By Poto Williams

The Labour Party Pacific caucus has welcomed Jenny Salesa of Manukau East and Carmel Sepuloni of Kelston, successful MP’s in the recent General Election and reflects the high calibre pacific candidates that contested including those who were unsuccessful, Jerome Mika, Lemalu Herman Retzlaff and Anahila Kanongata’a-Suisuiki

Salesa and Sepuloni join Poto Williams (Chch East), Kris Faafoi (Mana) and the head of the caucus Su’a William Sio (Māngere) that provides not only a good representation across Pacific nations but coverage across the country as well.

While final counts are yet to be confirmed, the National party only have 2 Pacific MP’s, Peseta Sam Lotu Iiga and Alfred Ngaro, while Fia Turner waits to see if she is successful on the list.

Sepuloni returns to Parliament where she can renew her commitment to improving educational and health outcomes for marginalised and vulnerable groups. Salesa brings a strong sense of advocacy for a fair and just society as well as opportunities for all New Zealanders with a wealth of public sector experience and a strong background in community contribution.

The head of the Pacific caucus Sua William Sio is excited with the team and its prospects. “its historic and it’s a step in the right direction. Its a new beginning which is a step towards achieving our ultimate dreams and aspirations. Making sure we have good people at the very top”.

The members of the 51^st Parliament will be sworn in 20^th October 2014.

A P-3K2 Orion aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) Airborne Surveillance and Response Force (No 5 Squadron at Base Auckland in Whenuapai) took part in an international maritime surveillance operation hosted by the Cook Islands Maritime Police that concluded this week.

The P-3K2 was based in Tonga and Samoa and provided support to patrol boats from these two countries as well as one from the Cook Islands, patrolling the Tongan and Cook Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).

The operation was planned and co-ordinated by staff from the participating countries and provided a focus for those nations to work together to combat illegal fishing and other crimes at sea.

It also provided an opportunity to exercise the principles of the Niue Treaty, which enables member nations to enforce fisheries legislation, protect natural resources and combat all forms of maritime crime in each other’s EEZs.

New Zealand is a key maritime surveillance partner for Pacific Islands countries, supporting their maritime surveillance activities to help protect the fisheries, which are a key economic resource for the region.

The RNZAF’s Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Kevin McEvoy, who is responsible for all Air Force operations, said that the New Zealand aircraft play an important role in helping Pacific Island countries combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

“These operations help strengthen our bi-lateral and military relationships with our key South-West Pacific partners as we meet our obligations in the region and demonstrate New Zealand’s commitment to international fisheries management conventions,” he said.

The aircraft captain, Squadron Leader Marcus Hogan, said that it had been a rewarding and productive operation.

“The upgraded P-3K2 Orion is perfect for this work. We get the satisfaction of carrying out a valuable and important task in support of our neighbouring nations. At the same time we are up-skilling many of our people and working alongside other maritime enforcement agencies.  It’s been a great operation to be on,” he said.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully today updated Pacific leaders and post Forum dialogue partners on the progress being made to implement renewable energy projects agreed to at the 2013 Pacific Energy Summit.

“On average 80 per cent of the Pacific’s electricity generation comes from imported diesel and 10 per cent of the Pacific’s GDP goes towards importing fossil fuels,” Mr McCully says.  “At the Pacific Energy Summit the international community committed $635 million to accelerate action on renewable energy in the Pacific to address this. A year and a half on, we can see that donors and development partners are delivering on commitments they made.

“New Zealand committed at least $65 million over three years for more than 18 projects in seven countries: the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu. We have already exceeded this commitment and now plan to spend more than $80 million on 25 renewable energy projects around the Pacific.

“Collectively these projects will provide substantial economic and environmental benefits for Pacific island countries.

“For example, New Zealand in partnership with the European Union is supporting the development of photovoltaic systems on the outer islands of Tuvalu and the Cook Islands. These systems will provide around 90 per cent of the islands’ power needs by early 2015. In Samoa, three solar projects will increase the amount of electricity generated from renewables by 4.5 percent, and reduce demand for imported diesel by around 3.9 million litres per year.

