Pacific Youth Parliament (Our Movement) Act 2017 · This Act is the Pacific Youth Parliament (Our Movement) Act 2017 3 Preamble Pacific Youth Parliament (hereafter referred to as

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Pacific Youth Parliament (Our Movement) Act 2017

1 Explanatory Note

This Act aims to enhance Pacific Peoples development in Aotearoa, and the total

welfare of all of New Zealand. This addresses key issues that Pacific Peoples face,

and recommends initiatives that will allow progress for Pacific people not only to

survive, but to fully participate in every aspect of this country.

2 Title

This Act is the Pacific Youth Parliament (Our Movement) Act 2017

3 Preamble

Pacific Youth Parliament (hereafter referred to as PYP) convened on the 20 April for

four days and three nights. The Members of PYP (hereafter referred to as MP’s) spent

two days listening to debates, presentations, and speeches on a number of different

issues affecting Aotearoa New Zealand and Pacific people.

The MPs were split among PYP Government and PYP Opposition lines and were

required to argue a certain view point regardless of their own personal views in an

attempt to get them thinking outside the box and creatively.

After three days of preparing and debating, both the PYP Government and PYP

Opposition created multiple cross-party working groups to cover every issue

discussed. Thoughts and opinions were gathered via discussion groups, online forums,

and use of online software to get quantitative data indicating PYP’s mood and feeling

on the issues presented.

This Act is the result of the PYP Our Movement 2017 sitting and attempts to

accurately represent the diverse range of thoughts and opinions of the PYP MPs.

4 Commencement

This Act was given ascent by the PYP on 27 April 2017 at 7pm, and comes into force

on 28 April 2017 at 2pm.

5 Principal Act

This Act amends all other New Zealand legislation


Part 1

Amendments to legislation

6 Te Tiriti o Waitangi Related Issues

(1) PYP Strongly declares that:

(a) Māori did not cede sovereignty in signing Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

(b) Māori and the Crown therefore should operate in partnership.

(2) It is therefore the opinion of the PYP that the understandings of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

be honoured in accordance with this. We therefore:

(a) Propose standardised quotas in Political Parties for Māori proportional to most

recent population statistics as per the latest census.

(b) Put forward a number of other measures for honouring the Te Tiriti that will be

discussed in other parts of this Act.

(c) Affirm that taking proactive measures such as quota’s should not be seen as racist

or ‘lowering quality’. PYP affirm and commended organisations who are already

doing so.

7 New Zealand Constitution

(1) The degree of knowledge of the New Zealand Constitutional framework among the

PYP varies, from those having a good knowledge, to those with little, or no

knowledge.

(2) We of the PYP suggest considering the implementation of a single codified

Constitution for New Zealand, as per the recommendation of the Constitutional Panel

Review which stated that this could be one way in which to make the constitution

more accessible and understandable.

(a) We call for a conversation to begin on implementing this recommendation but

would like to stress the importance of having a strong and purposeful effort in

making sure Pasifika community feedback is included.


(b) All communities should be strongly represented in this conversation, but as

Pasifika people, we know how that our community may easily miss having their

voice heard without special effort.

(3) We propose compulsory quota for Women’s and Pacific Peoples representation in

Parliament in proportion to most recent population statistics from the latest census.

(a) We note people’s un-comfortability with quotas and also the perceptions it can

create. However we affirm that in the short term, this is needed.

(4) We of the PYP have a split feeling on the implementation of an Upper House.

(a) As a compromise would recommend an Upper House on a trial basis of 3 years

after which a review in regards to effectiveness will be undertaken, only after

consultation with all communities.

(b) We affirm that should there be an upper house there must be:

(i) 50 % representation of Māori

(ii) Compulsory representation of Pasifika and other ethnic groups

(iii) A quota for the number of woman

(c) All of the quotas mentioned above would still be filled via a free election held at

the same time as parliamentary elections.

(5) The PYP are undecided in regards to lowering the voting age to 16.

(a) We are agreed that if the voting age were lowered we would strongly suggest the

implementation of overt civics education in secondary schools.

(6) PYP affirms we strongly advocate for education in regards to Constitutional and

Treaty understandings and, Civics in general.

