Pacific Practitioners’ Fono – Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland

The theme for the Tāmaki Makaurau Fono was the well-known Tongan proverb,  ‘Fofola e fala kae talanoa e kāinga’ chosen to integrate Talanoa into the Fono.  We roll out the fala to come together and have conversations, to hear from the community, to not sweep things under the mat but to bring to light what we can learn from each other. 

Attendees heard directly from the Government representatives (Te Puna Aonui), crisis support experts, keynote speaker Hon. Karen Chhour - Minister for Children and for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence along with one of our best thought leaders - Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann who shared valuable insights from more than 35 years’ experience. 

This meant all attendees had the chance to talanoa about the difficult subject of FV/SV and how best to make solutions work for Pacific people, crucial given participants heard first hand that there were currently 606 active cases, characterised as Adult Sexual Assault, in Tamaki Makaurau.

The comprehensive programme included a guest panel addressing localised SV response services. Panellists included: 

• Dr Susan Reader | MEDSAC (Medical Sexual Assault Clinicians), Pohutukawa Clinic 

• Jordan Utupo | Crisis Response Worker / Court Support Advocate, HELP Auckland – Poutū Pasifika 

• Sylvia Yandall | MNZCCA, Pasifika Services Manager, HELP Auckland – Poutū Pasifika 
• Detective Sergeant Geoff Patterson | Adult Sexual Assault Team, Waitematā CIB 

Attendees questions put to the panellists covered a wide range of topics from how those under 18 caught up in the FV/SV process can be supported, through to preparing a survivor for court cross examination without it crossing into coaching and what to do for those who decide, for whatever reason, to not follow through with the court process. 

Of the numerous questions put to the panellists many concerned the last of those issues, with the panel being asked outright what the strategy was when a young Pacific person did not want to report sexual violation out of fear of cultural alienation. 

The response was that best practice was always about listening to the clients, finding out their concerns and what they wanted to do about it. 

This led to a follow up query on what the approach was when families would discourage victims from reporting sexual violence as it would ''bring shame'' on the family name. 

The panel agreed that everything had to be done on a case-by-case basis as each family was different and there could be multiple factors involved. This could include different understandings within a family of what has actually happened, different knowledge, different life experiences. 

The biggest issues in trying to foster more support for FV/SV victims were the lack of funding for 'by Pacific, for Pacific' services, especially in the SV sector, and getting the relevant and appropriate  place to help provide culturally appropriate services. 

Mental health was another topic covered in the questioning, and it was acknowledged that while mental damage was significant, it was hard to quantify as all people are different and don't respond the same way to trauma.

As with all regional Fono, all participants and attendees were asked to provide feedback on what they had heard, and discussed and for comments on what they would like included; 

• It was good to be introduced to the processes of services and how various services collaborated
• The entire session was educational and informing
• Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann was an awesome speaker, engaging, and he spoke on lived experiences, it hit all the points for me.

Among the items on the wish list of attendees, were; 

• Need to do it more often.  As a person working alone this is what I need to connect with other Pasifika practitioners
• More group discussion/table discussion needed
• Talks on getting more young people to enter the workspace as the workforce is aging

Pasefika Proud is honoured to be involved  in the events and congratulate the local and national komiti, especially Rasela Luapo and Cecilia Vakameilalo-Kioa for co-ordinating all the regional Fono. Te Puna Aonui must also be acknowledged for their involvement. While there is still so much more to do the regional Fono have a great foundation in our combined bid to eliminate violence in our communities.

IMAGE | Local komiti, from L-R: Sylvia Yandall, HELP Auckland | Diana Vao, Salvation Army Community Ministries | Tima Hunt, The Fono | Jules Segi, Leabank School & PACIFICA Inc | Jono Selu, Te Ngakau Kahukura | and Pale Sauni, fono MC

For more information contact – email

Pasefika Proud is a proud partner supporting the delivery of regional fono as the lead programme for family violence prevention for Pacific peoples through the Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu Pacific cultural framework. (Te Aorerekura - Shift 4)  

Also of interest: 

1. Pacific Practitioners’ Fono - Hawke's Bay & Tairāwhiti
2. Pacific Practitioners' Fono - Waikato, Bay of Plenty & Taranaki
3. Fono brings together South-Island based practitioners
4. Pacific Practitioners' Forum Update
5. Time for Action on Pacific Practitioners' Forum Plans
6. Te Aorerekura Hui Jun 2023 - Strengthening working being done
7. National Pacific Practitioners' Fono
8. Te Aorerekura - A step in the right direction
9. National Strategy to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence
10. Government launches significant initiative towards violence prevention & elimination