June 24, 2024, Auckland – Tapasā was honored to be named a Community Partner in Auckland Council’s 2024 Community Partner Workshop, marking a significant step in engaging Pasifika youth in advocacy and governance. This recognition follows the groundbreaking Pasifika Youth Focused Consultation held earlier this year, emphasizing Tapasā’s ongoing commitment to elevating Pasifika voices.
The workshop brought together key community partners to discuss the outcomes of the Auckland Council Long Term Plan (LTP) and explore future projects. The day began with a comprehensive presentation from Tamsyn of the Auckland Council finance team, detailing the outcomes and results of all LTP consultations. This was followed by an insightful presentation from the Climate team, addressing the pressing environmental concerns and initiatives in Auckland.
One of the highlights of the workshop was the Q&A session, which provided an opportunity for community representatives to voice their comments and suggestions. Tapasā co-founder Kayla Schwalger took the stage to address Pasifika-specific issues within the consultation process. Her feedback aimed to enhance the experience and increase the breadth of feedback for future consultations, ensuring that the voices of Pasifika communities are heard and valued.
"Engaging our Pasifika youth in these discussions is crucial for creating a more inclusive and representative governance process," said Kayla. "By improving the feedback mechanisms, we can ensure that the concerns and aspirations of our communities are accurately reflected in the Council’s long-term planning."
The workshop also offered valuable networking opportunities, allowing Tapasā to connect with other Auckland Council partners. These interactions are essential for building strong collaborations and sharing best practices to support community initiatives.
The event closed with discussions on upcoming projects for the year, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to continuous engagement and community empowerment. This aligns with Tapasā’s ongoing efforts to uplift Pasifika youth, as demonstrated in the recent Pasifika Youth Focused Consultation. The youth fono, meticulously planned and executed by Kayla in partnership with Ei Moana Consultants Ltd, provided a platform for young leaders to engage directly with Auckland Council members, highlighting the importance of having Pasifika voices in decision-making processes.
Reflecting on the youth fono, Kayla shared, "O le ala i le pule o le tautua - the pathway to leadership is through service - our young people know what’s up when it comes to their communities because they are the ones living and breathing the issues and being there firsthand to try and help fix it. Here’s to more opportunities like this for our Māori and Pasifika youth to start to make a change in the near future!"
Tapasā’s involvement in the 2024 Community Partner Workshop underscores its dedication to fostering community connections and advocating for the wellbeing of Pasifika individuals and whānau. By participating in these crucial conversations, Tapasā continues to drive meaningful change and support the aspirations of Pasifika youth in Auckland.
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