Purpose and approach

Critical to the success of the development of the Action Plan, was the need to talanoa with Pacific disabled people from the outset of the process.

A series of community talanoa were held to capture the voices of Pacific disabled people, their Aiga, family carers, Pacific and non-pacific providers, support networks, and Villages[1].

Pacific talanoa were established across the four main centers and in smaller regions. Regional leadership of Pacific disability was utilised to lead and facilitate these regional talanoa. We also sought mandates from regions and respective Island groups as a mechanism for providing Island group by Island group voice. 

In addition to working with various groups, we also broadened our engagement mechanisms to include:

• an online survey to collect feedback from a wider range of people, those who couldn’t otherwise attend any of the face-to-face talanoa to better inform Pacific disability wellbeing outcomes. (Appendix three)
• online-zoom talonoa, were hosted to ensure those who could not attend in person talanoa could have their say to inform the final plan, virtually.
• Blind/low vision focus group facilitated by Blind/Low Vision New Zealand
• Pacific disabled people in residential care focus group

Kapasa – Pacific Policy Analysis Tool

The Ministry for Pacific Peoples’, Pacific Policy Analysis Tool – Kapasa, has been included to add value to the public policy development process. It encourages a strengths-based approach to policy development that draws upon the strengths and values of Pacific families and communities.

Effective engagement with Pacific people and/or service providers is an important element throughout all the phases of the talanoa process using the Yavu tool of engagement.

[1] In the documentation, "villages" refers to the regions where Pacific disabled people and their families reside. This familiar terminology allows for connection to traditional and community living that embodies belonging and identity.