Alcohol, Culture, and Identity in Aotearoa New Zealand: Pacific Rainbow (MVPFAFF+) Young Adult Perspectives
Tracks
Prince Room - In-Person & Virtual
| Wednesday, May 27, 2026 |
| 11:35 AM - 12:05 PM |
Overview
Dr Tamasin Taylor, The University Of Auckland
Details
Three Key Learnings
1. Alcohol use is deeply intertwined with identity and social context.
2. Barriers to support are cultural, structural, and identity-based.
3. Community-led, culturally grounded solutions are essential.
1. Alcohol use is deeply intertwined with identity and social context.
2. Barriers to support are cultural, structural, and identity-based.
3. Community-led, culturally grounded solutions are essential.
Speaker
Dr Tamasin Taylor
Pacific Health Researcher
The University Of Auckland
Alcohol, Culture, and Identity in Aotearoa New Zealand: Pacific Rainbow (MVPFAFF+) Young Adult Perspectives
Abstract
Pacific Rainbow (MVPFAFF+) young adults in Aotearoa New Zealand face intersecting challenges related to alcohol use, cultural identity, and access to safe and affirming health services. Despite evidence that minority gender identities, ethnicities, and young adults are at increased risk of alcohol-related harm, there is a notable gap in research exploring the lived experiences of Pacific Rainbow communities in this context. This qualitative study addresses that gap by examining the role of alcohol in the lives of Pacific Rainbow young adults aged 19–30, using culturally grounded Talanoa methods.
Ten participants of Samoan, Niuean, Tongan and Fijian heritage shared their experiences across six key areas: alcohol access and harm, protective factors, targeted marketing, identity, and community support. Thematic analysis revealed complex relationships between alcohol and cultural identity, including the influence of religious institutions, traditional spirituality, and family dynamics. Participants described alcohol as both a social connector and a coping mechanism in response to rejection, discrimination, and lack of culturally safe support services.
Key themes included the importance of safe social spaces, the impact of alcohol advertising, and barriers to accessing healthcare. Participants emphasised the need for culturally affirming services, peer-led support, and inclusive education. Recommendations included increasing Pacific and MVPFAFF+ health professionals, creating alcohol-free events, and supporting youth to reconnect with cultural and spiritual practices.
This study contributes to the growing body of work on Pacific health equity by centering the voices of Pacific Rainbow young adults. It highlights the urgent need for targeted, culturally responsive alcohol harm reduction strategies that reflect the lived realities of MVPFAFF+ communities in Aotearoa.
Ten participants of Samoan, Niuean, Tongan and Fijian heritage shared their experiences across six key areas: alcohol access and harm, protective factors, targeted marketing, identity, and community support. Thematic analysis revealed complex relationships between alcohol and cultural identity, including the influence of religious institutions, traditional spirituality, and family dynamics. Participants described alcohol as both a social connector and a coping mechanism in response to rejection, discrimination, and lack of culturally safe support services.
Key themes included the importance of safe social spaces, the impact of alcohol advertising, and barriers to accessing healthcare. Participants emphasised the need for culturally affirming services, peer-led support, and inclusive education. Recommendations included increasing Pacific and MVPFAFF+ health professionals, creating alcohol-free events, and supporting youth to reconnect with cultural and spiritual practices.
This study contributes to the growing body of work on Pacific health equity by centering the voices of Pacific Rainbow young adults. It highlights the urgent need for targeted, culturally responsive alcohol harm reduction strategies that reflect the lived realities of MVPFAFF+ communities in Aotearoa.
Biography
Dr Tamasin Taylor is a Pacific health researcher of European and Samoan heritage, based at the University of Auckland’s School of Population Health. She works collaboratively across the broader fields of Pacific healthcare and equity using a range of mixed methods approaches. Most recently, she has led a qualitative study exploring alcohol, culture, and identity among Pacific rainbow (MVPFAFF+) young adults, contributing to the growing body of work focused on equity and inclusion for gender-diverse Pacific populations. Her work is grounded in strong community engagement and co-design, ensuring Pacific voices are central to shaping health research and service development.
