Conch News - Pacific Health Voices

Pasifikology Update
President: Ms Denise Kingi-’Ulu’ave
Malo e lelei from Pasifikology
This has certainly been a year full of challenges and changes for Pasifikology. After five years of
dedicated service to Pasifikology, Dr Monique Faleafa, Siautu Alefaio and Tansy Brown have decided to
step down from the executive committee.
We wish to express our sincere appreciation for their enthusiasm, passion and commitment to the
vision of Pasifikology. We also welcome to the team Dr Evangelene Daniela.
Pasifikology members have responded to the requests and challenges associated with the
disturbing increase in Pasifika youth suicides both in Aotearoa and in our island nations.
A Pasifika youth suicide symposium was held by Pasifikology at the “Growing Pacific Solutions”
conference organized by Le Va in April this year. Congratulations to Dr Faleafa for an amazing
conference and to all the presenters.
Our members in Auckland have also lobbied tirelessly to ensure there is a coordinated and culturally
appropriate response to this troubling issue. We acknowledge Pauline Taufa for her unwavering
commitment to ensuring our youth are kept safe. Several executive members have also responded to
the call from our homelands and rendered their support. We intend to continue this important
challenge and hope you will join us at the Indigenous Psychology Conference in November.
Malo ‘aupito
Denise Kingi-’Ulu’ave - Pasifikology President
‘What is Pasifikology?
Pasifikology is a network of Pasifika psychologists, graduates and students of
psychology. Our vision is to be the heart that networks, supports, promotes and grows
psychology for Pasifika, in every way, shape and form.
We are connecting Pacific psychologists so that we can all promote, inform, educate and
mentor the practice of psychology for Pasifika.
This includes growing the Pacific psychologist workforce, sharing knowledge and
information and ensuring that psychology is relevant for Pacific people in
New Zealand.
For more information please email Pasifikology1@phpo.org.nz
Denise Kingi’Ulu’ave
President
Pasifikology
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