“In a month’s time the United Nations Small Islands Developing States conference is taking place in Apia. Sustainable energy is one of the key themes of the conference, and this will provide an opportunity for Pacific countries to share their experience of shifting to renewable energy with other small island developing states,” Mr McCully says.

Mr McCully is in Palau for the 45th Pacific Islands Forum.

 

The National Party list for the 2014 election brings together a strong mix of both experienced political leaders and fresh new talent, says National Party President Peter Goodfellow.

“Our 2014 list shows the benefit of our ongoing rejuvenation programme. If National was able to match its election result from 2011, we would bring in as many as 13 new MPs, alongside 46 returning MPs.

“With the depth of talent we have to choose from, settling on a list that balances new blood alongside valuable experience was not an easy task. However, we believe we’ve struck the right mix that will allow for renewal and continued stability in a third term.”

A list ranking committee made up of about 30 delegates from around New Zealand gathered in Wellington yesterday to settle on the List rankings for the September 20 election.

Mr Goodfellow believes the list underlines National’s credentials as a strong economic manager which is working hard for all New Zealanders to deliver more jobs, better public services, and higher wages.

“Our list draws on people from all walks of life, from the social sector, to medicine, business, and agriculture. We have a good blend of candidates from a variety of diverse backgrounds.”

Mr Goodfellow says that sitting MPs and Ministers have been broadly ranked in their current order, but also notes there are a number of electorates with new candidates who are likely to join #TeamKey in September.

“The Party is in great heart, and I want to thank all those MPs who are retiring at this election for their contribution to their country. I also want to thank their families for the sacrifices so many of them have made to support a busy MP.

“Despite positive polling the National Party has a huge task ahead to ensure our supporters get out and vote at this election. An unstable far left coalition remains a very real risk to New Zealand’s positive outlook.

We’ll be working very hard until polling day to sell our positive cohesive plan for New Zealand that builds strongly in what the country has achieved over the last six years.”

The National Party List for the 2014 General election is:

1       John Key                       Helensville

2       Bill English                   List

3       David Carter               List

4       Gerry Brownlee          Ilam

5       Steven Joyce               List

6       Judith Collins              Papakura

7       Hekia Parata               Mana

8       Chris Finlayson          Rongotai

9       Paula Bennett             Upper Harbour

10    Jonathan Coleman    Northcote

11     Murray McCully        East Coast Bays

12    Anne Tolley                 East Coast

13    Nick Smith                   Nelson

14    Tim Groser                   New Lynn

15    Amy Adams                Selwyn

16    Nathan Guy                Otaki

17    Craig Foss                     Tukituki

18    Simon Bridges             Tauranga

19    Nikki Kaye                   Auckland Central

20    Michael Woodhouse   Dunedin North

21    Jo Goodhew                  Rangitata

22    Chester Borrows         Whanganui

23    Todd McClay                Rotorua

24    Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga    Maungakiekie

25    Nicky Wagner             Christchurch Central

26    Lindsay Tisch              Waikato

27    Louise Upston              Taupo

28    Tim Macindoe             Hamilton West

29    Jami-Lee Ross              Botany

30    Paul Goldsmith           Epsom

31    Melissa Lee                   Mt Albert

32    Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi            Manukau East