8 Pacific Peoples Issues

(1) Pasifika Scholarships

(a) We strongly advocate for the increase of Pasifika scholarships in order to grow

equity. More private and public scholarships specifically aimed for Pacific

Peoples will increase access to opportunities in education and employment

ensuring Pacific Peoples are able to succeed in all fields in the wider community.


(b) PYP calls upon the New Zealand Government, the education system of New

Zealand and other leaders to affirm the importance and need of Pasifika

scholarships. This is to address the stigma around Pasifika scholarships and to

clearly stand up for them by calling out misinformed and prejudice comments,

thus affirming the importance of equal opportunities and empowerment of

minority communities.

(c) We recommend the introduction of a national mentoring programme for Pacific

young people called #Pacificstars connecting successful Pacific mentors with

young people. Alongside a pastoral care component, this will encourage the rate

of which Pasifika Scholarships students excel and complete their field of work

and/ or study.

(2) Education of Pasifika in New Zealand

(a) We assert that there is a need for education providers and workplaces in Aotearoa

to understand the history of Pasifika Peoples here to combat prejudice and

misperception. This awareness would be good for all ethnic minority

communities, this would encourage the wider community to understand the many

different issues citizens of all ethnicities in New Zealand and encourage the

celebration of ethnic minorities not only culturally but culturally to show that they

believe in the our Pasifika Youth.

(b) Many New Zealanders are still unaware of our Pasifika history which includes the

dawn raids, and the arrangements we have with Realm nations such as Cook

Islands, Niue and Tokelau.

(3) Representation

(a) We reaffirm our support for quotas and believe it will be the fastest and most

effective way for increasing diversity among our political parties and State Sector

Boards and that it encourages participation among all sectors of society.

(b) Introduction of a quota for women in Politics can ensure a voice and visibility, for

issues women face, and will help our nation to address these issues. This will be

helpful for all ethnic groups.

(c) We believe quotas should be used for other ethnic groups as well, to ensure

representation.


(d) We affirm that organisations that receive public money for services for the Pacific

community should be compelled to have a minimum of two Pacific people on

their board, one of which must be a woman.

(e) We believe quotas are just the first step and that ethical representation of all

minorities will eventually follow naturally without the need for quotas.

(4) Youth Issues

(a) PYP affirms its satisfaction with the effort that the Ministry of Pacific People has

made with the young people during this event.

(b) PYP affirms the same message that most Pasifika people know; the Pasifika

youth voice is highly valued, yet very limited.

(c) PYP declares PYLAT, as an independent organisation run by Pasifika young

people, the best placed group to speak out on Pasifika young people’s issues for

all of Aotearoa New Zealand.

(i) We acknowledge that as a Christchurch based organisation, PYLAT is not as

connected to the young people of Auckland and other regions as is ideal.

(ii) PYP would encourage other regions to support their young people to develop

both professionally and legally as PYLAT has been for Christchurch and the

Canterbury area.

(5) State Empowerment

(a) PYP recommend the State Services Commission or other relevant party produce

an audit card which can be used by politicians when drafting legislation to

support them to understand and stay mindful of the needs of Pacific People.

(b) The PYP recommends the State Services Commission produce a bird’s eye view

report to determine whether the New Zealand Government has capitalised on the

ideas, worldview and insights of Pacific People in Aotearoa.

9 Education

(1) Civics Education in Schools

(a) PYP were in slight agreement that civics education in school should be

compulsory. This took into account the information given, that our right to

participate in society is outlined in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990


(NZBORA) and we should therefore be made aware of that right, just as police

have to make people aware of their right to access a lawyer.

(i) However, after taking all factors into consideration the PYP working group

on compulsory Civics Education strongly encourage that civics be taught in

schools and that it be given importance, however it is recommended that it be

an ‘option’ as opposed to a compulsory subject.

(b) Civics as a subject would include teaching students about the NZBORA, the

effects of the Parliament on the lives of New Zealanders as well as the meaning

of citizenship in New Zealand as the foundation of the course.

(c) Civics would be best targeted at secondary school students ranging from Years 9

to 13.

(2) Spirituality and Religious Education in schools

(a) PYP affirms that the study of spirituality should be available within all high

schools and should be optional within the school curriculum. Spirituality is a vital

piece of wellbeing so having it available to all who want to access it is necessary.

(i) This study would include the teachings and beliefs from various religions

relevant to New Zealand, including atheism. Diversity and being

understanding of others means having an understanding of the things that

they believe.

