Shared Pacific Values

Our vision and approach are underpinned by the following shared Pacific values, which help to nurture and sustain family and community wellbeing. They are protective factors for Pacific peoples:

Love | is a universal value and for Pacific peoples indicates care and concern for others, compassion and kindness. Love includes love of self (self within the context of family and community) and love of others.

Family | is central to our Pacific communities and our way of life. Every person belongs to a family, aiga and kainga (often more than one), and every family belongs to a person. Family creates and strengthens our identity and sense of belonging. Ancestry and a sense of place involve a kinship with what and who have gone before.

Collective | reflects Pacific world views and the way we do things that are commonly perceived as acceptable to the community. These include teamwork, consultation and cooperation – with each member of the collective contributing according to their capability, to achieve common goals through an agreed approach.

Respect | shapes how we treat others and the way we view situations. It includes respect of self, others, space and environment. Respect occurs when other concepts such as va and reciprocity are present. Respect ensures that every Pacific person, irrespective of age, gender, sexuality, spiritual beliefs or cultural status, feels safe and protected. The practice of respect supports the maintenance of wellbeing.

Spirituality | goes to the very essence of our existence, how we express ourselves and our place in the universe. It shapes people’s beliefs and values, and Pacific peoples’ world-view. Since missionisation, churches have provided spiritual guidance and protocols. The church remains current and relevant for many Pacific peoples.

Reciprocity | acknowledges the importance of relationships and maintaining a balance between individuals, families and communities. Every expression of kindness, support and respect will be reciprocated at a time and in a way that honour the people involved and who and what they represent.