Tāfesilafa’i: A Celebration of Culture, Community & Legacy
For five years, the Tāfesilafa’i community of care has served as a supportive space for faiaoga (teachers) in aoga amata (Sāmoan language nests) to learn, share experiences, and connect with other aoga amata in way a that embodies fa’a Sāmoa (the Sāmoan way). On Saturday 03 May, the support network around Tāfesilafa’i gathered to celebrate this journey, reflecting on growth, resilience, and […]
Mana Motuhake o te Kai: A living philosophy at Lincoln Heights School
At Lincoln Heights School, lunchtimes buzz with play, but it’s not uncommon to find tamariki knee-deep in the school māra kai (food garden), hands in the soil, learning how to grow and harvest kai. Guided by teacher, Jen Harris and kaimahi Augustine Kopa, this thriving initiative is part of Kāhui Māra Kai, a movement rooted […]
The slow creep of alcohol
This op ed was written by Healthy Families Waitākere Government Systems and Policy Lead, Vinetta Plummer Te Rarawa, Ngātiwai and originally featured on e-tangata At first glance, the Hairdressing (Reducing Restrictions) Bill contains what seem like harmless, even appealing, ideas. Being offered a complimentary glass of wine or a beer while I get my hair […]
Yes, data can produce better policy – but it’s no substitute for real-world experience
This article originally appeared on The Conversation Governments like to boast that “data-driven” policies are the best way to make fair, efficient decisions. They collect statistics, set targets and adjust strategies to suit. But while data can be useful, it’s not neutral. There are biases and blind spots in the systems that produce the data. […]
Hologa Niue Cultural Festival 2025: A Systems Return Perspective
The first-ever Hologa Niue Cultural Festival was an outstanding success, uniting thousands of Niueans recently in Tāmaki Makaurau. A vibrant celebration of vagahau Niue (Niuean language), heritage, culture, and tradition, the event marked a new dawn for the Niuean community in Aotearoa. Spearheaded by the Three Star Nation community group, Hologa Niue is part of […]
