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Pacific Peoples Minister Aupito William Sio was in Warkworth last month for a 24-hour whistle-stop tour to meet local Pasfika workers, families and students.
He started his visit at the Matakana link road, where about 10 per cent of Wharehine Construction’s workers are from Pacific islands. Minister Sio said it was good that a smaller company like Wharehine had won the contract, as such businesses were the backbone of New Zealand.
He then visited Mahurangi College, where he was welcomed by principal Tony Giles with a garland and a powhiri from more than 100 Pasifika students, followed by a Q&A session with students and families.
Next stop was Southern Paprika, which is the largest employer of Pacific island people in the region, followed by a tour of Mahu Vision’s new community centre, church and sports facility in Mansel Drive.
The highlight of the visit was a colourful evening of Pasifika food and entertainment at Mahurangi College organised by the local Tongan, Tuvalu and Kiribati communities, followed by a Rodney Pacific Communities session with the Minister.
The next day Minister Sio visited Composite Joinery with Murray Wyllie and the team, followed by a meeting with Debtfix manager Christine Liggins to discuss a range of money and legal issues facing Pasifika people and the wider community.
The tour was hosted by Labour list MP Marja Lubeck, who said it had been a wonderful visit and the minister had been impressed by the warm welcome he had received at every stage. He is planning to return to the region later in the year.
