Saturday the 24th August 2019 marked K’aute Pacifika’s 20th Anniversary which was celebrated at the Hamilton Gardens Pavilion with performances by our diverse Pacific Cultures and inspiring speeches by key spokesmen and CEO Rachel Karalus, Hon. Aupito Sio, Mayor Andrew King and Chairman for K’aute Pacifika Trust Edgar Wilson.
The night had a successful turn out from the Pacific Community at large, where Rachel shared the history of K’aute, explaining the initial vision, mission and key people responsible for turning this dream and concept of having a Pacific hub run by Pacifika, focused on health and well-being, into a reality. Key people and groups Leaupepe Peta Karalus, Meta Tyrell, the Hamilton Samoan Methodist group and many others were recognized for their hard work and drive in the initial establishment and work for the Charitable Trust.
Rachel also explained the meaning behind the name K’aute, which was conceived out of the shared meaning across all the Pacific languages which translates into and symbolizes a Frangipani, a beautiful flower only found across the Pacific Islands and to show unity amongst the Pacific cultures.
Not only was the night a time of remembrance and tribute to those that established and carried K’aute for the last 20 years; but it was also a time of celebration and sharing of new initiatives K’aute has in plan to create a more vibrant and thriving Trust moving froward for the next 20+ years.
A new initiative currently in process is the building of the Pacifika Hub, which will be an integral and central area where the Pacific Community can access products and services for personal, professional and business needs. The land of which the Pacific Hub is to be built has recently been confirmed by the Hamilton City Council for the Corner of Mills and Seddon Street, opposite the Waikato FMG Stadium.
With more thriving strategies planned for K’aute Pacifika in the future, the WPBN look forward to collaborating more in contributing to sustainable and thriving Pacific businesses and professionals in the Waikato Region.