Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Jerry Seuseu and Ben Henry are well known for their prowess as rugby league players, but now they are making their mark as Pasifika dads.
The former Warriors stars, now wellbeing managers for the club, have teamed up with the Le Va health organisation as ambassadors for the Fathers Fono programme, encouraging Pasifika men to become better fathers.
ACC has funded the programme in response to a 2016 Auckland University study which found Pasifika children were twice as likely to receive physical punishment than their Palagi counterparts.
Jerry says partnering with Le Va will help mitigate the problem in Pacific communities.
“Growing up in South Auckland, whether it was my neighbours or relatives or siblings, we were very familiar with what is called the ‘fasi’,” he says.
Jerry believes relationships between parents and children should not be a one-way street.
“I consider it a privilege that you know the children are watching me. They’re watching my example, the way I deal with things. But hopefully also the way I react to things and come back from mistakes.”
“We’re not born champions in terms of being fathers, so it’s important to get out there and get tooled up, get trained up, and Le Va’s Father’s Fono programme is a good way to do that,” says Seuseu.
Ben says absence tends to be a common issue and encourages Pacific dads to spend more time with their children.
“As fathers, we are out there in the workforce, in the community, and sometimes our children are at home and suffer because of that,” he says.
Jerry and Ben were on-hand to facilitate a workshop at the Bay Roskill League Club recently, one of several run by the Fathers Fono.
Charles Lavea, a senior project coordinator for the programme, says the workshops aim to build pride and confidence around being a Pasifika Dad.
“This is more than just a workshop. It is a community of fathers that are equipped with tools to be better Pasifika men and parents. We talk about the true intent of our values and emphasise that violence is not our culture,” he says.
Ben is encouraging Pacific men to seek parenting advice from older generations.
“Older gentlemen who are wiser. More experienced. That’s the best advice I could give.”
“I ask my dad all the time, ‘how did you raise us?’ He gives me sound advice.”
