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Unlocking the Power of the Vā was at the heart of a recent workshop that brought together community workers from across West Auckland to explore how Pasifika frameworks can transform the way we connect and work with Pacific people. Hosted by Tapasā in partnership with Community Waitākere, the session delved into the concept of the Vā—a space not of emptiness, but of relationships and connection.
The workshop highlighted why normalizing Pasifika frameworks like the Vā is essential in community work. Often, Pacific people and their unique worldviews are misunderstood or approached without the cultural tools needed to truly engage. When Pasifika concepts are integrated into community spaces, they provide pathways for genuine understanding and meaningful relationships. This is critical for ensuring Pacific youth, families, and communities feel seen, valued, and supported.
Participants engaged in talanoa around the Vā, discussing its meaning as “the space that relates, that holds separate entities together in the Unity-that-is-All.” They reflected on what it takes to navigate this relational space—considering not only what they need to know but who they need to connect with to reach mutual understanding. Ruta Tonumaivao and Kayla Schwalger, facilitators, emphasized the importance of approaching Pacific communities with cultural humility, asking participants to reflect on the values, relationships, and historical context that shape the spaces they work in.
To bring the concept to life, attendees decorated personal va‘a (canoes) as part of a creative introduction activity, symbolizing the shared journey of navigating relationships in their work. This simple yet profound exercise reinforced the idea that building strong connections requires intention, awareness, and effort.
One participant remarked, “The workshop opened up my mind about the Vā. It doesn’t matter where we come from—creating and nurturing the Vā is essential.” Another shared, “Understanding the Vā gives us the right tools to approach situations with Pacific people. It’s about respecting the relational space and ensuring our actions reflect that respect.”
These reflections underscored why Pasifika frameworks need to be normalized. Without them, community workers may approach situations with assumptions or methods that fail to resonate with Pacific people. By embedding concepts like the Vā into their practice, professionals can ensure they are not only effective but also respectful and culturally attuned.
The workshop also featured a quote by Professor Epeli Hau‘ofa that resonated deeply with attendees:"It is the water that connects the people of the Pacific. We should not be defined by the smallness of our islands but in the greatness of our oceans. We are the sea, we are the ocean. Oceania is us."
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees calling for more opportunities to explore Pacific frameworks. Suggestions included deeper dives into case studies and extended sessions to continue the learning journey.
A big fa‘afetai lava to everyone who attended and contributed to this important conversation. By bringing frameworks like the Vā into community spaces, we’re not only building stronger relationships but also ensuring that Pacific communities are better understood and supported.
Stay tuned for future workshops as we continue to chart this vital course together.
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