The New Zealand government says its latest budget will significantly boost the economic prospects of Pacific people in the country.
In the budget which has been released today, the government has provided 3.2 million US dollars in operating funding to the Pacific Economic Development Agency.
The Government says the funding will improve the economic well-being of Pacific people in New Zealand's largest city, as the Auckland-based agency helps people to develop their business and entrepreneurial skills.
The Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Georgina te Heuheu says in 16 years Pacific people will make up almost 10 percent of the New Zealand population, and 12 percent of its workforce.
The Minister says its imperative the government continues to advance the economic prospects of Pacific communities for the country's future.
She says the government will continue investing in education, health and housing to lift the living standards of Pacific people.
