Pacific Allied (Women's) Council Inspires Faith in Ideals Concerning All
ABOUT US:
"If I see further, it is because I stand on the shoulders of giants."
P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Incorporated is a national non-government organisation (NGO) for Pacific women living in Aotearoa New Zealand. It was established as a result of a Pacific Women's Conference held in Auckland in 1976 and became an incorporated society in 1977. All women are eligible to become members of P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. irrespective of background, faith and ethnicity – as long as they agree to support and abide by the aims and objectives of the organisation. More:
“Kia pukuru o vaevae, kia mokora o kaki “ (Cook Islands)
(Before you can lead, you must first learn about yourself.)
National Presidents 1977-2021
Eleitino Paddy Walker
1977-1980
Louisa Crawley
1981-1985
Eti Laufiso
1986 -1988
Teupoko'ina Utanga Morgan
1989 -1992
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Tepaeru Mere Tereora
1993 -1997
Sally Dalhousie
2011 - 2013
Tagaloatele Prof Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop
2013 - 2015
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Caren Rangi
2015 - 2017
Tofilau Bernadette Pereira
2017 - 2021
Our Objectives
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To provide opportunities for Pasifika women to contribute effectively to the cultural, social, economic and political development of Aotearoa New Zealand and its people.
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To give Pasifika 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.
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To create ways and means for Pasifika women to overcome barriers that may hinder their ability to reach their full potential.
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To inspire unity among women of Pasifika descent in the furtherance of these aims so that all can speak with one voice in true fellowship.
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To initiate and promote policies and programmes that support Pasifika women to take active decision-making roles in their lives.
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To initiate and support programmes promoting the education, welfare, health and social development of Pasifika families and Pasifika family life.
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To promote understanding between women of all races.
Youth and Branch Development
The Young P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A representative on the National Executive works in conjunction with members and branches, to network with younger members between the ages of 12 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.
The first inaugural Young Womens Conference was held in Wellington in Feb 2019.
Branches
P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Inc has 19 branches throughout the country from Whangarei to Invercargill. 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 Pasifika women, to support one another and encourage each other to contribute and participate in the wider community especially on 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 are elected by their regions and hold office on the National Executive committee. Elections for National executive positions are held every 2 years.
"E au le ina'ilau a tama'ita'i" (Samoa)
(Women can achieve anything)
Building relationships locally and globally
As a national organisation PACIFICA 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 for Women (MfW) and the Ministry of Pacific Peoples (MPP). A close relationship is maintained with the Maori Womens Welfare League (Te Ropu Wahine Maori Toko I te Ora), and other womens organisations such as National Advisory Committee on the Employment of Women (NACEW) and the National Council of Women in New Zealand (NCWNZ).
Regionally and internationally PACIFICA Inc was a founding member of the International Womens Caucus convened by the Ministry for Women.
In 2007 the National President of PACIFICA 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. PACIFICA INC submitted in June 2019 an application for UN ECOSOC consultative status which was to be decided in 2020 but the impact of Covid-19 globally has delayed a decision.