33    Jian Yang                     List

34    Alfred Ngaro                Te Atatu

35    Maurice Williamson  Pakuranga

36    Jacqui Dean                 Waitaki

37    David Bennett             Hamilton East

38    Jonathan Young         New Plymouth

39    Brett Hudson               Ohariu

40    Maggie Barry              North Shore

41    Ian McKelvie                Rangitikei

42    Mark Mitchell              Rodney

43    Simon O’Connor         Tamaki

44    Mike Sabin                   Northland

45    Scott Simpson             Coromandel

46    Paul Foster-Bell           Wellington Central

47    Joanne Hayes              Christchurch East

48    Parmjeet Parmar       Mt Roskill

49    Chris Bishop                 Hutt South

50    Nuk Korako                  Port Hills

51    Jono Naylor                 Palmerston North

52    Maureen Pugh            West Coast – Tasman

53    Misa Fia Turner          Mangere

54    Todd Barclay               Clutha-Southland

55    Andrew Bayly             Hunua

56    Matt Doocey                 Waimakariri

57    Sarah Dowie                Invercargill

58    Barbara Kuriger         Taranaki-King Country

59    Todd Muller                 Bay of Plenty

60    Shane Reti                    Whangarei

61    Alastair Scott              Wairarapa

62    Stuart Smith               Kaikoura

63    Wayne Walford          Napier

64    Simeon Brown             Manurewa

65    Hamish Walker          Dunedin South

66    Lewis Holden               Rimutaka

67    Karl Varley                  Wigram

68    Candidate TBA            Kelston

69    Linda Cooper               List

70    Letitia O’Dwyer          List

71    Mark Bridges               List

72    Boris Sokratov             List

73    Matthew Evetts          List

74    Carolyn O’Fallon        List

75    Christopher Penk       List

Four young men of Samoan, Niuean, Cook Islands and Maori heritage have won the biggest prize at the Barbershop music awards in the United States.

In accepting the award, their Pacific and Maori heritage spoke through, “In a world that has so much turbulence and so much trouble right now if everyone just sang the world would be a beautiful place, right?”

Lead singer, Maselusa Washburn, Samoan; Jeff and Will Hunkin, tenor and baritone of Samoan/Niuean heritage and bass Matt Gifford of Ngati Kahungunu ki te Wairoa, Tuhoe and Cook Islands, won gold at the International Barbershop Harmony Society Awards in Las Vegas.

The Wellington-based A Capella quartet is the first New Zealand group to win the big prize; and only the second group from outside the US to achieve the feat. They defeated 52 other international acts to claim the title.

But the world champions, who first formed their group in 2002 while attending Wellington’s Tawa College, always pay homage to their Pacific and Maori roots.

“They were particularly thankful for all the support they got from the Tawa, Porirua and local Pacific Island community,” Matt Gifford’s sister, Leah told the Dominion Post yesterday.

Musical Island Boys are following in the footsteps of South Auckland’s Samoan opera trio Sole Mio. Pacific islanders showcasing that when there’s a level playing field, they have the genetic make-up and talent to excel at the highest level well beyond the sporting arena.

New Zealand First’s Pacific spokesperson Le’au Asenati Lole Taylor told Pacific Guardians, “The genes of Polynesians are woven into their innate abilities to perform in so many different areas. From navigation to cultivation, and now with the outstanding voices in music, the combination of Niue/Samoa, Atu Kuki and Tangata Whenua is an achievement that we all must acknowledge.

“The excitement of Pasefika talents when a fair playing field is provided, without doubt exceed expectations.”

She added, “For me, I am proud to be a Samoan,  a Polynesian and New Zealander who is part of a country that produces excellent musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds to a unique Aotearoa heritage we can all take pride in.”

Green MP Ms Jan Logie lives in Porirua, she is also her party’s Pacific spokesperson. She told Pacific Guardians, “The achievement by these four young men signifies the world class potential within our Pasifika and Maori communities. They just need more opportunities, like this and the world, as we have seen recently, is their oyster.

“It is with a special place of pride for our Porirua and Tawa communities that their  contribution is being recognised  in promoting Aotearoa to the world, as a destination vibrant with cultural diversity and heritage. As a Porirua resident and Green Party politician, I am especially proud to support the 12,000 strong Pasifika community that Maselusa, Will, Jeff and Matt represent and they sure have done us all proud.”

The Maori Party’s Te Ururoa Flavell is equally proud.

“Their proudly Pasifika and Maori roots have distinguished them across the globe, leading them to become the first indigenous group to win an international title, in the 2006 world championship under 25 in Indianapolis and now Gold Medal Winners of the 76th annual international barbershop singing convention in Las Vegas “ he said in a statement.

“In their winning performance, they sang Po Atarau/Now is the Hour, again breaking records in being the first group ever to sing in a language other than English”.

As a group, the young men always knew they had a bright future going after their ambitious goals.

Before their latest achievement, Musical Island Boys have performed around the world and are three-time National Barbershop Quartet champions.

