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 […]
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. […]
Welcoming New Talent to Drive Innovation for the Healthy Families Kaupapa
The past few months have been a blur of excitement as we have welcomed five outstanding individuals to the Heathy Families Waitākere kaupapa. Christian Curtis, Vinetta Plummer, Palenatino (Tino) Malo, Micheal Collins and Kristen Te Moananui have joined the team, bringing a diverse range of skills and experience which promises to enrich and further strengthen […]
Sāmoan learning resources empowering wellbeing for tamaiti and faiaoga in aoga amata.
The devoted faiaoga (teachers) in aoga amata (Sāmoan language nests) have long nurtured the next generation in the warmth of the Sāmoan culture and language. To bolster their essential work and improve the wellbeing of both faiaoga and tamaiti (children), the Ola Malosi initiative was created.This initiative focuses on developing a range of Sāmoan language […]
Inspiring a journey of rediscovery for young parents in West Auckland
Teenage parents are exposed to a myriad of challenges as they navigate their early parenting journey, with feelings of isolation and disconnection contributing to the immense pressures of life with a young child. For a group of young mothers at He Wero o ngā Wāhine in West Auckland, a focus on wellbeing and active recreation […]
Glenavon kai village: where kai and community flourish
Nestled in the heart of Glenavon lies a community hub where connections forged through kai are making a significant difference in people’s lives. Servicing this tightknit West Auckland community, the Glenavon Community Hub has embraced a kai village approach to increase community kai resilience, and to create more pathways for whānau to access affordable, nurturing […]
Prioritising health and wellbeing within Pasifika congregations
For Pasifika whānau, churches are the heart of the community delivering far more than spirituality. Alongside religious worship, they provide valuable social interaction, sport and recreational activities, and valuable health and education services. Recognising the integral role of the church in Pasifika communities, Healthy Families Waitākere has been supporting church leaders to help influence health […]
Pathways to calmness
Anxiety is a normal human emotion. But when anxiety takes over, it can get in the way of everyday life – and for rangatahi already navigating the complexities and challenges of modern life, it can have a significant impact on daily tasks. In mild anxiety cases, an array of techniques are recognised as helping support […]
Pukenga Nui Internship: Building confidence and connection for rangatahi in West Auckland
The initiation of the Pukenga Nui internship in November 2023 was a promising addition to the Active Whakapapa kaupapa. With backing from the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, this paid internship programme embarked on a dual mission; to explore avenues for rangatahi economic empowerment and to support Te Kawerau a Maki to deliver the Active Whakapapa […]