(3) Community Learning

(a) PYP recommends that education providers consider ways to develop education

spaces where pacific students and their families can learn together.

(b) Additionally, PYP affirm and remind the New Zealand Government that they

have a responsibility to assist Pacific families to learn about the education system

their family is expected to participate in.

(c) PYP also take this chance to remind all those in the Education sector of the

importance of ensuring that Pasifika values are represented in all parts of

education.

(4) Mental Health

(a) PYP declares that we must address the mental wellbeing of our young people

now. We affirm that schools around New Zealand should include a compulsory


mental health education component in the curriculum including the techniques for

working through mental health issues.

(b) This component would include bringing a Mental Health Liaison into the school

frequently, in accordance with the schedule of the school, to advise students on

the importance of mental health issues.

(i) Liaisons are to be well educated in the topics surrounding mental health and

are to provide support to students. Where possible liaisons will not be staff

members, but external health professionals.

(5) Other school issues

(a) The PYP advises high schools to work to become more inclusive of all diversity

including different learning styles.

(b) Schools should be reaffirmed that implementing programmes aimed at target

groups is a good thing, and that some groups or individuals have needs that

should be addressed differently.

(c) PYP affirms that career expositions and Gateway like courses should be protected

and retained regardless of other changes to school curriculums as these activities

and subjects allow students to be have wider exposure and insights into the

workforce.

(d) If Partnership schools are the way for achieving these things, PYP is not opposed.

However the finer details of Partnership schools were not discussed in-depth

enough for PYP to come to a conclusive decision whether this was the way

forward.

10 Health

(1) Marijuana

(a) When a conscience vote was taken by PYP on the issue of legalising marijuana

more people agreed than disagreed.

(b) PYP however did not have a robust discussion on the far reaching implications

that legalising marijuana could have and therefore no decision is made.

(c) PYP would encourage New Zealand to consider how to have a safe and informed

conversation about this.


(2) Abortion

(a) When PYP considered the question of ‘making abortion illegal’ more people

disagreed than agreed.

(b) There was strong feeling and passion from both sides of the argument on whether

PYP should recommend a change to abortion law. However due to sensitivity and

complexity, PYP gives no recommendation on this issue.

(c) The PYP affirms that young people who have an abortion must have free access

to a counsellor or social worker to support them with the health issues, other

issues during the entire process.

11 Housing

(1) The PYP expects the Government to maintain the State housing stock to the highest

quality possible, which we feel may not be happening.

(2) There was more agreement than not, that there can be benefit in selling Housing New

Zealand Corporation (HNZC) homes to community sectors. Reasons for this include:

(a) There was feeling that HNZC homes are not in the best order and that

diversifying ownership and getting the right community organisations that care

about their people and tenants will result in better maintained homes and will be

highly beneficial to the tenants of State housing of which Pacific people are over

represented.

(b) Community providers are in a better position to provide for our Pasifika and other

communities as quality providers are directly involved on the ground and can

better understand and match the needs of their tenants.

(c) Pacific people will be more willing and empowered to express their concerns

about their housing situations with people they have relationships with such as

community organisations.

(3) PYP believe that if State housing was to be sold, it should be done by:

(a) Selling State housing to these community providers at a subsidised rate with an

agreement that these houses will eventually be sold to tenants with a rent to own

initiative. The subsidised rate would be expected to be passed on to the tenants.

We believe that this will result in more Pasifika families owning homes.


(b) Committing to working in partnership with these community providers to

improve the standard of the homes sold.

(i) PYP recommends one way to improve the standards of homes could be to

utilise people who are imprisoned in New Zealand to repair and improve the

quality of State housing being sold. This could also aid their helping them to

learn new skills, transition back into society better and build a better rapport

with the community. This would be optional, and each individual who is

imprisoned would not be forced to undertake this labour, unless they wanted

to.

(c) If profits are somehow made from these sales, it will go towards improving the

remaining HNZC stock.

(i) HNZC will be exempt from paying dividends on the profits generated from

the sale of State houses to the Government.

12 Justice

(1) Policing

(a) PYP affirms that there must be consistent diversity hiring practices to increase

Pasifika representation in Police, this includes personnel and is not limited to the:

(i) Frontline police

(ii) Police prosecutors

(iii) Senior leadership

(iv) Independent Police Conduct Authority (ICPA)

(b) PYP declare that all Police are to have compulsory cultural awareness and

engagement training.

