PACIFICA INK Newsletter August 2013

PACIFICA Ink
National Executive Newsletter, August 2013
Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Kia Orana, Bula Vinaka, Taloha Ni, Fakaalofa lahi atu,
Kia ora koutou!
www.pacifica.org.nz
MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT
As you will see in this first edition of PACIFICA Ink, much has been
happening since the January AGM when our new Executive were welcomed.
Three exec stalwards - Northern VP Anne Fitisemanu, Lemalu S Tulitua (National
Assistant Treasurer), and Annie Roberts (National Secretary) elected to stay for
another term. Malo lava. I was a newcomer (previously Central VP) along with
new VPs Central VP Mele Wendt and Southern VP Elsie Taimalieutu- Freeman.
Our priority after the AGM was to co-opt a Treasurer and an Assistant Secretary/
Communications Officer. We wholeheartedly thank Rosi Fitzpatrick and, Maryanne
Pale for accepting this challenge and, for attacking their respective duties with such
gusto. Faafetai.
PACIFICA KEY DATES
FOR UPCOMING
EVENTS:
Key steps in this first six months include:
 PACIFICA FINANCIAL WORKING PARTY. As passed at the AGM Sally
Dalhousie (former National President) and Rosi (Treasurer) are guiding
this process with Caren Rangi, Gagau Annandale and Dr Diane Mara. We
hope to see rewards from this collaboration before the end of the year.
 PACIFICA ‘rejoining’ the National Council of Women (NCW). This has
been welcomed by many Pacific women and girls living in rural areas,
especially where there isn’t a local PACIFICA branch. Sharing ideas with
other NCW affiliates will strengthen PACIFICA.
 PACIFIC in the Ministry of Women NGO network (see other report page 2)
 DRAFT Strategic Plan for P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. is being discussed at the Mini
Conferences and will feature at the Council meeting. Growing membership
is central to this plan.
Southern Region
Mini-Conference:
6th - 8th September
To be hosted by Dunedin
Branch
National Council
Meeting:
11th & 12th October
To be hosted by
Newtown Vaine Orama
Branch
National AGM
conference:
14th – 16th February 2014
To be hosted by
Newtown Vaine Orama
Branch (with support
from Central Region branches)
This months’ challenge
I had the pleasure of attending TWO vibrant Mini Conferences (Northern and
Central) where branches shared a whole range of absolutely innovative projects.
One that caught my eye was “PINK LEI WEEK”.
Pink Lei Week was started by the students of four Wellington Secondary Schools
and is supported by Newtown branch. Pink Lei Week targets bullying amongst
secondary school pupils, particularly through the use of texting.
Could we make this a national programme?
Tagata Pasifika recently televised a
Story on PACIFICA featuring our
PACIFICA National President.
You can view the story on this
link here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
6koa2_Q9fS0&feature=c4-overview
&list=UU3FEVw9ttw-kYZgRMRc7S0w
Ma le faaaloalo
Please NOTE New Mailing Address!
PACIFICA Inc., PO Box 5668 , Lambton Quay, Wellington 6145
The following photos posted in this
column were taken throughout this
year at different PACIFICA events
within the Northern Region,
Central Region and Southern
Region.
MINISTRY OF WOMEN’S AFFAIRS NGO IN WELLINGTON
On 28 May 2013 at Fulbright New Zealand in Wellington, a hui with over
12 different women’s groups was held to discuss “What will the future look like for
New Zealand women?” Chaired by Sina Wendt-Moore, Co-President of the
YWCA Aotearoa New Zealand and PACIFICA member, approximately 50 women
attended, all with an interest in equality and women’s progress. PACIFICA was
well represented, with six members in attendance – Annie Roberts, Maureen
Tukaroa-Betham, Caren Rangi, Kesaya Baba, Sina-Wendt Moore and Mele
Wendt. Six organisations gave presentations with an overview of who they are,
how they work and what they are currently doing. These were: the National
Council of Women, the Māori Women’s Welfare League, PACIFICA, NACEW,
the YWCA and the Ministry. Mele Wendt spoke on behalf of National President,
and outlined PACIFICA’s purpose, membership, structure, and key priorities.
