Hosting Auckland Council's First Ever Pasifika Youth Focused Consultation

Te Atatu South, Auckland – On March 18th, the Te Atatu South Community Centre buzzed with youthful energy and vibrant discussions as Auckland Council hosted its first-ever Pasifika Youth Focused Consultation. This groundbreaking event was meticulously planned and executed by Kayla Schwalger, co-founder of Tapasā, in partnership with Ei Moana Consultants Ltd, led by Repeka George Koketa.

The consultation focused on Auckland Council’s proposed long-term plan, which outlines funding and initiatives over the next 10 years. It provided a unique platform for Pasifika youth to voice their concerns and aspirations directly to Auckland Council members.

The consultation was a critical step in ensuring that Pasifika youth had a say in shaping the future of Auckland, particularly regarding the allocation of council funding and resources. Kayla emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting the lack of representation in decision-making positions. “It’s a massive reality that we don’t see people who look like us in positions of power to make the right decisions for those most vulnerable. However, seeing our youth last night, who have all had their hand in serving their community through different ways, being able to speak their truth and have their say to the Auckland Councillors was so inspiring and incredibly important.”

Repeka George Koketa served as the event’s MC, skillfully guiding the evening’s proceedings. Grace Senio, Tapasā’s youth navigator, ran engaging ice-breakers, while Caspian Tait and Joachim Tuhara, two Māori leaders prominent in the West Auckland youth Māori cultural scene, performed waiata for the audience, adding a layer of cultural richness to the event.

The youth fono was an opportunity for Pasifika youth to discuss pressing issues affecting their communities and propose solutions. The feedback from Auckland Council was overwhelmingly positive, recognizing the critical need for such engagements. There is potential for Kayla to be brought on as a Pacific Youth Engagement Partner, addressing a significant gap in youth representation within the council’s initiatives.

Reflecting on the event, Kayla shared, “O le ala i le pule o le tautua - the pathway to leadership is through service - our young people know what’s up when it comes to their communities because they are the ones living and breathing the issues and being there firsthand to try and help fix it. Here’s to more opportunities like this for our Māori and Pasifika youth to start to make a change in the near future!”

Kayla expressed her gratitude and pride, stating, "Fa’afetai tele lava to all our youth and their parents who came to our youth fono last night! In partnership with Ei Moana Consultants Ltd, we were able to plan and host Auckland Council’s first ever PASIFIKA YOUTH based consultation. It was a great night with our future leaders asking the questions that are important to all our Pasifika communities here in Auckland and talking to issues that affect them as Pasifika Youth."

The successful event underscored the importance of providing platforms for youth voices in civic matters, particularly in the context of Auckland Council’s long-term plan. By engaging directly with the youth, Auckland Council demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity and responsiveness to the needs of its diverse communities.

As the evening concluded, the sense of accomplishment and hope for future collaborations was evident. The first-ever Pasifika Youth Focused Consultation has set a precedent for ongoing dialogue and partnership between Auckland Council and its vibrant Pasifika community, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed in the long-term planning of the city.