Photo: ANZ
A senior New Zealand MP has encouraged pupils at a predominantly Pasifika all-girls secondary school in Auckland to pursue their aspirations and not be wavered by any discrimination they may face in their career pathways.
McAuley High School in Otahuhu received a motivational visit from Aotearoa's Assistant Speaker Jenny Salesa, with three Silver Ferns players Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Elle Temu and Maia Wilson during a Q and A event this week.
The session put a spotlight on a recently released employment research report by New Zealand Think Tank - Talbot Mills Research - which revealed that Pasifika employees are more ambitious and satisfied with their career paths than their predecessors.
According to the ANZ Bank-sponsored report, "Watch Wāhine Win", 55 percent of Pasifika millennials reported being optimistic about advancing in their careers, more than doubling only 27 percent Pasifika reporting optimism in a previous report.
The Assistant Speaker and the Silver Ferns' were asked share their experiences when dealing with discrimination.
Salesa said she used her negative experiences to fuel her determination to succeed.
"When I entered university, people were saying to my face that it was unrealistic for me to get into law school because I was born and raised in Tonga, that all my education was in Tonga," she said.
"It was kind of 'how dare do you think you can make it into law school' because you need to get an A average to get into law school."
The MP said she had faced discrimination from people, including Pasifika people, but used it as a motivator.
"So when ever it happened, I just said to myself 'I will prove you wrong'."
Silver Fern and Cook Islander Reuelu-Buchanan said being marginalised and stereotyped is an ongoing experience endured by many Pasifika in New Zealand.
She encouraged students to find strength in their culture and identity in overcoming barriers.
"People look at being brown as a disadvantage, especially with all these stereotypes. I reiterated that my culture and family is my strength and my biggest motivator," she said.
"It is really cool to be here in front of other brown wahine and to inspire them," she added.
McAuley High School has a roll of just under 800 - with 94 percent pupils of Pasifika heritage. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Finau Fonua
Inspire the next generation
McAuley High School is one of a number of schools that has played a key role in educating and paving the future careers of second to third generations of Pasifika migrants.
With a school roll of just under 800 students, 94 percent are of Pasifika heritage.
McAuley deputy principal Vanessa Langi said the purpose of the event is to inspire the younger generations.
"I guess they (ANZ) wanted to partner with McAuley because McAuley has that reputation, it breathes brown female leaders," Langi said.
This was a sentiment shared by McAuley High School head prefect Theresa Niulevaea, who said that she and her fellow students felt uplifted, knowing that their career pathways are not barricaded by discrimination.
"This event was very informative. I am sure alot of our girls are grateful to hear about the Watch Wahine report, of all Pasifika background and that we have a really bright future ahead of us," Niulevaea said.
The New Zealand's Government currently boasts it largest presence of Pasifika MPs, with 11 MPs of Pasifika heritage including Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni.
Traditional values stronger
ANZ Bank CEO Antonia Watson said the report helps support employers by identifying cultural differences, so as to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
Watson said traditional values with respect to family were stronger among Pasifika and Maori.
She said the report provides an insight into the factors that makes women succeed.
"We found out it had to do with role models and support, [and] encouragement," she said.
"So we followed up with one that focused specifically on Maori, Pasifika and Asian, and found out many things were the same."
"But we also found that motivations is more about family in particular rather then their work roles. That is something we as employers have need to figure out and address to make the workplace attractive for them.:
For women, Watson said, it was more about the people rather then the work, compared to men.
Another finding of the report was discrimination towards Pasifika and Maori in the work place.
Watson said employers and institution were recognising the importance of having a diverse workforce.
"Of course, there is the racism. People have experienced racism in their role, it's probably not a surprise which is sad and something we need to address," she said.
"Everyone realises now the importance of diversity in our institutions...look like the customers and communities that they serve."