“We’ve been best friends and been together since in 2002. We set ourselves a goal that one day we’d do this,” band member Matt Gifford said in their acceptance speech.

“In a world that has so much turbulence and so much trouble right now if everyone just sang the world would be a beautiful place, right?”

Click to view slideshow.

New Zealand has a major workforce problem, it is short of skilled tradespeople. For the Canterbury rebuild alone, it needs 35,000 workers.

In July 2013, Immigration minister Mr Woodhouse estimated “there are only 18,000 currently in the country”.

The Allied Workers Federation (AWF) on their website state: “to have any chance of delivering the necessary skills and servicing the country’s needs in the next 10 years there must be a much greater focus on increasing this pool of skilled Tradespeople.”

A readymade population pool of Pacific and Maori remained untapped until the National government stepped into this space in 2012 and set-up a pilot Pasefika and Maori Trades Training Initiative targeting each group separately.

Its approach to Pacific was different as it identified and reached out to Pacific churches as a key partner to success.

A year later, in its 2013 budget, government committed to the scheme and increased its funding investment to $43million over four years. The funding provides a fees-free place to participants and $4,000 per learner for the fees subsidy and additional pastoral care.

In this new phase, the two groups were brought under one umbrella, the Maori and Pasifika Trades Training Initiative, with the new national goal of recruiting and training 3000 scholars in four years. Management of the program in different regions will be through Consortia of Maori/Pacific organisations, tertiary education organisations, and employers.

For Pasifika’s 1,500 quota, the aim is to provide:

• a pathway for Pasifika learners who would not normally enter trades training
• to increase their opportunities for future employment within chosen trades
• an opportunity for Pasifika learners to continue on to study higher level qualifications within  tertiary study.

In the Wellington region, scholars take up their trades training at Weltec in Petone and Whitreia in Porirua, while the Pacific Ministers Forum provide the recruitment and pastoral care.

Earlier this week on Tuesday, Whitireia’s inaugural intake of 21 recipients held a small celebration to acknowledge all of them achieving first semester milestones. And an opportunity to meet the people behind the Wellington Consortium.

The gathering also served two other purposes. For students to formally present their work to the management group; and for Whitireia’s management and church leaders to fine-tune their partnership and collaborative approach to the scheme.

There is a lot riding on the success of these first scholars-for all parties concerned.

Rev Nove Vaila’au represents the church ministers group on the Consortium. He told students, “We want a 100 per cent success at graduation. You are the first lot in this new journey and if you do it well then others will also come along and take part in this opportunity.

“So you have a responsibility in receiving that scholarship to make sure that you pass, that you attend everyday, and make sure that you do all the work that is given to you by your tutors, nothing less.”

He added, “On our part, we are doing everything in our power to push the whole scheme so when you graduate from here … that you go through to an apprenticeship scheme.”

To achieve a 100 per cent success for students will involve an enormous amount work outside the classroom, both at Whitireia campus and in the wider community.

The new undertaking discussed at the meeting on Tuesday will break new grounds in education delivery for Pacific communities. It is proposing a merging of the formal and informal sectors at a regional scale. The challenges involved are not standard.

What is known by the Samoan and Pacific community is that education success for their children must include cultural and religious context, and changes looked resetting of mindsets and behaviour of all parties, from students, staff, community leaders and individual families.

Overall success will also need more specific government intervention, to put in place concrete pathways that will connect the scheme directly with apprenticeships and jobs. That sought for government intervention if it happens will increase Pacific business participation and success. It will lead to certification that will unlock the potential for self-employment and populate a Pacific network of trades professionals and enterprises.

The challenges stunting Pacific students achieving in education have been known for a while but a formal process that encapsulates a Pacific solution taking in the informal and formal sectors is not in place.

It is not easy as the complexity involved in extending and merging a tertiary institute’s staff, learning, administration, counseling, student policies framework and intellectual property into the social fabric of the community and individual families’ homes is enormous.

But that is exactly the undertaking being constructed by Whitireia and Pacific church leaders in this case.

