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GPS: celebrating solutions and innovation

The focus of our GPS conference in April is not problems, but solutions. In the words of one of our Youth Advisory Komiti members, “we are not problems to fix”. And our young advisors are indeed bringing together people with solutions. 

We have been blessed to gather a cast of inspirational keynote speakers whose work:

  • gives voice to Pasifika young people
  • identifies evidence-based solutions for young Pasifika
  • validates Pasifika solutions for Pasifika
  • facilitates relationships across boundaries and builds new capacity across sectors
  • showcases innovative Pasifika leadership (particularly for young Pasifika).

In the tradition of GPS, we will discuss how we can navigate across sectors and strengthen the Va for the benefit of our young people. The GPS 2016 conference will be a unique values-based experience featuring renowned keynote speakers, and evidence-based and practical solutions that services can run with.

Here are just a few people from the whole line up; all passionate about our Pasifika communities and ready to make change.

Giving voice to Pasifika young people

Includes presenters such as PHAB Pasifika, TJ Taotua, Reuben Te Rangi and 2015 Miss Samoa NZ Christina Taefu. Topics include by Pasifika youth for Pasifika youth disability services, music as a mentoring tool, breaking new ground in mental health and performance sport, as well as sharing the lived experience of depression and addiction.

Demonstrating evidence-based integrated solutions

Includes speakers such as Dr Teuila Percival on the Talanga Project, Dr Seini Taufa (from TAHA Well Pacific Mother and Infant Service) on Pasifika maternal health and the wellbeing of young Pasifika mums, Sam Manuela and his PhD research on identity and wellbeing for Pasifika looking at family, spirituality and language, and an impressive research panel including Dr Jemaima Tiatia-Seath, Eliza Puna, Tony Patolo and Synthia Dash discussing their work on suicide, cyber bullying, and self-harming behaviour.

Validation of Pasifika solutions for Pasifika

Includes speakers such as Kramer Hoeflich (PHAB Pasifika) and Sonia Hawea (Taikura Trust) looking at enhancing access for Pasifika young people with disabilities. Moses Lehauli and Jeremy Tauti (Tuilaepa Youth Mentoring Service) and their project #HowsYourFather which provides after hours youth mentoring. Tupu Services talks about reaching Pasifika youth through creative intervention and Cecelia Faumuina Khakh discusses her Master’s project Malanga – the voice of positive dissonance.

Through coming together at GPS, we also seek to facilitate relationships across boundaries and build new capacity across sectors. Felicia Manase will talk about building capacity and relationships through her work at the Ministry of Education and through the Faiva Ora leadership group. 

And of course we will have some major presentations and speeches from the likes of Matafanua Hilda Fa’asalele, King Kapisi, Mike King and Leaupepe Nigel Vagana – all facilitated by Tofiga Fepuleai (Aunty Tala), Krit (MTV) and Frankie Adams (Shortland Street)!

Check out the amazing line up of speakers, the programme, how to register and much more on our GPS web pages.

About the author •

Covid-19 Update

Face-to-face workshops will not continue while New Zealand is at Level 4. We will be in contact with all participants soon.