provide policy advice, information and assistance to the Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, including facilitating contact with Pacific communities in New Zealand and preparing briefings, speech notes and support as required, in cabinet committee, select committees and parliament;
liaise and communicate with Pacific communities in New Zealand so that they are knowledgeable about government policies, processes and services of relevance to them, to foster greater engagement with, and participation by Pacific people in decision-making;
Our policy and research directorate provides policy advice to the Minister, national and local government agencies on the key issues that impact on Pacific peoples – we help ‘connect the dots.’
We provide a strategic overview of policies across sectors to ensure a whole of government response, and monitor the effectiveness of departmental strategies and initiatives in improving outcomes for Pacific peoples. This directorate also houses a newly-established Pacific research and information function.
The research team is central to providing information about Pacific peoples including new information from research, and new analysis and reporting of existing data. The team adds to government research by identifying gaps in information and contributing Pacific perspectives. Their knowledge of Pacific research methods ensures robust information is gained from Pacific participants.
This directorate also includes a nomination service, and an innovations unit. The innovations unit works on projects which take a whole of government approach, tailored to what works best for Pacific communities.
Our regional partnerships function
We engage and work with Pacific communities to develop good knowledge of their aspirations, issues and solutions. Our regional offices are our strongest link with communities.
This informs policy development, service delivery and research. Through our links with communities we also gather and disseminate information about government policy and services between Pacific communities and other government agencies. A range of approaches is used to ensure the effective flow of information between government and communities, and between us and other government agencies. Read more about our work with local government.
Minister of Pacific Island Affairs’ Advisory Council
The Ministry provides the secretariat for this council, appointed by the Minister of Pacific Island Affairs.
