'More of us at the table': Workshops aim to get more Pacific people into governance

Pacific people face numerous cultural challenges when moving into governance roles resulting in the absence of Pacific voices at the table, according to a governance expert.

A report from last year’s Institute of Directors’ cultural diversity workshops reveals Pacific people face tokenism, prejudice, bias, and colonialism.

Independent Board director Caren Rangi, who is also on the Pacific Advisory team to the IOD, gave her insights on531pi's Pacific Mornings.

Rangi says most can’t comprehend how collective decision-making is hardwired into Pacific communities.

“[There's a] feeling that the majority population is saying to us, ‘you still have things to learn’,

“And yet we look at the way our own communities are run and we know that is a result of really robust decision making, the fundamental part of being a good governor.”

IOD is holding another workshop to discuss why cultural diversity is effective from a Pacific governance perspective, with Rangi facilitating the preliminary 'Ask me anything' session.

Rangi says imposter syndrome is also a challenge to overcome but reassures Pacific people have more credible input than they may think.

“I don’t know a Pacific person who’s active in their community that’s not involved in some kind of decision making process everyday, every week. All of that is really good relevant experience for any board.

“I really want to encourage our people to value the experience they have and realise that that can hold you in good stead.”

Click here to register for the workshops being held in March and watch the full interview with Caren Rangi below.