Dylan Asafo

Dylan Asafo is an accomplished academic that focuses on partitioning for climate action by shedding light on the inequalities Pasifika faces and how to combat those in order for our Pacific people and islands to thrive.

No stranger to saying things as they are, Dylan is significantly making waves towards climate action and inequality in general for our people through his academia and opinion pieces.

“Us Pacific peoples have come to learn that we are only seen as “family” by the government and wider society when we win rugby tournaments, or when we receive praise and acclaim on the international stage, or when politicians are seeking clout and political power here or overseas.”

One of the most painful injustices of New Zealand’s politics disposability and racial capitalism comes from knowing that if white people from Australia, Europe, North America, or anywhere in the world were facing displacement due to climate change or being routinely brutalized and murdered by armed forces – New Zealand would never remain silent because these white people would be seen and treated as “family”.

Dylan is unafraid to take up space and speak up in these predominantly white spaces which are heavily needed in our fight against climate change.

https://www.newsroom.co.nz/ideasroom/racism-behind-nzs-inaction-in-the-pacific