The Vā Moana Delegates Village are PSA Pasefika’s key decision-makers, representing the interests of Pasefika members across all PSA sectors. It is a space that inspires, influences, and communicates the aspirations of the Pasefika membership. The focus of the Village is to grow Pasefika leaders who influence a strong network that is confident and informed - using tools that are grounded in Pasefika values and world views. These are Talanoa: Collaborative Inquiry, Tupu: Growth, Tauhi Vā: Nurturing Relationships, and Tautua: Cultural Spirit of Service. These tools were reflected on at the July 2024 Village Fono.
Tauhi Vā & Tautua | Nurturing Relationships & Cultural Spirit of Service
The Vā Moana Delegates Village met in July for the 2024 Village Fono to take the opportunity for collective learning, to pursue collective action. The Village explored and applied the Pacific cultural lens over how we could best serve, empower and advocate on behalf of our members.
Talanoa | Collaborative Inquiry
During the Fono, the Village practised collaborative inquiry, using insights from our membership to identify priorities for PSA Pasefika members across all the sectors. The priorities identified were addressing the ethnic pay gap, recognising cultural intelligence in the workplace, career progression, and understanding the bargaining process. Vā Moana delegates and PSA Pasefika Komiti are continuing to address these through bargaining, fono with members and continuing to organise towards closing the ethnic pay gap.
Tupu | Growth
Growth in learning and understanding about the PSA and our role as Vā Moana delegates, as well as strengthening our collective capability as delegates, were outcomes that the Village had set out to achieve through workshops and presentations. We reviewed our own collective agreements to identify ways we can advocate for better work environments, workshopped ways that our Pacific values and ways of being can add value to the way that we work, and supported each other to devise alternative solutions for challenges in our workplaces.
A Strong Pacific Voice
New Vā Moana Delegate for Ministry of Housing & Urban Development, Shannah Fiso, says the Fono enabled her to tailor her goals for the members she works with, and reminded her of why she became a Vā Moana Delegate. “I’m eager to socialise what I’ve learnt with my members, since it’s easy to feel disempowered in the current political climate. This Fono gave me the tools to action our collective goals and think creatively about how I can empower my members to act and create change,”
Brian Palalagi, Waka Kotahi Vā Moana Delegate and Sector Rep, is inspired to think about sustainability and ensuring the continuity of Vā Moana initiatives. “I’ve noticed a positive shift in engagement and active participation in our Village. I’m excited to maintain the pace we’ve started at this Fono. Now it’s time to work towards delivering on the initiatives we’ve begun,” he says.
Vā Moana Co-convenor Patrick Feaunati says that his hopes for the Vā Moana Delegates is that they are well equipped to empower and support Pasefika in the workforce.
The Vā Moana Delegates Village understand we have the opportunity and responsibility to transform the way employers and PSA Pasefika work together in driving equitable outcomes for Pasifika workers, and we look forward to the term ahead.
A fia vave oo lou va'a alo nu o 'oe. Ae a fia tuli mamao le taunu'uga tatou 'alo'alo fuatasi.
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. - Samoan proverb
If you are interested in becoming a Vā Moana Delegate, contact Vā Moana Co-convenors Patrick Feaunati (patrick.feaunati@mbie.govt.nz) or Kahu Lousiale-Tahaafe (kahu.lousiale-tahaafe@dia.govt.nz).