Following a tragic incident at Dunedin’s bus hub last year, Pacific Trust Otago (PTO) is taking proactive steps to prevent such occurrences in the future. The organization has been granted $425,000 by the Otago Community Trust to launch a groundbreaking three-year initiative focused on empowering and supporting Pacific youth aged 16-24 in Dunedin.
The initiative comes in response to the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Enere McLaren-Taana by a 13-year-old boy at the Dunedin Bus Hub. PTO’s chief executive, Fa’animo Elisara-Too, emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying issues within the Pasifika community and taking ownership of creating positive change.
The three-year program will begin with a research and strategy development phase, engaging with Pasifika youth through traditional Pacific dialogue to understand their needs and challenges. The initiative aims to address disparities in education, employment, and wellbeing faced by Pasifika youth in Aotearoa.
Over the course of the project, PTO plans to implement targeted strategies and action plans developed in collaboration with the community. The focus will be on promoting mental wellbeing, expanding career opportunities, and nurturing cultural arts programming to strengthen Pacific identities and heritage.
By bringing together youth, parents, grandparents, and community leaders, the initiative seeks to foster intergenerational communication, promote pride in Pacific cultural identities, and inspire youth through successful Pasifika role models. Ultimately, the project aims to create sustainable pathways for Tangata Moana youth, empowering them to shape a future filled with hope, resilience, and possibility.
The initiative represents a strategic investment in building resilience, creativity, and cultural richness within the Pasifika community. PTO is committed to supporting the journey of Pacific youth, ensuring that they are equipped to honor their past while shaping a promising future.
Contact: john.lewis@odt.co.nz
