Budget update: Pacific peoples

“Budget 2025 signals a clear direction to keep tight control of government spending while improving the impact of public investment. Like all public sector agencies, the Ministry is expected to align with this direction,” says Gerardine

“This coming year, funding is confirmed for the Ministry to continue its core roles of policy advice, data and insights, and community partnerships and engagement at the same level as last financial year,” adds Gerardine. 

What’s continuing

The majority of the Ministry’s work remains unchanged. 

Our focus remains firmly on delivering outcomes in the areas Pacific peoples have told us matter most: housing, education, health, economic growth and Pacific languages. 

Funding also continues for key initiatives, including Pacific languages funds, Toloa scholarships, continuing housing programmes such as the Pacific Financial Capability Fund, and support for Pacific media. 

What’s changing

As part of Budget 2025, the Ministry was asked to streamline some grant and programme funding and drive greater efficiency and effectiveness across our initiatives.  Our funding for grants and programmes has been reduced by $9 million. 

This reduction does not impact the Ministry’s core priorities but will result in changes to some of our programmes, including:

• Scaling down the Tupu Aotearoa programme by $5.5 million. The Ministry will work closely with MSD and MBIE on options for the remaining $5.2 million of funding.  This helps us to streamline delivery across the government agencies, so Pacific peoples can continue to access skills and employment opportunities.
• Closing of the existing Tauola Business Fund of $3.5 million. The Ministry remains committed to support Pacific businesses, and is working with Pacific Business Trust to better tailor the support available.
• Discontinuing the time-limited Dawn Raids work programme from 2027/28. Budget 25 confirms that the funding will remain in place over the next two years so the Ministry can complete its Dawn Raids work. For 2027/28 and 2028/29, funding of $420,000 per year is discontinued.

What’s being added to the Ministry’s work programmes

We welcome new funding for the Pacific Wardens initiative alongside increases for Māori Wardens. 

The Ministry has been allocated $250,000 annually for Pacific Wardens. The Ministry will work closely with Auckland Pacific Wardens Charitable Trust and other government agencies to implement this funding. 

Looking ahead 

“Our commitment to improving outcomes for Pacific peoples in New Zealand remains unwavering. We will keep advocating for Pacific priorities and delivering value within the resources available to us,” says Gerardine.