. - How do you not get complacent? - How do we not get complacent? Well, some of us have been here a long time, and we know what it's like to be in opposition. We know the challenges with being in opposition. And we make sure that we're talking all the time. We know that New Zealand didn't choose us at the last election, and so we have to work hard to win that support back. And so we can't be complacent. - OK, with an eye on the next election, you've been tasked with winning the Auckland seats. How do you do that? - Phew! Well, firstly Auckland needs to feel valued. They need to feel that there are politicians that are looking out for the best interests of Auckland, that recognise that Auckland is the economic, you know, backbone machine of this country. And we need to make sure that we have the relationships with key stakeholders across the region. So I'm certainly working on making sure that we do. - Two-thirds of our Pacific community live in Auckland. How do you reach out to those constituents? - We respect, as a political party, the diversity of this city and everything that Pasifika bring to Auckland and everything that Pasifika have and continue to contribute to this city. And I think that's reflected in the way we talk about our Pacific community in Auckland, and the policies that we've introduced in the past and the way in which we engage. - What can you tell us that you'll be focusing on for the next election? - Yeah. We've been really clear that we will be focused on jobs, health and homes. Those are the areas that we know New Zealanders are most concerned about and that are priority areas for most New Zealanders. They're also concerns for our Pacific community. I mean, who loses jobs en-masse when the economy is doing badly? It's Maori and Pacific. Who have the lowest home ownership rates? It's Maori and Pacific. And then who continue to have issues with access to health care and still, you know, die at a younger rate? It is Maori and Pacific. And so I think that those three priority areas are really important for our Pasifika community. - The cost of living ` you touched on it just then ` also, you know, really impacts a lot of our Pacific community. Do you think it's going to get a lot worse with what's happening with the US trade tariffs? - Look, it's really important that we try and be positive, despite some of the challenges that we're facing internationally. Obviously the tariffs bring a different type of challenge and could lead ` as has been said by many people ` to increased costs. But I think it's important that we just are careful about making too many assertions and scaring our community, I guess. I want our community to have hope, as opposed to seeing just doom and gloom as a result of what's happening internationally. - Now, you've just come back from the Pacific. How did you find this trip, compared to other trips that you've been? - Yeah, very interesting. Vanuatu and Tonga have recently had changes in government, so it was important that we connected and that we built a relationship with them. You know, the States, in terms of visiting Hawai'i, was very pertinent to what is happening at the moment. I think that it is important we make the connection with the US through a country like Hawai'i that we have a different type of relationship with. You know, this is the connectedness of the Pacific, as well as our connection to the US. And so it's important that we acknowledge that. There's been a call for a long time for the US to have an increased positive presence and to make that contribution to the Pacific region, given the importance, and given the US's actual connection to the Pacific region as well. So I think that this was a good way to go about it, by having these conversations in Hawai'i. - How are you seeing the Pacific, in terms of what's happening with the trade war and in terms of people feeling the pinch? How much tougher is it for them in the region? - I think that there is a real concern about what this will mean. Many of them are facing tariffs of upwards of 30%. And so, there is still the negotiation going on, though, and that's important to recognise. They're still trying to have conversations to make changes to what has been proposed with the tariffs. And hopefully they're successful in those conversations. I'm not sure how they will run. But we're very mindful that, yes, New Zealand will be impacted, but when you've got small island states like this, that in the scheme of things don't have big export economies, but what they do export is really important ` like, if you think of Fiji and Fiji Water and the other products that they export, then we have to be mindful that it's not just us that's affected, and actually there are other countries that may be affected to a larger extent. - How confident are you that you can continue the steam, how you're polling at the moment, into the next election? - Look, we've just gotta put our heads down and do the work. And that's what we've been doing since the last election. And so the policy that we roll out before the next election is going to be really important with respect to convincing New Zealanders, including our Pacific community, to vote for us. We're not at the point yet where we can announce that policy, but we are doing the work behind the scenes. - Fa'afetai lava. Thank you, Carmel, for joining us on our talanoa today. - Thank you. - Well, stay with us. When we come back, our Pacific News Wrap. And this week, the Cook Islands honours another of its World War II coastwatchers. - It is beautiful that at last his passing has been recognised. As a radio operator, those are the kind of people that gets the news out at that era. (UPBEAT PERCUSSIVE MUSIC) - Malo e lelei. Welcome back to Tagata