If successful, it will advance a paradigm shift on a way Pacific students approach learning, and creation of support networks to maintain and enhance it. On the other side, provide a guide for the formal education system to realign its teaching approach and pedagogies in key areas that will unlock Pacific students’ learning potential.

The church itself, in providing pastoral care under the Scheme, has revised its approach to add social intervention to its spiritual mission.

“It’s about changing the mentality of our people from waiting to be saved to one about what is the long-term thinking of parents towards their children. As they enter into college and beyond, how do they want things to be for him or her?”

It has meant pushing churches to set-up educational program within the community.

“Initiatives like mentoring programs are now starting to happen and making homes as educational positives that provide support and encouragement. Essentially what we’re saying is that the future of our people become part of our ongoing work and lives – a more holistic approach.”

That holistic approach has been extended to Whitireia.

“If you come across a student going through difficulty and don’t know where the problem is, we would be very happy to come into that discussion,” Rev Nove told Whitireia managers.

“Maybe our connection to the communities, our access to the language could be the answer.”

The vision of the group repeated Rev Nove, “100 per cent going in and 100 per cent coming out – so anything that gets in the way and jeopardies that means we need to work together to solve that problem. We cannot let it go without finding a way to solve it – there has to be a way.”

Rev Nove has been involved with the Pasefika Trades Training from day-one. Money he said is not the issue at this early stage.

“As a community, we want our members of congregation to be employed. We would like our Pacific people to go to the right jobs,” he said.

“We have been doing this without money from the beginning because what has never clouded in the minds of our organisations is that what we are doing is for the future – that is all. We are very enthusiastic about that. With or without money, we will do it.”

For Whitireia managers Charles Aliva and Leisha Williams, the pastoral care element is crucial.

One aspect of the pastoral care work is to rebuild a student’s educational toolbox and put them back on track.

A case in point is a student who dropped out of school at 15 and came back at 18 to study.

“These are hands on courses and many young people in those situations do not have the core skills to start with, let alone deal with it,” said Charles, who is the Pastoral Care Coodinator.

Students confidence in their abilities at the start would be low, and the education environment itself would be intimidating and can end up being the cause of failure rather than any lack of academic ability he said.

Leisha, the Pacific Success Advisor works with staff from different areas and students “identifying anything that will get in the way. It’s about promoting success and getting away from the deficit model that Pacific islands students do not do well.

“For us, the expectation is that students at Whitireia are going to succeed and if there’s anything that’s going to get in the way of that then we will find what that is and a way to overcome that.”

An example said Leisha is provision of “academic support in terms of writing, reading and their assignments or connecting them with the right services or their tutors.”

It’s about building resilience, capability and confidence to succeed within a tertiary environment.

Charles, agrees and says that is where most of the time and resources in the program are invested.

“The time and effort we spend on pastoral care gets everything aligned. It is what determines the success of the program because these recipients do not come straight from a classroom or work environments.”

But all the training will not guarantee an apprenticeship or training. That is where the priority focus of the Reverends Forum and Whitireia management is now focused.

“In between the training and employment there is an apprenticeship that needs to happen,” Rev Nove told students.

“However, out there in the market it’s very difficult to make sure that that is in place but we’re trying our best.”

The Consortium’s efforts will be made easier if students at Whitireia and Weltec provide them with the ammunition of a 100 per cent pass rate at the end of the 2014 training program.

It will also be an indication that New Zealand’s shortage of skilled Tradespeople is being addressed.

 

2014 PASIFIKA TRADES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Name                                             Trade                          Ethnicity

Robert Vaafusuaga-Erica               Carpentry                     Samoan

Vasa Vaila’au                                    Carpentry                      Samoan

Caleb Farley                                      Carpentry                      Niuean

Daniel Seko                                       Carpentry                      Samoan

Mack Bauro                                       Carpentry                      Kiribati

Teleekai Teaiolo                               Carpentry                      Tuvalu

Feofaaki (Aki) Tuangalu                 Carpentry                      Tongan

Willie Ropati                                     Adv Automotive            Samoan

Simon Puia-Betham                        Adv Automotive            Samoan/Cook Is

Manuela Emile                                 Electrical                         Cook Islands