(c) PYP insists that a racial bias committee be established within the Police co-led by

the Police, Pasifika, and Māori Leaders inclusive of youth leaders, to keep the

police accountable and transparent in their work. The bias committee may review

arrests and prosecutions, alongside the IPCA.

(2) Courts

(a) PYP declares we must invest more in restorative justice, including the

implementation more Pasifika courts in New Zealand for non-violent and minor

offending.


(b) Restorative justice needs to be taken more seriously by judges in sentencing and

we want to see a culture shift towards this way of thinking.

(c) PYP want to see more money invested in legal aid to make justice more

accessible to Pasifika people.

(3) Legislation

(a) PYP affirm that the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004 should continue to

be upheld, and its effect encouraged.

(b) PYP strongly declare that the “Three Strikes Rule” should be removed from law

due to its disproportionate effect on Māori and Pasifika peoples, and

ineffectiveness in ending reoffending.

(4) Corrections

(a) PYP support the Government enabling prisoners to work and develop skills, such

as trades or other employable skills.

(b) PYP encourage more culturally appropriate rehabilitation and support

programmes to be available to prisoners.

(c) PYP would like to see more cultural awareness and representation on parole

boards.

(5) Media campaign

(a) PYP encourage the New Zealand Government to invest in a media campaign to

try and break stereotypes and bias against Māori and Pasifika when it comes to

crime.

13 Employment

(1) The Living Wage

(a) PYP strongly commend the Living Wage movement and its proactive attitude in

addressing extremely important social issues in New Zealand. PYP agrees that

those who can afford to pay it, should do so, but agree with the movement and

others that it should not be the minimum wage of New Zealand as resources are

limited and should be allocated to those who need them most.


(b) PYP confirm our reasoning for rejecting the notion of making the Living Wage

the minimum wage is that we believe it will disadvantage the country overall for

the following reasons:

(i) In terms of employment, we believe technological changes are putting our

jobs at risk. Businesses will be more likely to turn to technology as a

substitute for workers due to its lower cost and higher productivity levels and

efficiency thus creating instability in future available jobs for Pasifika. We

want to see businesses invest in human capital which will be a more effective

strategy to reduce the high unemployment amongst Pasifika people.

(ii) A higher minimum wage set at the current Living wage of $20.20 will not

encourage Pasifika peoples to strive for higher job wages.

(2) Tax

(a) We believe that most wealthy people do not pay enough tax at 33% with income

bracket starting at $70,000 and higher. We suggest a conversation around how

those who have other investments such as housing, might be categorised into a

higher tax bracket in a way that is fair for all.

(b) PYP would agree to an increase in tax for the top 20% wealthiest in NZ. However

PYP would like to see a more creative way that the wealthiest 20% of New

Zealanders could contribute more to society that might not necessarily be through

monetary tax and may instead be through work in kind.

(3) Women and Family

(a) We affirm that Women in general have to work hard against power structures

which are more suited toward men, especially in terms of leadership positions.

For Pasifika women in a multicultural New Zealand it becomes even more

difficult. Decision making, judgements around who gets leadership roles can be

blinded by stereotypes particularly when a Pasifika woman is in an area of our

workforce where Pasifika are not highly represented. PYP want it noted we are

not happy with the current situation and that something needs to be done about it.

(b) In the past, a substantial proportion of the gender pay gap was due to factors such

as differences in education, the occupations and industries that men and women

work in, or the fact that women are more likely to work part-time. These factors

only explain around 20 percent of the current gender pay gap. The majority (80

percent) of the gender pay gap is now driven by what research calls


“unexplained” factors. These are the harder to measure factors, like conscious and

unconscious bias which impact negatively on women’s recruitment and pay

advancement. PYP therefore declare that we must act now, and we believe the

Government must legislate to address the issue.

(c) The PYP believes the most important stage for nurturing a child is when they are

new born and growing to pre-school age. We also agree that Pasifika

communities strongly believe that a child’s first teacher, and that many of the

most important learnings happen at home. So PYP affirms that the amount of

leave given to both parents should be increased. Tax on maternity leave payments

should be decreased so that the parents have more disposable income helping

them better provide for their family in this time.

