???1;New research highlights just how much time and money Pasifika people put towards our communities

Findings from the Pacific Economy Research Report shows 44-percent of Pasifika contributed a total of 2.4-million dollars to helping others over four months.

They were also more likely to engage in volunteer and unpaid work if they were over the age of 25, and provided increased social support during last year's lockdown.

Pacific Peoples Minister Aupito William Sio says it shows the contributions Pasifika make to New Zealand are underestimated, as they are indeed an essential part of the economy.