Book shows decades of policy failing Pacific peoples

A landmark volume, Understanding Pacific Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing Challenges in Aotearoa New Zealand, was launched by Pacific scholars at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland on 6 March.

Bringing together leading Pacific scholars and practitioners, the textbook examines why decades of policy attention have not delivered equitable outcomes, and sets out practical directions for change.

Edited by Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Li’amanaia Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, and Malaeulu Associate Professor Seuta’afili Patrick Thomsen, the text outlines major Pacific wellbeing priorities, including maternal, child and youth health, mental health, disability, Rainbow+ communities, addiction, men’s health, data sovereignty, Whānau Ora, and long‑term evidence.

Designed for students, clinicians, public servants and community leaders advancing Pacific health, the editors have ensured the book is available online and free to read in e-book form.

University of Auckland Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga (Alofi/Niue), Associate Dean Pacific and Co-Director Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa - Centre for Global and Pacific Health, says the evidence is clear that policy must now translate into measurable gains.

“Pacific peoples are among the most researched communities in Aotearoa, yet too often our health systems fail to convert evidence into outcomes. This book is both a reality check and a roadmap. It calls for services that are accountable to Pacific families, led by Pacific expertise, and resourced to deliver equity.”

Li’amanaia Dr Roannie Ng Shiu (Leone, Savaia, Lefaga/Sāmoa), Senior Research Fellow and Co Director, Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, and Executive Director Pacific Academy of Sciences, says the collection centres Pacific voices and methods.

“Our contributors ground solutions in Pacific knowledge - identity, language, relationships and data sovereignty. When services reflect who we are and how we live, access improves and outcomes follow. This is how we move from reports about Pacific communities to results with Pacific communities.”

Malaeulu Associate Professor Seuta’afili Patrick Thomsen (Vaimoso/Sāmoa), University of Otago Wellington, highlights the book’s attention to groups often overlooked in mainstream models of care.

“Equity means seeing the whole community - women, rangatahi, disabled people and Rainbow+ Pacific. The chapters show what works when lived experience guides design and delivery. This is a practical resource for people building services that are inclusive by default.”

The volume features contributions from many of Aotearoa’s leading Pacific health experts, including Dame Teuila Percival, Dr Karaponi Okesene Gafa, Phylesha Brown Acton, Professor El Shadan Tautolo, Professor Vili Nosa, Dr Corina Grey, Debbie Sorensen, Dr Edmond Fehoko, Dr Siale Foliaki, Dr Sam Manuela, Dr Leon Iusitini, Dr Brittany Stanley Wishart, Asetoa Sam Pilisi, Sione Tu’itahi, Allyssa Verner Pula, Fetaui Iosefo and more.

Addressing equity for Pacific Rainbow+ communities, disability, Whānau Ora and Pacific workforce leadership, the book also draws on evidence from the Pacific Islands Families study, COVID 19 learnings and future focused approaches to health promotion and system reform.

Dedication to the late Tunumafono Fa’amoetauola Avaula Colenso Fa’amoe

The book is dedicated to the late Tunumafono Fa’amoetauola Avaula Colenso Fa’amoe (MNZM) who passed away last November, he authored a chapter on the Pacific disability community. A champion in the world of the disability community, he was also instrumental in lobbying for the lifejacket bylaw, making lifejackets compulsory on small boats across Auckland.

Fa’amoe's chapter traces the evolution of the Pacific disability community (tagata sa’ilimalo) over the past two decades, highlighting key relationships, major policy shifts and emerging models of support led by Pacific collectives.

Sir Collin says the textbook covers a range of health and well-being issues commonly affecting Pacific communities in Aotearoa, however this is not an exhaustive list.

“A follow-up edition would help booster knowledge and tools around challenges not covered in this edition. This is something we are already discussing and hope to make progress on soon.”

Open access and online availability

To remove cost and access barriers, the editors have made the book available online and free to read in e-book form. The digital edition is mobile friendly and screen reader compatible, enabling students, practitioners and community leaders to engage with the material on any device.

Alongside the free e-book, lower cost paperback and hardback bookstore editions are available for libraries, classrooms and long term reference.