Proud of his Papua New Guinean heritage, Smith shared the beauty of his homeland and culture at a community event with the local PNG community. This gathering, held in conjunction with the EPC Mātua group, provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and connection, bringing everyone together in shared celebration.
“Our population is small here in New Zealand but we actually populate a huge portion of the Pacific. It brings me so much joy to connect with PNG people away from the homeland as our people bring so much happiness and we’re so good at sharing that.”
Smith aims to carry his PNG culture and values in his current journey as he pursues a medical degree.
"I implement my culture during my interactions with peers, teachers, or patients. I like to bring joy and a familial energy within groups I am involved in.
"I believe in building strong rapport with patients due to the amount of trust put into healthcare professionals. I also understand the ways of life in PNG and among pacific peoples, and this insight also helps relate and individualise the people I interact with."
Smith has been actively involved in some of the programmes at EPC such as Bula Talei and the Mātua programme. Mātua group Coordinator, Ailua Makalio, praises Smith for his infectious energy.
“We are so lucky to have Joshua present during PNG language week for our Mātua group. He is engaging, well-spoken and the community have responded really well to him. We noticed the same positive response at our visit to the Pasifika Māmā’s group yesterday."
This is the first year that the Ministry of Pacific Peoples (MPP) have included PNG to their pacific language weeks calendar. Smith says it is a great start of creating visibility for the PNG community.
“I think little is taught about Papua New Guinean culture and language. As the country grows and develops, we will likely see more of our wantok and famili (family) in NZ, so it's important for us to at least acknowledge the language of our pacific brothers and sisters.
“I am thrilled that we have PNG language week. I learnt a small amount when I visited PNG in earlier years, but the difference it made to my family over there meant the world. I’m sure it will have the same impact on PNG peoples in New Zealand."
