About Pasefika
PEP was established in response to the needs of Pasefika people and their families, adversely impacted by the Covid-19 lockdown conditions in New Zealand during March 2020.
In late 2020 PEP and the Central Otago horticulture growers collective and Central Otago Mayor formed a business partnership to bring Pacific workers from South Auckland to the regions in a trial initiative.
The Pacific Workers In the Regions initiative(PWIR) conducted during the summer of 2021, demonstrated a strong need for a continued supply of workers, however, in a number of ways the industry themselves were not ready for this workforce to fully integrate into their region as an integral part of the local business community.
PEP then met with strategic partners in Iwi and other industries to recalibrate the PWIR initiative. We believe that through being strategically placed inside the regions with strategic partnerships such as Iwi, we make strong whanaungatanga relationships, that are enduring and respectful to our Pasefika peoples.
OUR VISION
Our vision is for Pasefika fanau to achieve prosperity through stable employment and secure housing.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to create employment for Pasefika people in the regions, prompting a significant shift in job and further training prospects, filling a significant need for workers in a post Covid environment and ensuring through strategic partnering our fanau can ultimately achieve prosperity through home ownership.
Securing employment opportunities for Pasefika peoples through strategic partnership and the Pasefika Care Model
Meet The Team
UNASA DARREN JONES
PEP Director | Chief Executive Officer
Darren has a background in personal and group finance, insurance and sales. He has had extensive involvement in Church outreach work in NZ and South-East Asia and was involved in the establishment of ethnic Radio Network here in South Auckland. He is a Trustee of a large South Auckland Samoan Community Church and Director of a number of SME startups.
IRENE KEREAMA-ROYAL
PEP Director | IWI / Industry Engagement
Irene is Ngāpuhi, Parehauraki Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga and Ngāti Māniapoto. She has a legal and policy background with significant experience working with government and Iwi organisations in Māori economic development, primary industry partnerships and indigenous housing strategies.
Our Services
Our vision is for Pasefika fanau to achieve prosperity through stable employment and secure housing.