Tofu (Pati) Tuugamusu                   Electrical                        Samoan

Oliver Fidow                                      Electrical                        Samoan

Paulo Agafili                                      Electrical                        Samoan

Sione Nuku                                        Electrical                        Tongan

Pasia Filo                                            Plumbing                        Samoan

Vincent Vaovasa                               Plumbing                        Samoan

Bradley Moafanua                            Plumbing                        Samoan

Jermal Taliauli                                  Plumbing                        Samoan

Opeti Miller                                        Electrical                        Tongan/Maori

Meseka Lupo                                      Electrical                        Samoan

Talalelei (Junior) Etuale                  Carpentry                      Samoan

 

 

Construction started today on the $30 million NZ government aided solar power projects in the Cook Islands and Tuvalu.

Much of the Pacific is reliant on burning imported diesel for power, which is not only expensive but can also destroy the environment.

NZ’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Murray McCully says the construction will result in 95 per cent of the electricity in the Cook Islands and Tuvalu supplied by solar energy.

“In the Cook Islands, New Zealand is supporting the construction of eight solar generation systems for the six outer islands of Rakahanga, Pukapuka, Nassau, Penrhyn, Manihiki and Palmerston. The total value of this investment is $20.5 million,” says Mr McCully.

“In Tuvalu we will develop four mini-grid solar/hybrid systems on the Islands of Niutao, Nanumanga, Nanumea and Vaitupu, at a total cost of $13.9 million.”

Tauranga-based company PowerSmart is the contractor. The company recently completed a similar project in Tokelau that now powers 100 per cent of its electricity needs.

“PowerSmart has a strong track record of working with New Zealand and Pacific Governments on renewable energy projects. PowerSmart delivered the recently completed Tokelau Renewable Energy Project which saw a win for Tokelau at the 2014 EECA Renewable Energy Awards,” says Mr McCully.

The Tokelau project sees the island save nearly $900,000 in diesel costs every year and reduces its CO2 emissions by over 1300 tonnes.

“These are exactly the sort of results we want to replicate across the Pacific through our support for renewable energy initiatives,” Mr McCully says.

Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) Te Aho Maui has teamed up with the Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute to deliver several trades courses in Rarotonga.

In the past, CITTI has worked with a number of New Zealand tertiary educators in delivering trades and other programmes to students on its campus in Avarua, the island group’s capital.   Last year, aiming to consolidate, it singled out EIT to be its key partner – a move based on EIT’s reputation and experience with similar programmes and students.

The partnership has continued to grow since it was signed off by CITTI, EIT and NZQA early this year.  At EIT’s end, it is being managed by deputy chief executive Claire Hague and overall project manager Aayden Clarke.

CITTI saw EIT’s role in Tairāwhiti as a plus, Claire says.

“The populations and needs are in some cases similar.  A high number of youth need support into foundation-level study and transitioning between secondary and tertiary education.  And the need for economic development in the Cooks, like Gisborne, is underpinned by industry skills training.”

Aayden says the partnership also has benefits for EIT.

“Our staff are learning flexibility in delivering programmes.  The tutors who go from here to the Cook Islands have to be a good fit to teach the students well.”

The Level 1 Certificate in Applied Practical Skills programme started in the first semester and a second semester Certificate in Foundation Skills (Allied Trades) Level 2 programme is planned to provide a continuing pathway.

A first block course was held for electrical trades, and Level 3 electrical units are being explored as a pathway for this group of students.

At CITTI’s request, EIT has also assisted in developing and implementing office and administrative systems and purchasing equipment for its trades school.  A pallet loaded with lawn mower engines and welding equipment was sent in March.

The partnership arrangement is for one year at a time.

“We have formed a really good relationship with the Cook Islanders and by continuing to work around their needs we hope to have further opportunities,” says Claire.  “We are building CITTI’s capability so they can eventually operate on their own.”

Cook Islands secretary of education Sharyn Paio says she has been “really impressed” with the support EIT has provided for CITTI tutors and students.

“This partnership has been crucial to the success of CITTI which we are now starting to see emerge.”

