Housing, scholarships, language revival mark 2025 for Shane Reti

From new homes to scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and the revival of Pacific languages, 2025 has been a year of tangible change for New Zealand’s Pacific communities.

Minister for Pacific Peoples (MPP), Dr Shane Reti, says the ministry’s work this year reflects real, on-the-ground impact.

Speaking with William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Reti would like to continue in the role next year.

“This portfolio lights me up,” he says. “All portfolios have challenges, but I love the mission, I love the delivery of this portfolio and the way it actually changes lives.

“There were so many years of sweat and blood that brought this ministry into being. Therefore, the responsibility and the privilege I have is to make sure that the ministry can deliver on those hopes, aspirations and dreams and tangibly benefit Pacific peoples’ lives.”

MPP worked with local community groups to complete 18 homes in Porirua and two in Horotiu, giving Pacific families the opportunity of homeownership.

Our Whare Our Fale Stage 1 during the construction process in Porirua. Photo/Supplied

“Hearing about young Pasifika families about to step into homes and actually have homeownership is a highlight.

“That is a game-changer in a family’s life, and that’s been particularly satisfying both in Porirua and in South Auckland.

“We can make policy, we can go to the whiteboard, we can talk about stuff, but actually doing it, rolling up your sleeves, that’s the next step, and I’m really pleased with their efforts.”

Watch Dr Shane Reti's full interview below.

Pacific languages and community initiatives

Education was another focus for Reti. Over 300 Toloa scholarships, ranging from $1000 to $10,000, were awarded for studies in STEM.

Kijiana Tuatoko is a Year 12 student of Sāmoan and Rotuman heritage, and says the support strengthened her confidence

“People will underestimate your skills, but you don’t have to accept that. We get judged and pushed down, but confidence is key. I want to study radiology because I want to make a difference in people’s lives,” she says in a statement.

Reti also celebrated the success of Pacific language initiatives, including the introduction of Bislama, the Vanuatu language, for the first time, reflecting ongoing efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage.

Ministry’s future

While the ministry faced scrutiny over budget cuts of almost $36 million across four years, Reti defended the changes as necessary for “efficiency and growth”.

In September, speculation emerged about whether the Ministry for Pacific Peoples could be merged into a larger department. Reti says while it was appropriate to review structures, the outcome is now clear and he “100 per cent” backs MPP.

Kijiana Tuatoko is a 2025 recipient of the Toloa scholarship. Photo/Supplied

Former Pacific Minister Aupito William Sio acknowledged MPP’s achievements but warned that concerns about the government’s commitment to Pacific advocacy remain.

“They’re [people] wondering whether this government values Pacific people at all. We know that there isn’t a strong advocacy voice within this government, so I think it will buy him [Luxon] time to consider the optics of it.”

Looking ahead and regional relationships

Reti plans to spend most of the summer in Northland and gift a pro bono dermatology week in the Pacific, continuing his work in Niue following a 2024 trip to Rarotonga.

Regionally, New Zealand contributed $4 million for Fiji’s HIV response and $3.2 million for climate-smart initiatives.

Shane Reti announces funding towards Fiji's HIV response in July. Photo/Supplied

In 2027, New Zealand will host the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), strengthening collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has highlighted the potential for these ties to support Pacific growth and development.

Reflecting on the year, Reti says results-driven leadership made a difference in people’s lives, homes, education, language, and health.