Cultural blend for young Pacific people

By ALAN PERROTT

An advertising project has found a new identity is emerging as young Pacific Islanders combine their traditional cultures with the Palagi way of life.

Clemenger BBDO social marketing specialist Lisa Errington was part of a study into the emerging group aimed at letting government agencies get their messages across more effectively.

The snapshot study involved interviews with 70 Pacific Islanders aged 16 to 24 from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

It found people searching for their own identity in the face of negative stereotypes while forming a culture that merges the two lifestyles to achieve success and independence.

Their flagbearers include hip-hop musicians such as King Kapisi and Che Fu, artists such as John Pule, and public figures such as April Bruce.

But the study also suggested young Pacific Islanders were battling against the negative stereotype of the "dumb, lazy immigrant" and found racism more offensive than their parents as they are New Zealand-born.

Pacific life was considered loaded with personal, family and community responsibilities which restricted the time for individual gain or development.

Giving freely of personal resources for aiga (extended family) events was expected and respect dominated relations between family and community.

In contrast, Palagi culture was viewed as less emotional, less respectful and with fewer financial obligations to the family.

Religious life was less pervasive and worked on an individual rather than community level.

White New Zealanders were seen as preoccupied with physical appearance, but were also thought to have more freedom, independence and confidence which gave more opportunities for personal advancement.

Dr Melani Anae, a lecturer at Auckland University's centre for Pacific studies, said such views had become the new stereotype for young Pacific Islanders.

She said the reality was far more complex for those born in New Zealand.

"I am a Samoan but not a Samoan. To New Zealanders I am a bloody coconut or a Pacific Islander at best. To my own, I'm not a Samoan, I'm a Palagi, and to my parents I am a child."

She had found the struggle to resolve the two cultures produced many results. There were those who opted out of traditional culture, moved away from their church and aiga, assimilated and become Palagi.

Then there were others who decided to focus on their traditional identity, learn the language and immerse themselves in family responsibilities.

"Most come between the two extremes and are working out their own identities," said Dr Anae.

One of the main cultural differences was the attitude toward wealth and advancement.

Dr Anae said Pacific Islanders first moved to New Zealand to obtain better education so they could earn more money to invest back into the aiga.

"Not to become professors or doctors ... It's for the good of the whole, not the individual."\

ISLAND NATION

* 231,801 or one 1 in 16 New Zealanders are of Pacific ethnicity. Half are Samoan.

* 60 per cent of people of Pacific Island ethnicity were born in New Zealand.

* Manukau City has the largest Pacific Island population (72,378), more than 40 per cent of the city's population.

* The Pacific Island median age is 21, compared with 36.8 for Pakeha.

* Pacific Islanders are predicted to make up 12 per cent of the population by 2051.

What they think

Pakeha have home court advantage. We never feel as though we're accepted. We're often asked 'where are you from?' We say 'Wellington', and they always say 'no, where are you really from?'

- Wellington, skilled worker, male

* * *

[Pacific Islanders] are never alone, there is always someone there for you, you have support from hundreds of people.

- Wellington, employed, female

* * *

[White New Zealanders] get embarrassed by being seen with their own family! They talk back to everyone, even as children.

- Wellington, secondary student, female

* * *

We are more violent, lose our heads easier ... but call it strict discipline.

- Auckland, student, male

* * *

There is a lot of jealousy among Pacific people - makes you feel embarrassed. If I got a degree then they would say 'who does she think she is?'

- Auckland, unemployed, female

* * *

Palagi know when to say and do the right things and be serious. We get nervous and come across as looking too relaxed or dumb.

- Wellington, unemployed, female

* * *

You are called Fia Poko - know-it-all - if you try and tell [elders] something new. You would never enter a conversation between elders, especially if you had something to add or disagree with.

- Wellington, educated, male

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[White New Zealanders] don't have a community, or God. I think that is sad.

- Wellington, unemployed, female