The New Zealand Treasury says it will work to reduce barriers in education, health, housing and employment for Pacific peoples in the country.
Gabriel Makhlouf Photo: supplied
A new report launched by the government on Tuesday reveals Pacific New Zealanders are contributing significantly to the economy, despite inequalities that exist.
The Treasury Secretary Gabriel Makhlouf said Pacific peoples were active in almost every area of the economy, and that Pacific businesses, charities and churches a play an important role.
He said the report showed Pacific people would achieve even more if inequities are reduced.
Mr Makhlouf said Treasury will work with the government to maximise the strengths of Pacific New Zealanders.
"We intend to analyse the findings of the report in more detail and to explore with our colleagues across the public sector, ways in which we can maximise the strengths that Pacific New Zealanders have shown through the data we now have."
The report said Pacific individuals and businesses contributed $US5.4 billion to New Zealand's annual Gross Domestic Product.
It said Pacific workers earned $US4.5 billion in the 2017 financial year, equating to six percent of the income of all New Zealanders.
