‘Special Treatment’ a 30-year case study exploring whether Pacific peoples as an ethnic minority are being privileged in public policy

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26686/pq.v22i2.10728

Keywords:

Public policy, Metal health, Pacific peoples, Equity, Ethnic-specific policy, Political discourse

Abstract

This article interrogates claims of ‘special treatment’ for ethnic minorities by examining the alignment between documented Pacific mental health need and 30 years of public mental health and Pacific health policy (alongside relevant estimates of appropriations). Using frequency analysis and close reading, it finds that despite longstanding and well‑evidenced inequities, Pacific mental health is inconsistently addressed, rarely prioritised, and seldom supported through targeted investment. Analysis by governing party shows that both inclusion and prioritisation are generally lower under National‑led governments. While Labour‑led governments have adopted more inclusive rhetoric, this has not consistently translated into substantive policy action or resourcing. Overall, the study finds that claims of special treatment for Pacific peoples as an ethnic minority are supported by neither policy content nor investment.

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Author Biographies

Ruby Tuesday, Moana Connect

Ruby Tuesday is a senior researcher and evaluator at Moana Connect, where she leads projects focused on improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Pacific communities. Her PhD examined how successful Pacific mental health practice could inform and improve mainstream mental health policy. Ruby is Pākehā, of Irish and Scottish descent, and is committed to using research and evaluation to uphold and celebrate Pacific success in healthcare practice, and more broadly.

Denise Kingi-Uluave

Denise Kingi-Uluave is a registered clinical psychologist of Tongan descent and has served the Pasifika communities in her roles at Le Va, a national organisation focused on primary prevention in mental health and wellbeing. She has over 20 years of experience across diverse sectors, including the Department of Justice, primary and secondary mental health services, clinical supervision, and strategic portfolio management.

Philip Siataga

Philip Siataga is a counsellor, clinical supervisor and researcher with nearly four decades of experience in mental health and addiction and social services, including leadership roles in workforce development. He is of Samoan, Scottish, Irish and German ancestry.

Malaetogia Jacinta Fa’alili-Fidow, Moana Connect

Malaetogia Jacinta Fa’alili-Fidow is a senior researcher and founder of Moana Connect, currently undertaking a postdoctoral fellowship on Pacific child resilience and wellbeing. Her expertise spans Pacific health research, data sovereignty, child resilience and wellbeing and community empowerment.

Tuaopepe Abba Fidow, Moana Connect

Tuaopepe Abba Fidow is general manager at Moana Connect. He has over 25 years of experience in public policy, strategic planning and service delivery in Aotearoa New Zealand, has held senior policy roles at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, the Ministry of Social Development and Auckland Council. Kava Fuavao is of Tongan and Cook Island descent and is a senior researcher and evaluator at Moana Connect, where he leads projects focused on improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Pacific communities.

Sione Vaka, University of Waikato

Sione Vaka is an associate professor and associate dean Pacific in the Division of Health at the University of Waikato. Of Tongan heritage, he has extensive experience in Pacific health research, education and community engagement across Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider Pacific. His research focuses on advancing mental wellbeing for Pacific peoples

Juliet Boon, Auckland University of Technology

Juliet Boon, of Samoan heritage, is currently a senior lecturer and PhD supervisor at the Auckland University of Technology, and has held diverse roles across education, health and justice, where her focus has been on supporting equitable outcomes for Pasifika students and families.

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Published

2026-05-25

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 2 (2026): Policy Quarterly

Section

Articles

License

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