The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the world and disrupted the normality of nations and their citizens everyday lives. Looking within our nation of Aotearoa and more specifically Auckland which can be considered a central hub for Pasifika people. We see that the pandemic has caused our Pasifika people to act in response to this threat but also has brought to light various issues that require our governments attention and thought. 

Through this talanoa hosted by Dr. Siautu Alefaio that included panel members Magele Sosefina Paletaoga (Otara Health), Fa’anana Efeso Collins (Auckland Councillor), Andrew Peteru (Auckland University) and Dr. Jane Rovins (International disaster specialist). The discussion highlighted the following key points: how information regarding the COVID-19 response plan from the New Zealand government is presented to our Pasifika community, responses from our Pasifika communities to the lockdown measures and recognition of the Pasifika worldviews and their relevance to planning and decision-making in response to disasters. 

This talanoa through the highlighted issues shows that our Pasifika communities are resilient in the face of adversity but also that there are still many social inequities that our people face. We hope that this talanoa would foster action and thought around thinking, planning and praxis to better represent our Pasifika communities.