Hawaiki Nui

Hawaiki Nui is our past, it is what unites all of Polynesia, it is the journey of our ancestors. Hawaiki Nui is our future; it is the journey with HIV that unites us. As in our past together, we row our waka in the same direction to reach our destination. Find out what Get it On! is doing to help steer the waka!

In 2011 there are significant new challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand in controlling the HIV epidemic. It is likely that more gay and bisexual men were diagnosed with HIV in 2010 than ever before. Some of those diagnosed came from our Māori and Pacific communities. Get it On! is committed to reducing levels of HIV infection, and working with our communities is an important step in achieving this.

To this end Get it On!  has created the Hawaiki Nui seminar to address some of the on-going issues facing MVPFAFF people in Aotearoa 2011. We give a snapshot of the diverse Pacific sexualities and communities in Aotearoa, with a focus on how people working in Health organizations or Health Promotion can create dialogue to be more strategic in supporting this community.

Hawaiki Nui focuses on the sexual health of marginalised groups within the Māori and Pacific communities and looks at some of the key issues affecting takatāpui tāne. Issues we explore include the impact of HIV and the impact of discrimination and prejudice on these communities. The seminar will also provide solutions that will assist health professionals to increase awareness and access to services for these communities.

Health and allied professionals, welfare and community development workers, social workers, counsellors, teachers, and those with an interest in the health and wellbeing of Māori and Pacific people will benefit from attending the seminar.

If your group or organisation is interested in attending a Hawaiki Nui seminar we are taking it nationwide and we'd love to hear from you!  

Please contact elton.raharaha@nzaf.org.nz.