Breaking ground for Pasifika in Waikato

The hub, which is supported by an $8 million Provincial Development Unit (PDU) investment, will provide the rapidly growing Pasifika population in Waikato with an early learning centre, community health services and business development facilities such as meeting and activity space.

The project is managed by K’aute Pasifika Trust, and Chief Executive Leaupepe Rachel Karalus says the celebration is a prime example of what can be achieved through collaboration.

"This has been a journey of over 21 years. We are grateful for the strong relationships and support from our mana whenua and Pacific communities," says Rachel.

"This project brings together different cultures, partnerships with business and community and government agencies."

"The hub is about inclusion and ensuring the needs of the community are understood and met. The hub came about because of the community and is for the community.

"This is more than a collection of buildings. We know the hub will bring people together regardless of their ethnicity, religion, gender, age and sexuality, and we want to acknowledge that."

Earlier in the week, communities of faith with links to Sāmoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands celebrated the launch of the Waikato Pasifika churches renovation programme.

The PDU-supported renovations are set to create more than 50 employment opportunities through more than 14 businesses, a majority of which are owned by Māori and Pasifika people.

K'aute Pasifika Trust welcomed the community to a special ceremony to mark the beginning of work on the Pan Pacific Hub, on Saturday 5 December.