(4) Other

(a) A national measure should be established that celebrates the most diverse

employers to incentivise diversity thinking. There should be incentives that

encourage businesses to come up with strategies that can enhance business

performance through diversity.

14 Environment

(1) PYP declare that New Zealand is not doing enough to address climate change and

environment issues.

(2) We propose the following measures to be considered by the New Zealand

Government

(a) A national initiative to phase out cars that use petrol, with a goal in mind of 100%

electric cars across New Zealand to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel.

(b) The Afforestation Grant Scheme is a funding program designed to help establish

15,000 hectares of new forest in NZ between 2015 and 2020. PYP affirm its

support for this and encourage the Government to continue with more

programmes such as this.

(c) PYP encourage businesses to consider how they can avoid cutting down historical

and native New Zealand trees.

(d) PYP affirm its dissatisfaction with the Emissions Trading Scheme which we do

not believe is effective. PYP call for a review of how the current system works,

with the idea of moving away from a financial incentives scheme. We believe that


allowing a country to emit more carbon just because they can afford it is immoral.

We propose a working group be set up to create a new system which includes

young people, and is perhaps founded on Pasifika values.

(e) PYP declare its support of a Taonga Tax which would be added to existing border

charges for international visitors. PYP would ensure the tax is sufficient without

being over burdensome. Options could include tourists only having to pay this tax

if they have been in the country for more than six months.

15 Social Development

(1) PYP recognise the major social issues within New Zealand that are prominent within

the Pacific community. Some of these include sexual violence, family violence,

gambling and substance abuse.

(2) PYP declare our dissatisfaction with this and the effect it is having on our young

people.

(3) PYP would like to see a think tank set up to address these social issues. We

recommend the following as possible options:

(a) The Government provides leaders in Pacific communities such as Church elders,

and Youth group leaders with free quality and professional training for

identifying and dealing with family violence and other key issues.

(i) Understanding the unique cultural needs of the Pacific Island community we

recommend a programme that is tailor made for Pasifika.

(ii) The schemes would include training day programmes and workshops

developed by Pacific steering groups within the Ministry of Social

Development.

(b) Consideration must be given to the way that people in domestic violence cases

can access legal aid.

(c) The Pasifika community be educated on risk factors that could indicate when

there is abuse happening at home.

(d) Current services that are available for victims, families, and perpetrators who are

trying to change their ways, be better promoted via an information campaign

aimed at spaces where there are lots of Pasifika people.


16 Foreign Affairs

(1) International relations

(a) PYP declares that we believe New Zealand did not respond appropriately to the

crisis that occurred between United States and Syria. PYP affirms that as stated in

international law it is the UN Security Council’s role to maintain of international

peace and security. While it would not have been illegal for New Zealand to not

make any statement on the actions by the United States the PYP affirms New

Zealand should have spoken out against this action.

(b) PYP affirms that there must be more Cross Party communication and

collaboration in the New Zealand Parliament on serious issues which conflict

with international law.

(2) Trade

(a) The PYP affirm that New Zealand should continue to pursue international trade.

New Zealand should assess whether it would be possible to obtain a revised

Trans-Pacific Partnership without America looking to obtain significant benefits

for New Zealand. This does not mean PYP supports the original draft of the TPP,

only that further trade deals for the benefit of New Zealand should always be

pursued.

17 Refugees

(1) PYP declare that we want to increase the refugee quota. We implore the Government

to increase the quote by 1250 so that the new quota will come to be at 2000.

(2) PYP want to see consultation, discussion and information sharing on how the refugee

quota works and who is given priority. We want to see that New Zealand is playing its

part in looking after our Pasifika islands that are sinking.

(3) At this stage it is unlikely that it would be physically possible to thwart the sinking of

the Pacific islands beyond an expensive multinational project raising the islands or

lowering the sea level.

(4) PYP stress that immediate and intensive action needs to begin now for looking at

taking in refugees from the sinking island nations. New Zealand would need to

consider how it can help these people preserve and grow their culture and language in

a safe way in New Zealand. We believe the Government needs to start cross


departmental discussions on the costs involved and how to house and look after this

group.

(a) PYP’s recommendations around housing needs to take into account possible

refugees, as does current Government policy.

(b) PYP would encourage the Government to get businesses thinking about this

issue.

