To Love and to Serve: Exploring the Strengths of Pacific Youth, and Mobilising Them for Community Wellbeing and Transformative Change
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Pacific youth in Aotearoa New Zealand are culturally diverse and deeply rooted in their families and communities. Despite facing socioeconomic inequities, systemic barriers, and limited decision-making opportunities, they maintain a positive perception of health and actively contribute to collective wellbeing. This paper explores the strengths of Pacific youth and how these can be harnessed to mobilise community wellbeing and transformative change. Using Pacific research methodologies—lalaga (weaving) and talanoa—we integrate findings from three key sources: the Talavou o le Moana Pacific Youth19 Report (quantitative data from 1130 Pacific youth), the Pacific Youth Home and Family Brief (open-text responses on family life), and insights from a panel of Pacific policy, research, and community experts presented in a webinar. These resources were reviewed and woven together by a team of three Pacific practitioners and one New Zealand European researcher, all with backgrounds in youth health, social work, and Pacific education. The lalaga reveals Pacific youth’s collective strength, cultural identity, and deep sense of responsibility. Their resilience and leadership, even amid adversity, highlight the urgent need for culturally grounded, youth-led, and community-responsive approaches. Empowering Pacific youth as agents of change is essential for fostering holistic wellbeing and transformative futures.
Source: Youth
DOI: 10.3390/youth5040105
Institutions: University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,207
Awards: G1143590101, G2871341070
OpenAlex ID: W4414786699