For nearly ten years, New Zealand Rugby’s pioneer programme, Mind Set Engage has been connecting with grassroots teams across the motu to talk about mental health, through the sport pathway. Equipping people with tools, frameworks and a shared understanding to support themselves and those around them.
This winter, Mind Set Engage is shifting the goal posts. After Talanoa with Healthy Families Waitākere Pacific Systems Innovator, Pelenatino Malo, an opportunity was identified to incorporate Pacific models of mental health and wellbeing in its workshops with schools and clubs. Malo continues.
“Through Fa’atauanau, we learned our young people are strongest when they see themselves fully reflected in what health and wellbeing can look like,” Malo explains.
“The talanoa, faikava-style connection, the Fonofale model – these models are the foundation. When rangatahi access Pacific frameworks for understanding themselves and their aiga (family), they can see their culture as central to mental health.”
Initially designed in partnership with the first XV at Avondale College, Fa’atauanau has developed into a multi-pronged approach championing and elevating Pacific models of wellbeing as an early protective factor for lifelong hauora — the trusted relationships, cultural grounding, and sense of belonging that carry rangatahi through adolescence and beyond.
Recognising the strength of this framework and the people they are engaging with, Mind Set Engage collaborated with Malo, attending workshops together to pilot a new element of community outreach.
“One of our guiding principles has always been to work alongside the communities we’re here to support. We saw an opportunity to partner because of the team’s deep roots in Pasifika communities, cultural leadership and the incredible work already underway,” says Olivia Hart, New Zealand Rugby Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme Lead. “This collaboration allows us to strengthen Mind Set Engage while ensuring it remains authentic, relevant and grounded in community.”
The first session was held with Kelston Boys High School last month. Aiga took part and kai was shared: a signal to tamariki that their aganu’u was foundational to how mental health would be held in the room.
Malo walked the session through the foundational models of mental wellbeing, grounded in Pacific ways of being and doing.
