Press Release
For Immediate Release
7 May 2009

New Zealand NGO Supports Pacific and Maori dialogue

Wellington-based NGO, the Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF), observes that greater connection between Maori groups and Pacific peoples should be expected as New Zealand explores its identity as a Pacific nation. Sending a delegation to hold informal talks with various organisations in Fiji is an example of this.

PCF Chief Executive, Meg Poutasi notes that even with the distinct cultural differences between Pacific nations and Maori, the Maori notion of “kanohi ki te kanohi” (or face to face meeting) resonates with the ‘Pacific Way’ of mediation and conflict resolution.

PCF supports and acknowledges ongoing relationships between Maori and the Pacific, including both historical genealogical connections (such as the on-going relationship between Ngati Porou and Cook Islanders), and now increasingly, familial connections through inter-marriage with Pacific peoples in New Zealand.

“Our organisation promotes a greater understanding of the Pacific in New Zealand and favours open dialogue as a general approach to advancing issues, recognising that this can occur on a number of levels. In the case of Fiji, it’s important to note that throughout this crisis informal engagement has and will continue to take place between New Zealand-based communities and family groups with their affiliates in Fiji. This planned visit by Maori can be viewed as an exploration of community linkage that all Pacific peoples can contribute to, but at the end of the day the solutions to this crisis must come from the people of Fiji,”adds Ms Poutasi.

The Pacific Cooperation Foundation is a public/private sector partnership focussed on fostering understanding of the Pacific within New Zealand.

ENDS

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