The New Zealand Government's budget is delivering more money for Pasifika health and education but leaders of Pacific communities say it doesn't go far enough.
NZ$196 million of Pacific investment was announced but there's disappointment that it's missed inequities like poverty, the pay gap and amnesty to overstayers.
The largest funding allocation in the Pacific package is $76 million for health including support for Pacific health providers, and a targeted diabetes prevention and management programme.
Auckland University sociologist Dr Sereana Naepi is pleased to see health prioritised.
But is disappointed the one-off payment of $350 for people earning less than $70,000 a year excludes beneficiaries.
"Everybody is under pressure because of inflation. It kind of just ignores our most vulnerable. If 25% of our children are living in poverty, it is safe to say they are not going to get this. This is a really hard time for them."
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Up to 300 homes will be built over the next 10 years for Pacific families in Eastern Porirua in Wellington.
$47 million is going towards Pacific education and employment supporting Pacific science, technology, engineering, arts and maths opportunities.
Naepi said it was important for the government to implement a long term plan to make workplaces more equal and "belonging" so Pasifika can thrive in higher-paying careers.
Otago University Student president Melissa Lama questioned why student allowances haven't been boosted.
Dunedin Pasifika advocate, Melissa Lama. Photo: Supplied
"They have taken a really broad approach. A bandaid approach. So I am a little disappointed, I would have liked to have seen more value put into tertiary students."
NZ$13.7 million is going towards the Government's commitment to delivering a Dawn Raids historical account.
But, Tongan community leader Pakilau Manase Lua is wanting more practical redress.
Pakilau Manase Lua. Photo: Supplied
"One of the big disappointments for me was there is a lot of money going into the Dawn Raids education programme which is fantastic.
However, what would have been better would have been to find pathways of residency for 14000 overstayers during a pandemic and a tight labour market. We can put them to work. They can work their way to find pathways to residency."
The Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio said this budget was about lifting Pacific wellbeing.
"We are aware of the challenges and are trying to respond to these. I can say with a hand on my heart that our Pacific families will benefit immensely from the cost of living measures. We will continue enriching our people in Aotearoa."
Aupito William Sio in the House Photo: ©VNP / Phil Smith
Pacific leaders said this is just a start to addressing inequities that have only become further entrenched during the pandemic.
Naepi said many Pasifika were the essential workers through the worst of the pandemic and need to be valued going forward.