Part 2 – Methodology and Data

18 Information gathering

(1) PYP MPs gathered information by listening to presentations, debates, and lobbyists on

multiple topics.

(2) PYP MPs were then given a chance to do their own research to add to the arguments

they had heard.

(3) It should be noted that although multiple days were given for information to be

gathered, it cannot be said that the full picture was presented for each issue. PYP is,

and was, time bound and some presenters were naturally more compelling than others.

It is therefore accurate to say that based on the information given, the opinions in Part

1 were given.

19 Raw data

(1) The following data in Section 20 represents the feeling of PYP MPs at the time it was

given.

(2) The data helped inform each Working Group when drafting their section of the Act

however groups were advised not to treat the data as compulsory to follow. Working

Groups were able to take the data to discuss and reflect it further alongside additional

research and information that they did themselves before making a decision.

(3) It must be noted then, that the data shown here is not always represented in the final

recommendations of Part 1. In many cases, the original feeling was changed after

further information was presented later on in the conference.


(4) It is more accurate to say that the opinions represented in Part 1 are reflective of the

feeling of PYP after consideration of the survey results and intensive discussions, as

well as open forum discussions.

20 Survey data (1) PYP rated how they felt about each statement using a scale from 0 – 5.

(a) 0 – Strongly Disagree

(b) 1 – Disagree

(c) 2 – Sort of Disagree

(d) 3 – Sort of Agree

(e) 4 – Agree

(f) 5 – Strongly agree

(2) The Rating Average is the average score given from all participants.

(3) The ‘Average % feeling of agreement towards the statement’ is simply the Rating

average put into a percentage and shows as a percentage the feeling of agreement on

average.

(4) The ‘Disagree’ percentage is the percentage of people who chose a 0 (Strongly

Disagree), 1 (Disagree) or 2 (sort of Disagree).

(5) The ‘Agree’ percentage is the percentage of people who chose a 3 (sort of agree), 4

(Agree) or 5 (Strongly agree).

(6) Results

Answer Options

Rating Average

Average % Feeling of agreement

towards statement

Disagree (%)

Agree (%)

I knew New Zealand already had a constitution 2.5 50 38 62

I think most New Zealanders know we have a constitution 2.2 43 57 43

More people would know about our constitution if we had a single constitution (codified)

2.9 57 28 70

Our constitution would be easier to understand if we had a single constitution (codified)

2.9 58 32 66

New Zealand should adopt a single constitution (codified) 2.6 52 36 57

Maori did NOT legally give up their sovereignty when they signed the Treaty

3.0 61 32 53

The Treaty of Waitangi established a partnership 2.8 55 36 57

The Maori seats in parliament are a good thing for Maori and 3.6 72 17 81


Answer Options

Rating Average


towards statement

Disagree (%)

Agree (%)

New Zealand

New Zealand should create an Upper House 2.4 47 45 43

If New Zealand creates an upper house, half of the seats should be reserved for Maori

2.4 47 55 43

I think that lowering the voting age would increase voting turn out

2.5 50 40 57

The Living Wage is a good thing but should NOT be compulsory

2.7 54 45 55

The Living Wage SHOULD be the minimum wage 2.5 51 49 43

We should remove Pasifika Scholarships 1.0 20 85 15

We should have a national measure which is published, that states who are the most inclusive employers of diversity

3.2 64 19 68

The most wealthy people in NZ pay enough tax 1.6 32 70 23

I think the top 20 of wealthiest New Zealanders can afford to pay more tax, and as a result the other 80 paying less.

3.3 65 21 72

Pasifika quota's in Government, political parties and on boards and councils is a good thing

3.5 70 21 72

We should have quota's to ensure women in general are well represented

3.5 70 13 85

If an organisation receives public money for Pacific people, it should be compulsory for a Pasifika person AND a Pasifika woman to be on the board

3.8 76 13 81

Government need to stand up for Pacific peoples in terms of scholarships and call out casual and overt racism that comes with getting these

3.7 74 15 74

My parents have had the opportunity to learn about the education system around me in a way that they understand

2.7 55 45 53

We should have education spaces where pacific students and their families can learn together

3.7 74 17 74

The ideas, worldview and insights Pacific people have are being capitalised on by Government

2.6 53 36 45

Mental health issues and techniques for prevention should be compulsory in the school curriculum

