A long-held dream for Ōtautahi Christchurch’s Pasifika communities is finally coming to fruition.

Plans are underway to establish a dedicated Pacific Hub, a centre of excellence designed to serve as a cultural, educational and wellbeing anchor for future generations.

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• Leading a cultural shift
• Embracing Matariki and Puanga

Tagata Moana Trust recently submitted to the Christchurch City Council Long Term Plan advocating for a space that reflects the aspirations of Pasifika communities. The submission, backed by Healthy Families Ōtautahi (HFŌ), community members and public support, highlights the need for a one-stop centre where exhibitions, STEAM programmes and youth development initiatives can thrive.

“The Pacific Hub will be our vaka - a place where our communities can come together to share knowledge, access resources and celebrate who we are. It’s about collective strength, weaving our traditions with new opportunities and boldly carrying Pacific identity forward for future generations in Ōtautahi Christchurch,” says Nina Oberg Humphries Taula of Tagata Moana Trust.

Council officials have identified a potential site; its former maintenance yard near Christchurch Rugby Club. Discussions are ongoing about whether to renovate or rebuild, with cost and community input guiding the decision.

HFŌ Pasifika Systems Innovator Chris John is acting as a connector and advocate, ensuring the hub is fit for purpose across health, equity and chronic disease prevention.

“Our communities have waited 40 years for this,” John says.

A working group, comprising representatives from Tagata Moana, the Community Planning and Projects, and Strengthening Communities team at the council and community leaders, are guiding the project forward.

Bringing together representatives from youth, LGBTQIA+ and a range of ethnic communities, a steering group is being developed and is nearly in place. Their mission is to ensure the hub embodies the breadth of Pasifika identity and meets the needs of everyone it serves.

Surveys and talanoa sessions are being conducted to gauge community appetite and engagement.

“While it’s hot and front of mind for people, the Pacific Hub is something we need to just action,” says John.

“If we’ve got young people passionate about science and technology, who end up becoming leaders in those spaces, they will have a lot of influence on health and in a lot of other areas.

“When I think about chronic disease prevention, these kids will go on to do amazing things in this space, and others, you’ve just got to give them the opportunity.”

The project is personal for many involved. John shares how formative experiences with a supportive softball coach and teacher shaped her commitment to giving back to Pasifika youth and her community.

“He gave me the gift of opening doors for me, so when I think of people who are pivotal in your life and what they do for you, that’s why you give back.

“It makes me quite emotional,” John adds.

As the project progresses, the team is focused on capturing evidence, documenting milestones and ensuring the hub is integrated into the council’s long-term planning.

John says the Pacific Hub is poised to become a landmark of cultural pride and community resilience.

“We need to keep the momentum going.”

Article added: Friday, August 22, 2025