When young people are offered a space to define what wellbeing means for them — and feel safe in the relationships around them — they’re more likely to speak openly, ask for support, and stand by each other.
That belief came to life at a recent XV rugby camp at Avondale College, where 25 players aged 14–17 took part in a workshop facilitated by Healthy Families Waitākere’s Pacific Innovator, Pelenatino Malo. But this wasn’t about tactics or drills — it was about hauora.
Wellbeing was explored through Talanoa, movement, and shared reflection — drawing on the Fonofale model as a quiet but powerful guide. While the model itself wasn’t formally introduced, its foundations were woven into the workshop design, giving the boys a chance to connect with key pou like family, values, and mental wellbeing in a way that felt natural and relatable.
“This isn’t just an add-on — it’s a reflection of what we believe matters most,” says Lyndy Watkinson, Principal of Avondale College. “When our young men are given the tools and trust to explore wellbeing for themselves, we’re not only supporting them — we’re setting a foundation for lasting change across our school and community.”
The workshop unfolded through three key activities. The boys began by mapping the current “state of play” in their wellbeing. They then explored what matters most to them, what support they need, and what they’re curious to learn. Finally, they took on the Tuia Challenge — surfacing the challenges they face, and the kinds of support that would make a difference.
The insights were clear. The boys named the pressures they navigate — expectations at home, on the field, and in everyday life. They spoke about how much strength it takes to show up for their team, their families, and themselves. But they also shared pride in their culture, the importance of connection, and a desire to better support one another.
The boys also spoke strongly about their support networks — highlighting whānau and friendships as core to their wellbeing. This wasn’t about identifying what’s missing. It was about recognising what’s already strong — and finding ways to strengthen it further.
“We went in to understand what supports the boys already draw on,” says Pelenatino. “What they told us is they’re surrounded by care — through friends, family, and culture. Now we can ask: how do we make those supports more visible, more resourced, and even more powerful?”
“Looking for signs like isolating or behaviours that are not their usual self. I would try and get them one on one away from others to ask if they are ok.”
What emerged most powerfully was a collective desire to bring families into the conversation. The players expressed a strong interest in hosting a session with their parents — to share what they’d learned, unpack the insights from the camp, and deepen the collective understanding of how families support hauora.
That next step is now being developed: a Talanoa space where players and families can sit together — not just to listen, but to lead what comes next.
“When young people invite their families into this space, it shows real leadership,” says Pelenatino. “Connection is where wellbeing grows.”