Pasifika. It's time now for our News Wrap from the region, thanks to our partners at Pasifika TV. This week, a new health facility in the Solomon Islands and four new judges in Samoa. But first, the Cook Islands recognises one of its World War II coastwatchers. Gladys Hartson has more. - A plaque was unveiled for the coastwatcher in the CICC churchyard in Avarua. Nane Moetaua has more. - Papa John Tariau has been recognised for his service as a radio wireless operator on Rarotonga, Palmerston, Manihiki, Rakahanga and Pukapuka during World War II, from 1939 to 1945. - (SPEAKS COOK ISLANDS MAORI) He started from there. - On behalf of our team, we would like to say thank you, RSA. We will always remember you when it comes to things like this, and the rest of the families who are out there who does not know that they have a coastwatcher soldier like this one over here. And that is our job. - It is beautiful that at last his passing has been recognised. As a radio operator, those are the kind of people that gets the news out at that era. We didn't have TVs and the radios that we have like today. What the people get is from radio operators, to know what's happening in the world. And of course, John Tariau was one of them. - To the Solomon Islands, where a new medical facility has been launched in the Western Province. Eliza Kukutu reports. - The Ministry of Health and Medical Services and World Bank, on Friday, launched the Helena Goldie Hospital renovation project in Munda, Western Province. The project was funded by the World Bank at a cost of $6 million Solomon. - Today we celebrate the successful completion of major renovation works at Helena Goldie Hospital. This achievement reflects our government's ongoing commitment, and, as I alluded earlier on, that we are focusing on the tree, and that is health infrastructure, health workforce and sustainable medical supplies. - My good people of Western Province, especially yufala no Roviana, Vonavona, Noro and surrounding villages, who will be accessing this service from Helena Goldie Hospital, I would like to urge you to look after this facility well, as it will make life easy for you. Take ownership of the facilities, as they will serve you in many, many more years to come. - In Fiji, the government has announced a new five-year housing policy. Shania Prasad has more. - The Ministry of Housing is now placing greater emphasis on long-term affordability. - Right now we have institutions that are providing good loan packages, as well as very good interest rates, wishing to assist people to acquire units, as well as to acquire land, as well as build houses. - This policy is not just a document. It is a collective roadmap. It is built on extensive consultations that reflects the values and the voices of our people. - The approach is guided by constitutional responsibilities the global commitment under SDG 11 to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. - Four judges have been sworn into the Lands and Titles Court in Samoa. Deirdre Fanene has this report. - The newly sworn-in judges are Fonoti Bella Michelene Taua'a, Leugamata Maleisea Faletolu Junior Faletolu Alofipo, Pesetatamaalelagi Malouamaua Afoa Arasi Tiotio and Tapua'i Telea U'uga Kamu Tapua'i Potogi. Pesetatamaalelagi Malouamaua Afoa Arasi Tiotio told Tala Fou that she is deeply grateful to have been chosen, noting that she has always had a passion for serving as a judge. - Yeah, I urge the tama'ita'i o le a tonu, it's a good calling. It's a good opportunity for us to serve. Manaia le fa'amalosi. - And in Papua New Guinea, pre-season football in the capital continues to unite communities. Nicole Rema With this report. - It's week four of both men and women's pre-season competition under the Port Moresby Soccer Association. With washout games now rescheduled, the tournament heads into weeks five and six before kicking off the quarter-finals in two weeks' time. - We're trying to bring business back. We're trying to promote the game as much as we can, displaying our football. Though we lack in fitness, the skill set and the mindset and the plays are still there. We're also promoting the game to stay healthy, be active, so you can avoid the unnecessary activities which is not good for the young ones. - Well, after the break, taking the stress out of youth work. That's the idea behind Pou Pasifika. - That is really important ` the space where we can train our workers, we can, um... support, encourage and equip our workers. (SONG): 'COLD AS ICE' BY FOREIGNER BEN: Hello? From the bank? Really? VOICEOVER: Know it's really ASB with Caller Check. (PHONE RINGING) # You're as cold as ice # We can verify it's us through the ASB Mobile Banking app. BEN: Oh, it is you ASB! VOICEOVER: Waitoa free range chicken. Turns the whole family... Dad? ...cozy. What's happening? I'm warm and cozy, but worried. You know what? I actually feel close to you all. Waitoa free range chicken. All the feels for all the meals. (UPBEAT PERCUSSIVE MUSIC) - Malo ni. Welcome back to Tagata Pasifika. There are currently around 5000 Pacific youth workers across the country. And a new initiative called Pou Pasifika was launched recently to provide much-needed support and development opportunities. As Anauli Karima Fai'ai reports, it's been a long time coming. - Nothing's more satisfying for Peter Leilua... - Nice, Jay! That's it. And shoot. ...than seeing kids shoot for success. - When you see kids used to be running around causing trouble here, own their own businesses, some of them become lawyers, accountants and doctors and pilots, seeing that is just rewarding. - Here in Auckland's Mount Roskill, he runs programmes for youth through Global Hope Missions, an organisation he co-founded with his wife, Tili, 15 years