Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu – a summary

Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu:

• is a conceptual framework for addressing family violence in eight Pacific communities in New Zealand. It is informed by, and aligned with, the eight ethnic-specific conceptual reports on addressing family violence, and a supporting literature review (refer diagram below)
• is intended as a guide for policy writers. It defines and explains meanings of family violence, and key concepts and principles that promote family wellbeing for the eight ethnic-specific communities
• along with the eight ethnic-specific conceptual frameworks will inform the development of training programmes to assist ethnic specific practitioners, and service providers and non- Pacific practitioners working with Pacific victims, perpetrators and families affected by family violence
• takes a strengths-based approach. This approach begins with the premise that wellbeing, peace, prosperity and harmony are states to which all Pacific peoples aspire, and that core aspects of culture are significant in maintaining and restoring wellbeing to families
• is a relational framework underpinned by the belief that all people and things are interconnected and interdependent. It brings together shared concepts and principles that promote wellbeing across the eight ethnic groups, without disturbing their essential meanings
• is a living document. As new knowledge is introduced to the ethnic-specific frameworks, Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu will also evolve.

The eight frameworks are:

• grounded in key concepts, values and beliefs that are relevant and appropriate to addressing violence in families living in diverse settings and circumstances
• not definitive or authoritative documents on any one cultural belief and practice, nor are they intended to replace existing service provider and practitioner approaches.

The desire of the ethnic specific working groups is that their conceptual frameworks assist practitioners, service providers, and mainstream organisations in:

• their work with ethnic specific victims, perpetrators, and families who have been affected by family violence
• grounding their experiences and knowledge in elements of their ethnic specific culture in ways that are responsive and relevant to the diverse experiences of families.

Ongoing revision and evaluation of practice approaches will ensure that the ethnic-specific frameworks and Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu are dynamic and relevant to the lived experiences of families and individuals.

The frameworks address issues of family violence; however, they can also be used across a broad spectrum of sectoral and inter-sectoral service provider programmes for individuals and families belonging to any one of these ethnic communities.

Note: The first seven frameworks are included in the original Nga Vaka publication. Falevitu, the literature review supported their development. The eighth framework (Kiribati) was developed after publication. These publications can be found on our ‘Resources’ page.  www.pasefikaproud.co.nz/resources/