Exploring Success Amongst Pacific Families in New Zealand: Findings from the Pacific Islands Families Study

An overarching objective of New Zealand society is equitable educational, economic, and health outcomes for all citizens, including its Pacific population. In response to these ambitions, this study explored success and what elements are necessary for Pacific families to be successful in New Zealand. Focus groups were undertaken with 29 Pacific fathers and 27 Pacific mothers aged between 35-71 years. An inductive thematic analytical approach was used to code and identify themes from the data. Pacific methodologies, including the Talanoa and Kakala frameworks, were integral in the systematic process of data analysis. Three key factors were found to represent and constitute success for Pacific families: strong religious affiliation, practicing and embracing Pacific cultural identity, and family connectedness and cohesion. Incorporating these key facets into social service provision to enable Pacific people to lead successful, productive lives and Pacific families to function successfully.