A New Focus on Youth

The Fono has launched an exciting new youth service to support Pasifika families with youth aged 12-24. Tima Hunt manages the new service, which falls under the social services umbrella. She says young people face more challenges than ever. ‘Many of our youth are still struggling with the long-term impact of Covid,’ she says.

Tima Hunt, Manager of Social Services, The Fono, speaks at Youth Event at Oceania Career Academy.

Tima reports that school attendance among Pasifika youth is at record lows. The cost-of-living crisis has reduced many household incomes. And the recession has hit employment opportunities, especially in the building industry. She says it’s no surprise that mental health issues have increased among Pasifika youth. The new youth service aims to support young Pacific people in returning to education, training or employment. The goal is to improve their sense of belonging and empower them.

The Fono's Chief Financial Officer/Director of Corporate Services, Jennifer Tupou speaks at a youth event held at Oceania Career Academy.

The Fono collaborates with its church and community networks to reach Pasifika youths. Tima’s team works closely with schools, government agencies, and community organisations. The youth service hosts special events, drop-in centres, and group sessions and offers one-on-one mentoring. The team is based at Oceania Career Academy, where young people can walk in and chat. Young Pasifika can also access the youth service from The Fono’s Auckland locations. Furthermore, community drop-in spaces ensure even more young people can use the service. However, Tima points out that the focus is not just on the young person. The youth service also aims to strengthen families and the wider whānau.

Moana Pasifika players visit a youth event at Oceania Career Academy and pose for photos with youth attendee.

An impressive turnout of energetic youth at an event run at Oceania Career Academy's Māngere campus.

The Fono’s vision for youth is simple. ‘We want to see vibrant and thriving young people contributing to our communities,’ Tima says. The new youth service will go a long way to making that a reality.