Kia ora, Talofa lava, Mālō e lelei, Kia orana, Fakaalofa lahi at, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakatalofa atu, Mālo ni, Mauri, Ia orana, Aloha' Noa’ia ‘e mauri, Halo, Halo olgeta, Halo olketa.
Libraries and information institutions contribute to enriching Moana Oceania peoples’ lives by partnering to deliver services & information that are easily accessible, current, meaningful, and relevant to their development and contributions to society.
2023 Census data from Statistics NZ, shows that Pacific peoples now make up nearly 9% of Aotearoa’s population — 443,000 people — a 16% increase since 2018. They are also the youngest population, with a median age of just 25 years, and nearly a third under 15.
Most live in Auckland, especially Māngere, Ōtara, and Manurewa, but we’re also seeing rapid growth in regions like Otago and Tasman.
Language and culture remain strong, with over 110,000 Samoan speakers and growing numbers of Tongan and Fijian speakers. By 2043, Pacific peoples are projected to make up 11% of the country.
For libraries, this means a huge opportunity and responsibility. A youthful, future-focused community, concentrated in key centres, with a strong cultural identity, looks to libraries for education, digital access, language support, and safe community spaces. Libraries can play a vital role in enabling Pacific success now and into the future.
Previously, LIANZA Pacific Information Management Network (PIMN) was established as a special interest group of LIANZA over two decades ago to support and connect Pasifika professionals in the GLAMR sectors.
PIMN re-evaluated their strategy in 2025, leading to a refresh of its approach and creating space for new opportunities, voices, and leadership.
The new name Moana was chosen to:
Represent our values and cultural identity authentically in a rapidly changing world
Reinvigorate our strategic direction in a time of transformation across the GLAMR (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums, Records) sector.
Create space for new voices and ideas through talanoa and collective strategy-building.
Moana honours the legacy of PIMN while embracing a broader, more inclusive identity rooted in Indigenous knowledge and oceanic connection.
The term “Pacific” was given by a European explorer and carries colonial baggage. In contrast, “Moana” means “ocean” in many of our languages and has far greater meaning and relevance to our people. This shift affirms our ancestral ties and empowers Indigenous perspectives.
Core Values
Alofa – Love and care for each other
Faifatongia – Service and support
Tau turu – Reciprocal help
Fa’aloalo – Consideration and respect
Veituberi kei na veimaroroi – Custodianship
Convenor: Trina Schuster, Head of Arts, Culture and Lifelong Learning at Selwyn District Council
Secretary: Sana Saleem, Pacific Librarian at Unitec
Supporter: Richy Misilei, Lead and Coach - Ōtara-Papatoetoe for Auckland Council
