Tapasā Hosts Transformative Talanoaga to Foster Pasifika Wellbeing Collaborations

West Auckland, NZ – In an event aimed at promoting Pasifika wellbeing and intergenerational connectedness, Tapasā convened a talanoaga (meeting) with support from the J R McKenzie Trust. This gathering brought together various Pasifika organizations to explore collaborative opportunities, share innovations, and build strong relationships to elevate the importance of Pasifika voices and wellbeing in Aotearoa.

The J R McKenzie Trust, a philanthropic family trust known for funding initiatives that often struggle to secure grants elsewhere, initiated this talanoaga to connect like-minded groups. Their vision aligns with promoting a socially just and inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand, where Pasifika voices are heard and supported. Initial participants included representatives from Campfire Studios, Lalaga card game, Ranui 135 Youth Leadership Trust, West Auckland Pasifika Forum Charitable Trust, North Harbour Pasifika Hauora Collective, Lagi-Maama Ltd., and Vaitupu Community Trust - all organizations dedicated to Pasifika community development.

Hosted by Tapasā, whose mission is to help Pasifika people in Aotearoa navigate their journey to uplift their wellbeing through stronger cultural connections, the event was designed to foster a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose. The talanoaga aimed to avoid the silo approach to community initiatives, encouraging a more integrated and cohesive effort among the organizations.

"We are thrilled to have been asked by our main funder, JR McKenzie Trust, to facilitate this important gathering," said Ruta, co-founder of Tapasā. "Our goal is to create a space for open dialogue, mutual support, and the development of a shared vision for promoting Pasifika wellbeing."

The event was expertly facilitated by Repeka George-Koketa from Ei Moana. Tapasā expressed their gratitude for her exceptional facilitation skills, noting that her deep understanding of Pasifika knowledge and ability to establish rapport with participants significantly enriched the discussions.

"Your deep understanding of Pasefika knowledge and your skill in establishing rapport with the participants significantly contributed to the richness of our conversations and exchanges," said Tapasā in a statement. "You created a safe and welcoming space for all voices to be heard, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives were not only encouraged but celebrated."

The talanoaga provided an invaluable platform for participants to present their projects, share insights, and discuss potential collaborations. Participants were enthusiastic about the opportunity to work together, recognizing the benefits of a united approach to community development.

Kayla, Tapasā's co-founder, live scribed the event, capturing the essence of the discussions and the collaborative spirit that emerged. JR McKenzie Trust funded the event and catering, underscoring their commitment to creating a space for Pasifika organizations to connect and collaborate.

The event concluded with a collective commitment to continue the dialogue and explore joint initiatives under the JR McKenzie funding. By fostering a strong mafutaga (relationship) and sharing a common vision, these organizations aim to create sustainable and meaningful change for Pasifika communities in Aotearoa.

The success of this talanoaga marks a significant step forward in strengthening the Pasifika community network, ensuring that cultural wellbeing and intergenerational connectedness remain at the forefront of their efforts.