Pacific-Led Responses to COVID-19: Lessons for Future Pandemic Preparedness

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep inequities in health systems globally and in Aotearoa New Zealand, with Pacific communities experiencing a disproportionate burden of illness, economic hardship, and social disruption. Despite these challenges, Pacific communities demonstrated resilience, culturally grounded leadership, and the ability to meet community needs through collective action. This qualitative review of peer-reviewed literature, government reports, and community-led research identified five interconnected themes: (1) community partnerships; (2) Pacific-centred approaches; (3) clear and trusted communication; (4) digital inclusion and literacy skills; and (5) economic support and sustainability. From these themes, key enablers were identified, which included community leadership, trusted communication strategies, and agile local systems, alongside barriers such as underinvestment, digital exclusion, reliance on unpaid labour, and limited inclusion of Pacific leadership in early planning. The findings highlight that Pacific-led systems are not supplementary but an essential public health infrastructure. Embedding these approaches within national emergency planning, through sustainable funding, formal governance roles, and strengthened digital inclusion, offers a pathway to a more equitable, trusted, and resilient pandemic response.