Call for greater understanding

Press, 9 February 1985, Page 8

Call for greater understanding

Government departments often lacked knowledge on matters concering Pacific communities, said the Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Mr Prebble, in Christchurch last evening. Some Pacific communities also needed more understanding of the resources available in Government departments. “What we intend to do is make sure that Government departments are aware of, and respond to, your needs and that you are aware of what is available,” he said. Mr Prebble was speaking

at the opening last evening of the Pacifica women’s conference at the University of Canterbury. The opening was a colourful occasion, with songs and prayer. The new Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs would not be a big bureaucracy, said Mr Prebble. It would be a small unit with a handful of staff and an advisory council with representatives of the main Pacific Island communities. “The first and most important thing we must do is make sure there are effective channels of communication between Pacific

Island people in New Zealand and the Government,” he said. Pacifica had proved over its nine-year history that New Zealand’s different Pacific Island communities could work together for common aims while maintaining and enjoying their cultural differences, said Mr Prebble. The organisation also demonstrated another remarkable feature of New Zealand society, which was the.significant contribution made by Pacific women to their families, the community, and the nation.

The Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs had the same aims as Pacifica. He hoped the Ministry would make Pacific Islanders more aware of the opportunities to take up positions of influence and responsibility in Government and private enterprise. “Believe me, New Zealand needs you. No country can afford to ignore the potential of such a large segment of its society," Mr Prebble said. Mr Prebble wanted to encourage organisations such as Pacifica to make a bigger contribution to Gov-

ernment. As an example, he said the group should consider making submissions to next month’s Government summit conference on employment. The Minister of Women’s Affairs, Mrs Hercus, said that her new Ministry would represent the interests of all women, including Maori and Pacific Island women, and the whole spectrum of women’s activities. She issued a challenge to Pacifica to send a Pacific Island woman to Parliament so that “we can say we do truly have a House of Representatives.”