Dunedin resident the Rev Latuivai Kioa Latu said there was ‘‘a huge need for a community hub in our city’’.
‘‘It is a high concern for [the Pacific community] given that our culture is very communal.”
Mr Latu said a centre could help break the cycle of “the high rates of crimes involving a lot of our people and our young people”.
“[We would] try and stop our Pacific relations or youth going through that path through proper cultural training.”
Cr Christine Garey asked if Mr Latu wanted a centre for the Samoan community or a hub for the Pasifika community.
Mr Latu said the latter was what he envisioned.
“For me it’s a community hub that can house all different ethnic groups, not just Samoans.”
The need for a facility was highlighted by a recent gathering of the Samoan community at the town hall.
“It was a huge gathering. [It was the] first time that all the Samoans [were together]. Different churches, local individuals, students from the university, we were all there.’’
- By Andrew Marshall