3.4 69 32 66

It should be compulsory to teach Civics Education in schools 3.0 60 34 64

Civics Education should start at preschool and have components throughout the system

2.2 44 62 36

Partnership Schools are a good thing for Pasifika students 3.1 61 23 64

The Government should sell state homes to community organisations

2.9 58 32 64

The Government should NOT be selling state homes 2.5 49 49 45

The Government needs to increase maternity leave so parents can spend their time with young babies

3.9 77 11 81

If state homes are to be sold, they should be sold to tenants with a special 'rent to own' deal

3.4 68 21 64


Answer Options

Rating Average


towards statement

Disagree (%)

Agree (%)

My school makes me feel accepted as a Pacific young person 3.0 60 34 62

It would be beneficial for Prisoners to work more in construction

3.1 62 32 62

New Zealand should increase the number of refugees we take in

3.7 73 17 74

New Zealand should increase the number of asylum seekers we take in

3.5 70 19 70

Even if it was a big cost on New Zealand, it is a moral obligation to take in refugees and asylum seekers

3.5 70 19 70

New Zealand is an accepting place which would be comfortable if the refugee quota was increased

3.0 60 32 62

Enough is being done to challenge bias against Pacific in the justice system

1.6 31 79 17

New Zealand's purchase of the Russian Carbon Credits was a successful idea

1.2 25 70 15

The Trans Pacific Partnership would have been a good thing for New Zealand

2.5 50 38 45

New Zealand should continue to pursue the Trans Pacific Partnership

2.4 49 40 43

New Zealand SHOULD have spoken out against America's bombing of Syria

3.2 63 26 64

New Zealand should focus our international military efforts within the Pacific region, such as West Papua

3.3 67 19 66

New Zealand should take a case against Indonesia to the International Court of Justice about the treatment of the indigenous people of West Papua.

3.4 69 21 57

The 3 strikes law is a good thing for Pasifika people 1.6 33 55 21

Restorative justice is a good thing for Pasifika people 3.2 65 19 60

The clean slate act is a good thing 3.1 61 21 55

The current justice system cares too much about the criminal and not enough about the victims

3.0 60 28 66

New Zealand must do more to reduce our carbon emissions 3.7 74 17 74

The Carbon Credit scheme is a good thing 2.3 45 45 34

New Zealand needs to protect its clean green image more vigorously than current law is doing

3.7 75 15 66

Government need to play an even stronger proactive stance in educating Pacific parents about Education

3.8 76 13 79

Similar to Pacific Scholarships, special schemes need to be set up to get more Pasifika people owning homes

3.6 72 13 79

It should be compulsory to teach spirituality in schools 3.0 61 32 64

It should be compulsory to teach education about different religions in school

3.1 61 23 70

All legal aid for domestic family violence cases should be approved for the offender

2.9 57 28 47


Answer Options

Rating Average


towards statement

Disagree (%)

Agree (%)

To reduce family violence, an holistic approach to drug, alcohol, and gambling free families should be taken

3.4 68 19 62

Church Leaders should be provided with free training on how to identify and deal with family violence using best practice

3.7 74 17 79

Government should provide funding for promoting and advertising already existing services for mental health

3.9 79 9 83

The voting age should be lowered to 16 2.6 52 40 60

Marijuana should be made legal 2.6 51 38 57

Abortion should be made a crime 2.2 45 57 38

Women have to work twice as hard to be in a position of leadership

3.5 69 21 72

Euthanasia should be the choice of the individual not the state (Government)

2.7 54 38 60

The Government should create legislation to address the pay gap between male and females

3.8 76 13 81

Maternity leave should be increased in New Zealand to give mothers and/or fathers more time with their new born(s)

4.0 80 15 74

New Zealand must begin serious and intensive planning for taking in climate refugees IMMEDIATELY

3.6 72 15 72

The Government should input a Taonga Tax on tourists to put money back into local infrastructure and protecting and caring for the environment

3.4 68 17 64

Pacific Youth Leaders have an important place in helping raise awareness and speak into campaigns and actions to deal with family violence, sexual violence, drug and alcohol abuse and gambling.

4.1 82 11 66

Documents

Pacific Youth Parliament (Our Movement) Act 2017 · This Act is the Pacific Youth Parliament (Our Movement) Act 2017 3 Preamble Pacific Youth Parliament (hereafter referred to as