Growing Pasifika Solutions for our Young People (GPS 2016) took place over the past three days in Manukau. Now in its third year, the event aims to bring people together to showcase cutting-edge solutions from the perspective of Pasifika young people.
Around 350 people attended the event, many of whom are involved in work in social sectors that impacts the lives of Pasifika youth.
Mayor Len Brown, who spoke at the conference on 22 April, touched on a number of the pressing social and health issues that Auckland’s Pasifika communities are facing.
“An incredibly important way of responding to challenges – particularly when dealing with young people – is to ensure they are supported to voice their opinions, and to know they will be listened to.”
The mayor also spoke about the strength in Auckland’s diversity. “When we brought the united Auckland together – 220 ethnicities and around the same number of villages across Auckland – we understood one thing. That our diversity is our strength – that there is never just one way to deal with a challenge.”
Mr Brown described the event as a fantastic initiative that brings together informed, forward-thinking, passionate people that give youth the tools to have their say and find solutions.
