The FVSV Pacific Practitioners Fono began with a national Fono in July 2023 for Pacific Pratitioners’ working in the NGO & Community services in the areas of family and/or sexual violence.  Over the past year, separate Fono’s were then held in different regional areas throughout Aotearoa, ending on the 27th of June this year with the Tāmaki Makaurau Fono – the chance for Auckland-based practitioners to come together again a year later.

The Tāmaki Makaurau Fono FVSV Pacific Practioners’ Fono was held at the Holiday Inn Auckland Airport Hotel.  Presentations included an update from Minister Karen Chhour; hearing from the well-known and respected Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann, who developed the Fonofale model of mental health in 1984, which was accepted by the Mental Health Commission of New Zealand as the standard for treating Pacific mental health; a panel presentation on the SV Crisis Response; ending with an interactive session to engage in deep, considered and passionate talanoa about Tagata Pasifika’s expertise and experiences, and hear directly from our practitioners on topics that included:

  • Sexual Violence Prevention
  • Responsiveness to Rainbow/LGBTQ+/MVPFAFF+ in Violence Prevention
  • Responsiveness to Tangata Whenua in Violence Prevention
  • Moana Healing Modalities
  • Workforce Development
  • Supervision

Poutu Pasifika was privileged to be able to organise the panel presentation on Sexual Violence Crisis Response Services in Tāmaki Makaurau. It was a fantastic opportunity to work alongside Geoff Patterson from Waitemata ASAT (Adult Sexual Assault Team) and Dr Susan Reader who works at the Pohutukawa Clinic – the adult sexual assault medical clinic in Greenlane Hospital.  Our presentation covered Crisis Response Services, Court Support and our Poutu Pasifika approach, with Geoff covering police processes, and Susan the medical procedures.  We really appreciated being able to demonstrate how well we work together with our partners and how important relationships and collaboration are key to ensuring our clients’ wellbeing is always the priority.

We’re very grateful for the support of Te Puna Aonui and Pasefika Proud who have made all these Fono’s possible over the last year.