Break-out discussions took place afterwards, grouped around the key themes
that emerged from the presentations: women and work, women as leaders,
leading a strong organisation (including financial viability and rejuvenating the
membership). There was unanimous agreement that these hui/fora should be
held regularly to enable women’s groups to connect, discuss issues and
collaborate. Please note a second hui is planned for September in Auckland.
NORTHERN REGION UPDATE
Northern Region Mini-Conference
th
On Saturday 13 July 2013, the Auckland Central Branch hosted the
Northern Region Mini-Conference at the Fale Pasifika, The University of
Auckland. The theme was Pacific Women on the Move. PACIFICA business
aligned to the mini-conference was woven into a programme that featured some
great speakers which included Teremoana Rapley, our own Maryanne Pale and
Natasha Urale. From the Tamaki branch, Josephine Bartley was presented with
a long service award. In addition, there was a wonderful fashion show by TAV
fashions. Representatives from all 5 Northern Region branches attended and
presented an update of their activity, membership and focus. Some key points
were:
Whangerei - Small and mighty, with new members, running great
workshops and fund raising towards AGM 2014
ACB - Membership strong and growing, hosting annual event such as
Mothers Day Breakfast, Women of Influence, Breast Cancer Walk
Tamaki - Political power at work, community focused and going strong,
and getting healthy
Manukau -New branch on the block, great numbers and growing,
empowering Pacific women to take on board roles
Tokoroa - Pioneers but strong, keen to see how they can grow in
numbers
A special thanks to the PACIFICA Northern Region Vice-President, Anne
Fitisemanu, the Auckland Central Branch Exec and its’ members for organising
and hosting a wonderful mini-conference.
Women of Influence Leadership Event
The Northern Region Mini-Conference dove tailed into another of ACB’s
annual event known as the Women of Influence Leadership Event. This years’
event followed in from the successful inaugural event held last year. The
presenters were challenged to present their leadership journey in a Pecha Kucha
presentation style (20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each). The speakers
included; Pauline Winter, Rowena Sutton, Pania Schwenke, Linda Aumua,
Kenina Court, Malia Apikotoa, Olivia Taouma, Anna-Jane Jacob and Margie Apa.
There was a great interest from the community who attended this event. A
special thanks to Sina Wendt-Moore, the Auckland Central Branch Exec and its’
members for organising and hosting an awe-inspiring event.
Please NOTE New Mailing Address!
PACIFICA Inc., PO Box 5668, Lambton Quay, Wellington 6145
CENTRAL REGION UPDATE
Central Region Mini-Conference
On Saturday 4 August, Wellington Central Branch hosted the annual
mini conference for the Central Region. Held at the Ministry of Pacific Island
Affairs, five of the seven branches of the region (and 40 people in total)
attended, including Tiare Ahuriri branch all the way from Napier and the
Palmerston North branch. The day comprised of two parts: PACIFICA 'business'
where updates from branches and the national executive were provided, and
important issues discussed such as a draft strategic plan and potential
constitutional changes; and presentations and activities around the theme of the
day - Better Living. On top of all that, there was a fun quiz, entertainment by
singer Rachael Kesha, hula/zumba/siva with dancer Tupe Lualua, lots of great
food and of course warm camaraderie, laughter and fun! A special thanks to the
PACIFICA Central Region Vice-President, Mele Wendt, and the Wellington
Central Branch for organising a wonderful mini-conference.
P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Wellington Women’s Breakfast Club
This club, formed and coordinated by Central Region Vice President,
Mele Wendt and Teresia Teaiwa, is aimed at providing ongoing professional and
personal development for Pacific women in the Central region, using the
wonderful talent and expertise we have within our own women. Breakfasts are
held monthly at a central downtown café, Wellington, from 7.30 to 8.30am and
attendees pay for their own breakfast and a small amount for the administration
of the programme. All attendees are expected to actively participate and
contribute and we arrange the seating so that no more than 10 people are
seated together for that discussion.
