Pasifika Network
We are open to employees who identify themselves as Pasifika or employees who want to learn more about the Pasifika cultures. Our aim is to look for opportunities to develop, encourage, and support our members in a positive and fun way, through participation in monthly meetings, organising cultural and social events throughout the year, and providing a culturally safe environment for discussion.
Who are we?
Tagata Pasifika Network (Inland Revenue)
The Network was created for Pacific peoples (or those who identify with a Pasifika nation) working for Inland Revenue in Wellington. But, people from any culture can join us. You'll be most welcome. The Network is like the family you have at work. The network could be expanded to other offices.
We all feel more confident when we know there's someone looking out for us. That's what our Inland Revenue Tagata Pasifika Network (Pacific peoples network) is all about. Members can count on support both here at work and in their personal lives.
Established in the late 1990s, the Network is one of the oldest cultural networks in the New Zealand public service.
There are approximately 60 members based in our Wellington offices at Hawkestone Street and the Asteron Centre. Pacific countries represented include:
- Samoa
- Tonga
- Niue
- Cook Islands
- Tokelau
- Fiji
- Non-Pasifika background
Taha Moana (Department of Internal Affairs)
Taha Moana, Department of Internal Affairs’ Pacific Peoples Network, is a professional support network for our Pacific people. The purpose of the network is:
“To better serve Pacific citizens and communities by increasing Pacific cultural capability and understanding across the Department and to connect and support Pacific staff to be successful”.
At Department of Internal Affairs we recognise and value inclusion and diversity. Department of Internal Affairs’ Pacific Peoples Network was founded in 1994. In 2017 it went through a refresh and rebrand to align it with the current Department of Internal Affairs focus areas and purpose and position it under Te Ara Vaka, our Pacific strategy.
Our goals
Our Network aims to:
- create awareness or avenues available to members for further education and career advancement within Inland Revenue
- promote and create awareness of our network and its members, to help benefit the wider community
- provide support for Inland Revenue in key events eg, Pacific language weeks
- provide feedback on proposals that may impact Pacific peoples within our communities and/or within Inland Revenue.
What we're about
Tagata Pasifika Network (Inland Revenue)
Network members regularly get together for fun activities outside of work hours. Some past events include:
- rugby games (against BNZ and the Ministry of Social Development)
- ten-pin bowling
- netball games
- Public Sector Pasifika networks Quiz Night.
- Every year we bring as many Pasifika Networks together to participate in the annual cultural sports day.
Taha Moana (Department of Internal Affairs)
- Peer support and connections with other Pacific colleagues,
- Professional development opportunities
- Opportunities to share cultural expertise and advice with others
Why you should join us?
Tagata Pasifika Network (Inland Revenue)
- We help members to make the most of their career and family life within and out of Inland Revenue.
- We keep an eye out for opportunities at work. If we think a member has the right skills and experience, we'll encourage them to put themselves forward.
- We run workshops for our people to learn important skills, such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and presenting to a group.
- We recognise and celebrate successes, such as promotions, graduations, or even a decision to leave IR to take on a new role, course of study, or to follow a passion.
Taha Moana (Department of Internal Affairs)
- Provide a support network for our Pacific people.
- Promote Pacific culture and language to the Department.
- Provide DIA managers and staff with access to Pacific cultural expertise and resources.
- Advocate for Pacific staff in recruitment and career development.
- Support the development of resources to raise Pacific cultural awareness.
- Support the DIA National Pacific Staff Fono.
- Promote Leo o te Pasifika, DIA’s Pacific Language Weeks programme .
- Support the implementation of Te Ara Vaka (DIA’s Pasifika Strategy).