New Zealand's main opposition party has promised to review Pacific migration policy and recognise the five main Pacific languages in the education system, if elected.
Labour's Pacific Affairs spokesperson, Aupito William Sio and party leader Jacinda Ardern. Photo: RNZ Pacific: Sela Jane Hopgood
Labour's Pacific Affairs spokesperson, Aupito William Sio, said the migration policy will be reviewed for small Pacific nations like Tuvalu, Tokelau and Kiribati which feel the brunt of climate change.
He also said the Cook Islands, Niuean, Tokelauan, Samoan and Tongan languages will be made official community languages in the education system.
Aupito said quality language education had a proven record of raising academic achievement.
He also promised Pasifika content in public broadcasting, and goals for Pacific literacy, research and bilingualism.
By 2026, Pacific people are forecast to make up 10 percent of New Zealand's population, with just under half of those people being under the age of 20.
New Zealand goes to the polls on 23 September.