So far this year, four breakfasts have been held, on the topics of
‘Fashion Tips’, ‘Managing difficult people and office politics, Facilitative
meetings’, ‘Effective Time Management’, ‘Women’s health issues, Cancer/postcancer support’. Attendance at these breakfasts is growing. The last one had 18
attendees. We get new and different people coming, as well as the regulars! The
more the merrier, so please spread the word. We would love your branch
members to attend.
Five breakfasts remain (topics may possibly change):
th
August 15
Topic: Media Training.
th
September 19 Topic: Effective writing skills.
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October 17 Topic: Achieving Work/Life Balance.
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November 14 Topic: Fitness as a Way of Life.
SOUTHERN REGION UPDATE
P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Invercargill Branch
(pictured on the left):
From L to R: Leona Notoa (President);
Suliana Williams (Assistant Secretary),
Lesieli Seaton (Secretary); Sandy Borland
(Vice President); Lyn Devery (Treasurer).
Absent: Rebecca Hansen (Assistant
Treasurer).
Joint Stakeholder Submission: The Human Rights Impacts of the
Canterbury Earthquakes
For the Universal Periodic Review of New Zealand a joint submission
th
was made on 17 June 2013 for the 18th Session of the Human Rights Council
January 2014. This joint submission focused on the human rights impacts of the
Canterbury earthquakes. The submission is endorsed, in whole or in part, by 26
organisations which included the PACIFICA Christchurch Branch. The aim of
this submission is to ensure that the voices of Christchurch are heard, and the
major human rights impacts of the earthquakes are highlighted.
Please NOTE New Mailing Address!
PACIFICA Inc., PO Box 5668 , Lambton Quay, Wellington 6145
SOUTHERN REGION UPDATE continued…
P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Christchurch Branch
The Christchurch branch hosts monthly meetings alternately on
Wednesday evening/Saturday morning, to allow flexibility for our members to
attend. New members have joined increasing our pacific diversity and add
hugely to the strengths, skills and networks we can draw on.
Unlike Bond’s vodka martini – “shaken not stirred”, our experiences of
the past 3 years have moved us through being shaken to becoming resilient and
now stirred into action. During a recent overnight retreat for the leadership team,
we shared our personal earthquake stories. This created a platform for
connecting with each other as we reviewed the DRAFT Strategic Action Plan
compiled from branch discussions and conversations over many months.
Photo above: Christchurch Branch: Re-elected at the April AGM: Danielle O’Halloran (President),
Pauline Luafutu Simpson (Vice-President), Debra Kesha Lloyd (Treasurer) and Ashalyna Noa
(Secretary) have been joined by Lynsey Talagi, to form our (Secretariat duo).
There was a good turnout at the next day’s branch meeting and with
facilitation by both Danielle and Sam we were able to confirm an Action Plan for
our projects and activities for the remainder of this year. In brief summary:
Goals to Achieve our Objectives:
1. Contribute to bringing forward Pacific women’s voice
2. Continue to provide support for Pacific youth development & Leadership
3. Strengthen Pasifika community in Canterbury
Holistic Platform:
SPIRITUAL
- Pacific Women’s Wellbeing
ECONOMIC
- Health / Lifelong Learning
ENVIRONMENTAL
- Physical Community
DEVELOPMENT
- Youth / Young Women’s Leadership
SOCIAL
- Relationships / Networks
Projects & Activities (for 2013):
1. WOMEN’S FORUM: Intergenerational Panel Discussion in conjunction
with CPIT Next Step Centre for Women on (International Women’s Day
th
– 120 anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in NZ)
2. BRANCH ORAL HISTORY: Foundation Member Interviews
3. WOMEN’S VOICES: Collaboration with NCW, MWWL, UC to record
women’s earthquake stories
To all the PACIFICA branches nationwide, continue to share your
knowledge and experiences with our Pacific families and communities.
Inspire better living and lead in the direction of positive social change.
Please NOTE New Mailing Address!
PACIFICA Inc., PO Box 5668, Lambton Quay, Wellington 6145