The New Zealand Pan-African Broadcasting Corporation is a non-profit trust bridging the richness of Africa with programmes and initiatives to support migrants and strengthen their local New Lynn community.
In 2024, The NZ Pan-African Broadcasting Corporation Charitable Trust (NZPABC) received a grant to support the Pan African Community Centre’s ongoing mahi enhancing the wellbeing of ethnic minority communities in Aotearoa.
Listen to the story:
Navigating the unfamiliar
Every year, people and whānau from across the globe make the difficult decision to leave their home and start a new life in Aotearoa. For some, migrating offers a pathway for new opportunities and broader horizons, for many, it’s a matter of survival.
From war and persecution to challenging economic or political environments, no two reasons for moving are the same – and while migrating can provide an escape from adversity at home, people and families find themselves navigating a whole new set of challenges upon arrival.
This is the reality faced by the growing community of African people who now call Aotearoa home.
Understanding the need for support, and equipped with extensive backgrounds in health, education, and community support, Ketina Chivasa and Ben Harris created the NZPABC to facilitate weekly broadcasts on health and community challenges in Africa and abroad.
A place to stand
After two years of weekly live broadcasts, it became clear that Ketina and Ben had naturally achieved what many struggle to accomplish – trust.
With their unique position in Aotearoa’s African diaspora, NZPABC knew they had a rare opportunity to extend their impact beyond broadcasting and create wide-spread change in the community. Interactions with community members and local organisations revealed a clear need for tailored support within the African migrant community.
Access to support services is vital for new migrants, but often the experience of navigating systemic injustice leaves many with an understandable distrust in centralised services. This reduced trust can act as a significant barrier preventing African migrants from accessing important support services in Aotearoa.
Motivated by a vision to see ethnic minorities fully and healthily participating in life in Aotearoa, NZPABC understood that the community needed more than support, they needed a safe place to stand and be heard without retribution.
It wasn’t long before that place emerged. In 2021, the NZPABC established the Pan-African Community Centre (PACC) in the heart of New Lynn as a safe space to bring the community together, celebrate the richness of African cultures, and enable access to a range of support services and opportunities.
For Africans, by Africans
The African diaspora have left more than just hardship and struggle in their home countries – they've left behind the people, places, cultures and traditions that form everyday life. Created for Africans, by Africans, the PACC plays a crucial role in providing holistic support opportunities that enable the community to go from surviving to thriving.
Acknowledging the cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity of their community, NZPABC develops programmes and initiatives spanning education, advocacy, health, and youth support. Responsive and adaptive to community needs and desires, NZPABC are constantly evolving their initiatives and offerings based on feedback from the community.
"We didn't think anyone cared until the centre opened."
Help to navigate life in Aotearoa
NZPABC seeks to empower the community with offerings designed to equip participants with the skills and confidence to fully participate in life in Aotearoa.
Alongside support with the more formal aspects of migrating, NZPABC offer advocacy services, support, and educational programmes that aim to combat exploitation by increasing awareness of legal rights and enabling access to appropriate legal support.
More targeted initiatives engage community partners such as registered nurses and vaccinators and the NZ Police to collaborate on and deliver programmes increasing awareness and understanding of NZ law and supporting women’s health education.
"I never believed I would see so many different ages and ethnic groups all dancing and laughing together."
Young people from all backgrounds can face challenges in different areas or stages of life. At the Community Centre, a range of age groups and ethnicities benefit from varied opportunities for social connection. Homework clubs offer a safe space to seek support and establish a sense of belonging and acceptance. Holiday programmes, sports teams, recreational activities, cultural events, and music lessons contribute to the Community Centre’s growing presence in the New Lynn community.
The impact of these programmes and initiatives is widespread, with the number of people engaging with the Centre growing to encompass a variety of ethnic communities. With the support of the Community Centre, young people from all backgrounds can navigate the different areas of life with greater confidence.
