A month ago, Afa Alaloto and Lauao Havili had no idea who each other were. Now, they are a solid team working as the Oamaru Pacific Island Community Group’s new community connectors. The jobs were contracted through the Ministry of Social Development, and were created to meet an increased need from families for support during lockdown. Mrs Alaloto and Ms Havili are continuing the work undertaken by Pacific Covid-19 co-ordinator Silou Temoana, and addressing needs of the Pacific Island community identified in a survey undertaken last year. The survey revealed the Pasifika community required help with digital literacy, housing and education, but Mrs Alaloto and Ms Havili could also help in other areas.