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Paving the pathway for Pacific prosperity

Paving the pathway for Pacific prosperity

  • 28 Feb 2022
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(Picture caption: The Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand, CIDANZ, and its eFamilies programme has helped to inform the Pacific Prosperity through Social Enterprise (PPTSE) Evaluation Report and Rubric Framework for Policy, Planning and Practice.)

Pacific social enterprise makes a significant difference to economic and social outcomes for Pacific peoples.

This finding follows a successful joint Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) pilot initiative demonstrating the value of Pacific social enterprise in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio says over the past two years, opportunities to recognise and invest in Pacific social enterprise models have been explored, working collaboratively with community groups Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand (CIDANZ) and its eFamilies programme; Vahefonua Tonga Methodist Trust (SIAOLA) and its GREI financial literacy model; and Faith City’s The Business Factory (TBF).

“We are now better equipped to inform policy makers because we have a greater understanding of the key success factors and barriers for Pacific social enterprises,” Minister Sio says.

“The findings show us ways to create new employment opportunities, and how to generate wealth through increased levels of income, revenue, and capital for Pacific communities.”

After being commissioned by MSD’s Industry Partnerships, Moana Research has monitored the progress of the three Pacific social enterprise groups and submitted the Pacific Prosperity through Social Enterprise (PPTSE) Evaluation Report and Rubric Framework for Policy, Planning and Practice, which has been launched.  

Minister Sio adds the PPTSE and Evaluation findings and achievements will inform future strategy for both agencies regarding Pacific progress and elevate innovative community initiatives.

“Pacific social enterprise is an area in which MPP will continue to support and seek funding for, allowing Pacific communities to transform and flourish in Aotearoa.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Social Development Hon Carmel Sepuloni says MSD’s support has enabled this collaboration and there is a more robust foundation for both agencies to continue working collaboratively in support of Pacific Social enterprise.

“Ensuring Pacific peoples are at the heart of development, thinking and decision-making is an important part of this,” Minister Sepuloni says.

“This collaboration reinforces the strengths and abilities of Pacific peoples to drive their own innovative solutions, and the huge economic and social benefits that an increase in Pacific social enterprise can bring to Pacific people and New Zealand society.”

The Pacific Prosperity through Social Enterprise (PPTSE) Evaluation Report and Rubric Framework for Policy, Planning and Practice can be found HERE.