'Ava blessing ceremony

First 'Ava and Turou held at NZ parliament for new Pasifika MPs

Five new MPs with Pacific heritage were elected this year bringing the total of Pasifika MPs in the house to 11 - the most ever.

Flanked on both sides by 'ei wearing supporters and with joyous Pasifika singing echoing through the lower halls of the Beehive - the five newest Pasifika MPs and their families were welcomed to a blessing ceremony held in their honour and attended by community, church and political leaders.

For first time Otaki MP Teris Ngobi, who is of Samoan and Scottish decent, it was a privilege and honour to be able to celebrate the moment