A
Pacific Islander or, more politically correctly, a
Pacific Person, (plural:
Pacific People), is a term primarily used in
New Zealand, that is applied to a person who has emmigrated from one of the lesser islands of the
Pacific to New Zealand, or one of their decendants born in New Zealand. While the majority of these people originate from
polynesia, others come from
micronesia and
melanesia. The term is used to distinguish these people from the indigenous New Zealand
Maori, (who are also
polynesians). A major reason for making the ethnic distinction is that the Pacific ethnic grouping collectively suffer from socio-economic disadvantages and require culturally targeted social and health assistance.
See Also: Closing the gaps