Councillor's Comment: Positively Pasifika

Fakalofa lahi atu kia motulu oti. Ko e higoa haaku ko Matty Anderson.

“The Generation B": Brown, Brainy, Beautiful, Bicultural, Bilingual and Bold. NZ Stats 2018 says I am one of the 2.3% Pasifika we have in Nelson – it’s gotta be more than that. I’m sure you know at least a couple of us; we’re the good-looking ones.

Whakatū has for many years reaped benefits from this demographic. Our primary industries would struggle without our help, as would the Makos – fins up. They underpin the workforce for our horticulture and fisheries industries. We need them so badly that we fly them in.

I wonder and worry about this disposable workforce. My grandfather passed away too young. He worked building wood burners. A lot of asbestos. Our health outcomes are dire. We work, but we work multiple minimum-wage jobs. Our RSE and work visa whānau are often exploited. A lot has changed since the Dawn Raids of the 1970s. And a lot hasn’t. Despite this, you will get smiles, respect and a plate of food if you time it right.

There is some good stuff happening. Currently, our Pasifika have some agency and are doing amazing things. The Nelson Tasman Pasifika Community Trust has been delivering health, education, social services and community development for more than 20 years. We have more recent organisations: Nelson Tasman Tongan Community, Fa’alapotopotoga Tagata Samoa Nelson Tasman. Our Fijians will be the next cab off the rank and we have 12 Pasifika churches in our rohe. These guys are all doing great things, delivering positive community outcomes with safe spaces and faces. 

I do feel positive about our future. We have a Mayor and Councillors who want to engage, acknowledge and celebrate this community that deserves more. Personally, I am duty bound to serve and have the privilege of being able to follow a path set by my tūpuna. Also, I am raising two Pasifika boys and my grandfather would haunt me if I stuffed up this one.

My community is generous, grateful, family and faith-focused, hardworking, funny and good looking. If you are fortunate enough to enter our homes, here are some tips: Take off your shoes even if they say it’s OK, don’t swear, acknowledge the elder and don’t eat before the food is blessed. The little ones might be scared of the weird palagi in the house but will get over it.

Fakaaue lahi he fanogonogo mai.