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Pasifika

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Jobs where Pasifika people can make a difference

Pasifika peoples are often very involved in the wider community through church, sports, cultural events and other activities. These connections can have a strong influence on the types of careers that Pasifika peoples pursue.

Though there are a wide range of jobs to choose from, the following are industries where Pasifika people can make a strong contribution to outcomes for their communities. They also offer the opportunity to incorporate elements of their Pasifika identity and cultural values into their jobs.

Health

Attracting more Pasifika people into careers is key to improving outcomes and reducing health inequalities among Pasifika communities. There is a wide range of opportunities in this field, from nursing and medicine to health research and community health. Health promotion has also become an important focus in Pasifika communities.

Many development schemes and scholarships are offered to help Pasifika peoples move into the health sector.

Possible careers in this area: nurse, doctor, pharmacist and health researcher.

Zafar Smith

"I have always felt that community work was an influential part of life, and I’m now mentoring a group of young Pacific Islanders with the aim of inspiring confidence and a career in the health profession."

Zafar Smith, Senior Health Officer

    Community services

    Amelia Antonio talks to a teenager who is reading a book
    As a youth librarian, Amelia Antonio works to get teenagers reading

    Many Pasifika are driven to work with and help their community to achieve better results for their people. This can range from community law, to youth work and mentoring, social work, counselling or working for the local council. A range of careers, training options and qualifications exist for people wishing to contribute to their community’s development.

    Possible careers in this area: researcher, community worker, social worker, health promoter, youth worker and therapist.

    Education

    Pasifika teachers are in strong demand due to growing numbers of Pasifika students and because Pasifika teachers make great role models for Pasifika students.

    It is known that to achieve better educational achievement for Pasifika students, we need more quality Pasifika teachers - from early childhood and primary through to secondary and tertiary teaching.

    manutai leaupepe

    "Being able to train our people to go back into their centres and empower their community is another motivation for me to teach. I have had wonderful people supporting me, and I want to give good experiences to other people too.”

    Manutai Leaupepe, Tertiary Lecturer

    Science

    There is growing recognition that diverse cultural views and community concerns need to be taken into account in science debates, research and product development. The inclusion of Pasifika views and perspectives across science disciplines is critical to ensure that cultural perspectives and customs are appropriately represented. For example, in areas such as resource management, biological research, genetic engineering and environmental/geological science.

    Possible careers in this area: biochemist, environmental scientist, marine biologist, physicist and zoologist. 

    Creative industries

    Sheyne Tuffery next to one of his paintings.
    Artist and gallery owner Sheyne Tuffery says that art is in his blood

    Pasifika cultures have a rich history of visual arts and crafts, music and dance, fashion and design, and poetry and storytelling. Events such as the Pasifika Festival, Style Pasifika, and Pacific Music Awards have recently showcased the talent of Pasifika in the creative fields. Pasifika broadcasting – such as Tagata Pasifika and community radio – and publications such as Spasifik also offer career options alongside the mainstream media.

    Possible careers in this area: artist/craftsperson, weaver, entertainer, author, musician, radio and television presenter, graphic designer, landscape designer, fashion designer and photographer.