Pacific Starmap Launch

Launch of Pacific Starmap website, Aotea Centre, Auckland

Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Ni sa bula vinaka, Namaste, Kia orana, Ia Orana, Gud de tru olgeta, Taloha ni, Talofa, Kia ora tatou and Warm Pacific Greetings to you all this evening.

It is absolutely wonderful to be here with so many creative and talented Pacific stars launching a tool which will light the way for our Pacific artists.

It is truly an honour to have here tonight Professor Albert Wendt, who is like the sun of our solar system of Pacific creativity – he has shone brightly and given all those who fall under his rays something to aspire to.

I would like begin by reciting a piece of Albert's poetry which is particularly apt for this occasion:
 

Sharman of Visions, in words is the silence before Tagaloaalagi created the dawn of solitude.
We measure ourselves against our words.

Sharman of Visions, the early dawn hours tremble as though anticipating a lover's touch.
Words begin at the roots of our breath.

Sharman of Visions, we censor our bodies, that is our madness.
We feel abandoned by every thing.

Sharman of Visions, when a leaf falls in the heart of the bush do you hear it? Do you feel the pain of its lonely dying?

Sharman of Visions, through our pores our Dead see that to love without hope is better than not to love at all.

Sharman of Visions, we'll not live under that dark side of Pluto afraid of evening as much of death.

Sharman of Visions, when we die disperse every particle of our dust into the dawn which gave birth to the first word.

Acknowledgements
Thank you all so much for being here this evening and showing your support for our Pacific artists. I would particularly like to acknowledge:

• Rev Setaita Veikune for his blessing;
• The inspirational Nathaniel Lees – Pacific Starmap is his vision and I thank him for sharing this with us;
• Nathaniel and Albert's fellow Pacific stars who are sharing their stories and have committed to supporting our emerging Pacific artists, particularly those who join us tonight Sima Urale and Filipe Tohi ;
• Dr Colin Tukuitonga chief executive of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, and his team whose commitment to this project will ensure its success.

Significance of creative arts
Creativity, music and art are an integral part of life for our Pacific peoples – it is woven into the very fabric of our Pacific way of doing things.

It is our artists who reflect our sense of cultural identity through their written words, their voices and music, on paper, canvas, fabric, stone, wood, on the stage and – increasingly – through digital media.

The arts are not only an illustration of our strong sense of cultural identity - it can act as a stimulus to innovation and creativity, providing another platform for the economic development of our Pacific communities and New Zealand.

Through the Pacific Economic Action Plan and the Pacific Women's Economic Development Plan the government is committed to working with our Pacific communities to enhance the economic potential and prosperity of Pacific people. A key goal is to ensure our people are aware of the opportunities available in the creative, emerging and growth industries – and supported in their journey.

Pacific Starmap has been developed in response to this goal. It will be the virtual home for Pacific artists at each stage of their careers to be guided, share experiences and celebrate the individual paths to success in the arts.

It will enhance their access to role models, helpful networks, advisors and promotional opportunities. It will enable them to share their work and experiences. It will showcase their talents and achievements. Isn't this fantastic!

Pacific artists
There is a long tradition of voyaging in Pacific cultures, of people undertaking long ocean journeys to explore and to find greater opportunities for themselves and their families.

Our ancestors used the Southern stars to guide their journeys of exploration and discovery. Many of us are here in New Zealand because our parents and grandparents took that journey.

We are celebrating Pacific achievements here tonight by featuring the inaugural Pacific Starmap champions – a constellation of stars whose stories and images will feature on the new website and guide the journeys of successive artistic travellers.

It is often difficult as a young and uncertain artist to overcome the barriers, to discover routes to the knowledge and resources that will help them along the way to utilise their talents.

A vital part in the development and success of creative people therefore is the passing on of knowledge, the sharing of skills and experiences. It is a very Pacific way of doing things. 

The aim of this resource is to help younger people and learners at all levels gain the confidence to take the next steps on their paths towards a career in the creative sector.

Our celebrated actor Nathaniel Lees recognised the difficulties and, with writer Professor Albert Wendt, thought about ways in which they could be addressed. Nathaniel’s vision has played a vital role in the development of this project, from concept to realisation.

In a way his inspiration has triggered a powerful “super nova” - a stellar explosion that creates bright new stars! He has every right to feel pride in the achievements we are celebrating tonight.

Nathaniel will lead this evening’s launch as our “champion of champions” – and he will shortly explain the inspiration behind the Pacific Starmap website.

Closing remarks and formal launch
There is a Samoan saying, E sau le fuata ma lona lou. (In every generation there are some outstanding chiefs.)

At the heart of this evening’s celebrations are these chiefs, the Pacific champions who will share their talents and experience with the next keen generation – and all the Pacific peoples who will feel inspired by their stories to develop their potential.

Our chiefs their ancestors, and all our Pacific peoples have a rich history and tradition of creativity.

E lë täua muä’au fa’alele,
Ae täua le tu’i o mulipapaga.
E lë täua le paepae tupe mua,
Ae täua le töfä.
E lë täua pö ula,
Ae täua le fesilafa’i o Aualuma.
E lë täua le ta’i,
Ae täua le Fa’amuli Tapua’i.
E lë täua Tofi,
Ae täua lou Fa’amaoni."

I encourage all our aspiring artists to take advantage of the generosity of these chiefs, and all the resources available on the new website, to help your along your career paths. Pacific Starmap is here to support you.

My warm congratulations and thanks to all involved in planning and building this wonderful project.

It is now a great honour to declare the new Pacific Starmap website launched.