P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Incorporated is a national non-governmental organisation (NGO) for Pacific women living in Aotearoa New Zealand. It was established as a result of a Pacific womens’ conference held in Auckland in 1976. It became an incorporated society in 1977. All women are eligible to become members of the organisation irrespective of background, faith and ethnicity as long as they agree to support and abide by the aims and objectives of the organisation.

The founding National President was Eleitino Paddy Walker and in its thirty year history the organisation has been led by the following National Presidents: Louisa Crawley, Eti Laufiso, Poko Morgan, Tepaeru Tereora, Tafa Malifa-Poutoa, and Jean Mitaera. The current National President is Diane Mara who retires in February 2009.

P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Inc. has branches throughout the country from Whangarei in the north to Invercargill in the south. Most branches meet monthly and have elected officers. Each branch is relatively autonomous and independent because within the wider aims and objectives branches run specific projects in response to members own involvements and community priorities. Branches exist to create opportunities for Pacific women to support one another and encourage each other to contribute and participate in the wider community especially in issues that affect them and their families.

All branches are affiliated to the national body through payment of annual subscriptions and membership fees. P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Inc has a regional structure where branches within each of the three regions are co-ordinated by a regional vice-president. The three regional vice-presidents hold elected positions on the National Executive committee.

As a national organisation P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Inc participates with other like-minded Pacific organisations in maintaining relationships and networks internally and externally. Representatives of the organisation meet regularly with the Ministry of Womens’ Affairs (MWA) and the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs (MPIA). A close relationship is maintained with the Maori Womens’ Welfare League (Te Ropu Wahine Maori Toko I te Ora), and with links with other womens’ organisations such as Pan Pacific South East Asia Womens’ Association PPSEAWA), National Advisory Committee on the Employment of Women (NACEW) and the National Council of Women (NCW).

Regionally and internationally P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Inc. was a founding member of the International Womens’ Caucas convened by MWA. In 2007 the National President of P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Inc was part of the government delegation attending the United Nations Committee on the Status of Women (CSW) and the presentation of the CEDAW report by the New Zealand government as well as the national womens’ organisations presentations of their Shadow Reports (NCW & MWWL) on the progress of the elimination of discrimination against women. P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Inc was also represented at the Pacific Regional Womens’ Conference in Noumea, New Caledonia in 2007.

During 2007 P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Inc developed a new strategic plan for 2008-2010 to guide its national and local projects; branch and membership development, and to promote leadership at all levels of the organisation.

1. To provide opportunities for Pacific Islands women to contribute effectively to the cultural, social, economic and political development of Aotearoa New Zealand and its people.
2. To give Pacific Islands women opportunities to plan and work together for the stability and development of themselves, their families, their communities and so contribute to the development of the country.
3. To create ways and means for Pacific Islands women to overcome barriers that may hinder their ability to reach their full potential.
4. To inspire unity among women of Pacific Islands descent in the furtherance of these aims so that all can speak with one voice in true fellowship.
5. To initiate and promote policies and programmes that support Pacific Islands women to take active decision-making roles in their lives.
6. To initiate and support programmes promoting the education, welfare, health and social development of Pacific Islands families and Pacific Islands family life.
7. To promote understanding between women of all races.

PACIFICA/Lower Hutt City Council Scholarships

In partnership PACIFICA and the Lower Hutt City Council annually award scholarships for Pacific people living in the Lower Hutt City Council area to continue their tertiary education.

P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Inc Regional Scholarships

These are currently being developed and intended to begin in 2008. Watch this space.

Ministry of Health/National Screening Unit (NSU)

Since 2006 the National Executive Committee of P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Inc has been the Pacific Advisory Committee to NSU. It provides advice and support on policy development, programme implementation and publicity campaigns aimed at encouraging more Pacific women to participate in breast and cervical screening programmes. Pacific women as a group continue to be less likely to avail themselves of screening services and early detection and treatment of cancer is prevented. In 2008 P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Inc expands its advice to pre-natal screening initiatives. The contract with NSU is renewed annually.

Pacific Womens’ Economic Development Plan (PWEDP)

From 2008 P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Inc will be working in conjunction with MPIA as part of this cross- government initiative for Pacific peoples to develop a womens’ leadership initiative not just for members but also reaching out to include other Pacific women in the community.

Youth and Branch development

The Young PACIFICA representative on the National Executive works in conjunction with members and branches to network with younger members between the ages of 16 and 25 years of age inclusive. The aim is to identify the issues and needs of young members so that these can be acknowledged and responded to at all levels of the organisation.

Vice Presidents of each region work with Branch Presidents to develop members and branches, hold regional events and activities, and develop new branches.

New Horizons for Women Trust (NHWT)

P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Inc. has been a trustee for several years. It awards grants and scholarships to women to access second chance education. The growing number of Pacific women receiving awards is largely a result of the involvement of PACIFICA members on the Trust: Rowena Sutton, Josephine Tiro, Jacinta Fa’alili and Magila Annandale.
Link: rorohiko.net

Two P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A branches have put out publications that are available for purchase.

MAMA RULES is a fresh look at Pacific womens leadership, produced by Sam Uta’i and is a collaborative effort amongst the South Island based branches of P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. MAMA RULES profiles “Mothers of Pearl” women who have made significant contributions to New Zealand society, namely Louisa Crawley, Ataga’I Esera, Misa Emma Kesha, Tufuga Lagatule and Rangi Oberg.
Copies can be purchased by contacting the National Treasurer Debra Kesha-Lloyd at debkesha_lloyd@hotmail.com for $20.00 a copy.

COFFEE COCO and NUTS is an adventure of colour and heartfelt stories from Pacific women of all different ages. It takes a new look at traditional Pacific proverbs and provides a wonderful insight into the experiences of the women contained in the book. Coffee Coco and Nuts is a combined effort between the Counties Manukau branch of P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A beautifully edited by their branch President Lana Anae Ostler and Soulton Publishing. Copies can be purchased online at www.1stpacific.co.nz