Maopoopo Family Violence Training launches in Tokelau

On June 1 the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between MSD and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The MOU was signed to enable New Zealand-based Tokelauan facilitators to take the Kainga Maopoopo Family Violence Prevention Training to Tokelau. The aim is to build capability in the atolls by bringing trainees to New Zealand to receive the appropriate and ongoing training. The trainees will then return to Tokelau, having been mentored by the New Zealand-based facilitators accompanying them.

The MOU was signed by MSD Deputy Chief Executive Marama Edwards and the Administrator for Tokelau, Ross Ardern, and supported by Tokelau community leader Rev Tui Sopoaga, General Manager Pacific and Community Capability Programmes Serena Curtis, Relationship Managers Jane Anderson from MFAT and Marie Schmidt, Lead Advisor Pasefika Proud from the Ministry of Social Development.  This work falls under the MSD Pacific Prosperity Strategy.

The Fatupaepae representative from Nukunonu in Tokelau, Lepeka Amato-Perez,  joined by video conferencing, with leaders from the Tokelau communities attending, along with MSD and MFAT officials. The Fatupaepae have been involved in this project from the outset. 

Attendees described the launch as an emotional, heartfelt celebration, vowing that it is only the beginning of many positive things to come between New Zealand and Tokelau.

Nga Vaka o Kaiga Tapu’s Kaiga Maopoopo is a Tokelauan conceptual framework for addressing family violence and the name of the Tokelauan family violence prevention programme that has operated in New Zealand with support from the Ministry since 2012.

The National Tokelauan Wellbeing Plan, another Pasefika Proud initiative with Pacific communities, is planned to be launched later in 2021. The delivery of a suitable version of the Kaiga Maopoopo programme in Tokelau is an opportunity to socialise within the atolls, the New Zealand National Tokelauan Wellbeing Plan which promotes and supports wellbeing within Tokelauan families and communities, including addressing family violence.

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Shared Pacific values underpin Pasefika Proud
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 | FAMILY | COLLECTIVE | RESPECT | SPIRITUALITY | RECIPROCITY