Source: PR EIT  - Eastern Institute of Technology Te Aho a Māui

 

Piripo Elisaia or “Mama Pi” is one of nine Pacific recipients honored by the Queen this year. A well deserved award for her life-long service to the Pacific community.

But it was two years ago that this writer met her, to write about her 75^th birthday. Following is that 2011 story. It takes in her journey that started on the coral islet of Te Ulu-o-Te-Watu, more commonly known to a few as Pukapuka. Of a young girl who loved climbing coconut trees, catch fish with her bare hands and “everything was free”.

Written by L.A.F Tauafiafi

She said it was a small quiet one.

That’s how Mrs Pi Elisaia, a Cook Islander, described her 75^th birthday celebration last week.

“It was nice and personal without too much noise,” she told the NZ Pacific.

Affectionately known in the community as ‘Mama Pi’, Mrs Elisara is no ordinary woman.

She is one of the co-founders of Pacific Homecare a facility that opened last year after 23-years of endeavour. The other co-founder, Mama Matarena George, passed away.

At 75, she’s still involved as a sitting board member and doing what she and Mama George started 24-years ago. That is visiting the immobile, ‘physically impaired’ elderly many of them in the ‘over 60 age bracket.’

And she does not want to stop.

“I’ve had people and my family say I should slow down. That I should now look at resting up.”

But just the sheer thought of staying at home has Mama Pi near tears with fright.

“What will I do?,” she asked.

“At least here I’m active, I’m contributing and doing what I love.”

In fact she was thinking about ways to get the homebound elderly out of their houses.

“I think it would be great to have them come together, maybe once a week, here at Pacific Homecare, where we can talk and share.”

She revealed there’s free space available at the facility to host such a fellowship. She perked up and said she will take it up with Hamish Crooks, the CEO.

When asked for her thoughts about the younger generation of today, there is sadness in her eyes.

“I feel for our young tamariki. In my younger days, we didn’t have so many problems as they are having to face today.

“There is also a loosening of the family bonds, there are the many different foods causing a rise in illnesses like diabetes, and there’s generally less time and opportunities for the elders to talk and nurture the young ones.”

She thought back to her younger days and a broad smile appeared.

“Ahh, I remember climbing the coconut trees to get the coconuts and then husking them,” she said. “Then the ocean was just there and fish was abundant. You just had to swim to the reef or paddle a canoe to get them. It means exercise was part of our lifestyle and food we got was from direct from the source, none of this processed stuff.”

Mama Pi was born and raised in the island of Pukapuka. A coral atoll made up of three islets located some 1140 kilometres northwest of Rarotonga. Its traditional name is Te Ulu-o-Te-Watu (‘the head of the stone’), and the northern islet where people normally live is affectionately known as Wale (Home). It has close links to Samoa.

“When I was young we didn’t have any of these illnesses like diabetes.”

Essentially, memory of her home island is summed in one word, “freedom”.

“That’s freedom from money, freedom to eat what we want, freedom to believe.”

She remembers the sea breeze, the smell of freshness, and care-free laughter of the children and adults.

In contrast to today, “It seems like we have to buy freedom”. In context she said, “To be healthy we need to buy a gym membership, buy vegetables, buy medicine.”

Add to the list are many other things including the GST.

But Mama Pi is neither disheartened nor discouraged. She feels the elderlies in today’s society have a role.

“We can help. I have ideas whereby all these experiences that us old people have can be used to help our young people of today overcome some of their problems.

“And I would rather do that, than staying at home watching TV.”

She added, “Sometimes our families think people like me should be at home resting because we’ve done our bit and deserve the rest. And I understand that, but really, for me, it will feel like I’m being discarded waiting to die.”

At the opening of Pacific Homecare on 1 December, 2011, CEO Mr Hamish Crooks said, “Mama Pi and Matarena, set the pace. A lot of people talk about community development but they just got down and did it. So here we are today, 23-years later, [she’s] still going strong if not stronger.”

Stronger in this sense could see greater involvement by Mama Pi to developing ways to involve Pacific elderlies and their wealth of knowledge and experience. Some of those experiences could be the only link to cultural practices, climate patterns, and history of Pacific nations, like Pukapuka.