It has been a profound blessing to serve our PACIFICA 'āiga alongside my remarkable team of wahine toa since assuming office in February of this year. The saying, E au le ina’ilau o tama’ita’i resonates deeply, shining a light on the true strength and inherent qualities of Pasifika women. It underscores what we, as women and leaders within our community, can achieve and contribute.
This year, our organization spoke with a unified voice as we proudly launched the PACIFICA Inc. Wellbeing Report. This groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind, amplifies the voices of Pacific Women and Girls in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Throughout the motu, our branches came together to celebrate and fortify the mental health and well-being of our families through the nationwide Sei September initiative. Additionally, we facilitated regional Good Governance with Pacific Lens trainings for our branches, witnessing the joy, passion, and knowledge shared at various events. This, in essence, reflects what PACIFICA is all about.
Since 1977, PACIFICA has been a unifying force, creating inclusive spaces for Pacific women to converge, irrespective of background, faith, or ethnicity. These spaces harness the personal, cultural, and traditional tūranga of each individual for the collective benefit. Today, I pay tribute to our foremothers who envisioned and paved the way for us, transforming this dream into a reality. To them, we express our heartfelt gratitude.
Acknowledgement is also due to our extended family, supporters, funders, sister branches, and prayer warriors who have unwaveringly believed in the work we do, offering continuous support. A special thanks is reserved for our exceptional PACIFICA Inc. branches. Your trust in our leadership and service is invaluable. Your resilience, strength, and alofa (love) serve as our greatest inspiration in advocating for our communities and ‘āiga (family). Fa’afetai tele!
As representatives of the 2023 PACIFICA Inc. National Executive, we extend warm wishes to you and your 'āiga for a season filled with joy, light, and peace. May all that is beautiful, meaningful, and joyful be yours during this holiday season and throughout the coming year.
Ia manuia,
Repeka Lelaulu
National President, PACIFICA Inc.
2023 PACIFICA Inc. National Executive
National President: Repeka Lelaulu
Northern Vice President: Julie Segi
Central Vice President: Mele Wendt
Southern Vice President: Melissa Lama
Young PACIFICA Representative: Eseta Sitivi
National Secretary: Dora Fa’amoe
National Treasurer: Louise Murphy
Assistant National Treasurer: Natia Tucker
National Communications Officer: Fabiefara Masoe
Special Projects Coordinator: Marie Schmidt