ago. - Some of the challenges that our young people face were a lot of the family dynamics or family things that were going on at home. A lot of the struggles with education, but also disconnected from the community. - Gang was pretty big around here. And they just needed somewhere to go to. But now we're are facing challenges with social media, so that's something that we're trying to deal with right now. - They've also faced challenges carrying out their duties as youth workers. - We're looked as babysitters or looked at someone to look after a child that's misbehaving. But we're more than youth workers. - It's finding that space where you can go and share your ideas and share your frustrations. It's hard to do it in your own organisation, because that's where you've gotta do your work, and obviously there's a KPI, there's a mandate, there's a vision, there's a goal, there's a mission that you have to do. - I can look back today and tell many, many stories, and the most rewarding thing is there's so many. - Over in Otara, community legend Sully Paea has been working with youth for over 40 years. And he says the most rewarding part of the job is seeing them grow up and achieve their dreams. - Also see them doing the work that I do. They've gone in their journey, and have come around and decided this is what they wanna do. So that makes it worthwhile. - Nowadays he's taking a different approach to youth work, teaching them about Pacific navigation and how to carve miniature canoes. - My message today is, let's step back and look at our culture and where we have been, and we will discover some things that will help us to move forward. - But Sully knows all too well that life as a youth worker can be relentless, which at one stage forced him to take a two-year break for his own well-being. - The youth that we work with, you can't help but carry the load with them. You know? You can't help but take it home with you. (CHUCKLES) It's not easy to just leave them there and go home and you forget about it. No. It goes with you. - We named the house after my wife, Ruta. And the name that we named this house was Ruta's Agape Lodge. - Four years ago, Taitosaua and his late wife, Ruta, set up the Ola le Ola Aotearoa Trust, or OLOA, to provide housing and services for Pacific youth. - We house Pasifika women between the ages of 17 and 24 to journey with them for up to 12 months to find their journey from homelessness to a place of housing, through employment and education. - Taitosaua has also been in the profession for four decades and says there's now a bigger drive to get more support for youth workers. - We were almost everything to our young people then, where, 40 years on, that's no longer sustainable, to be everything to a young person. And we talk more around collaboration. We talk more about working to our skills and giftings. And we looked at education being that vehicle to more opportunities as a youth worker. - A new initiative called Pou Pasifika, launched in Auckland recently, aims to address that, offering support for Pacific youth workers. - There is a real strong focus on workforce development, professional development, personal development and making that accessible to our Pasifika workforce within the youth-development sector. - It's also a platform for them to network and share their concerns. - They don't get paid a lot. But the work that they do is hearty work, and it saves lives. And part of that challenge that we have is that youth work isn't taken seriously. And then there is also the professionalisation of youth work, from a Pasifika lens, that is really, really needed in our youth-development sector in Aotearoa. - The initiative also extends to Wellington and Christchurch, bringing together unique experiences from across the country. - We know that our people tend to migrate, or they are transient, so it's being able to know that you've got a network, that it's not just regional, it's a national network. So that's the exciting part, and that's the element that we haven't had in a long time. - It can be quite lonely at times, and especially for Pasifika women in this space. There's not a lot of us, you know, and I think it's important that where we can see another sister, that we're getting alongside, and I think it's just that. Because I know that if I'm here, that she's been through what I went through too. - OLOA supports the initiative, in hopes it will lure more Pasifika into the profession, because they're best suited to working with Pacific youth. - It comes back to that we know our own best. We know the cultural dynamics of family, of village. And through that, we connect quite quickly with our young people. - Sully Paea says Pou Pasifika has been a long time coming, because youth workers need somewhere to go during their darkest moments. - That is really important, that space where we can train our workers, we can, um... support, encourage and equip our workers. - As for Global Hope Missions, the chance to connect and change perceptions will benefit their youth workers and, in turn, improve the lives of the young people they work with even more. - There's a lot of youth workers that have gone before us, they've, fought for this space and to make sure that youth work is not just babysitting club, but it's actually a calling that helps our society to change the future. And that's what we love about this new initiative, Pou Pasifika, that's looking after those who are looking after the youth. - Malo. Tena te fakaotiga o te polokalame. If you want to see any of our stories again or the latest Pacific news, go to tpplus.co.nz or TVNZ+. For now, have a great weekend, Aotearoa. Tofa soifua. Captions by James Brown. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air.