The Affirmation Space
About Rainbow Fale
Rainbow Fale provides safe, affirming, and inclusive spaces for MVPFAFF+ / Rainbow+ youth and their families. We help young people explore their identities, build confidence, and strengthen connections to their Pasifika culture. Grounded in love, respect, and belonging, we work to ensure every Rainbow+ youth person can flourish as their full, authentic self.
FOR YOUTH
The Affirmation Space is for MVPFAFF+ youth and allies looking for a place to be unapologetically themselves. Our Fale provides a safe environment to connect with others, express your identity, and find community – whether you’re at school, home, or anywhere in between.
Our programmes are designed by and for Pasifika Rainbow+ youth, including: Matala Spaces – in-school program fostering safe spaces for MVPFAFF+ and LGBTQIA+ youth to explore identity, build confidence, and navigate the world authentically.
Mafutaga – after-school gatherings that provide a safe and empowering space for connection, growth, and mentorship. Va’Hine Lei – a peer support and advocacy initiative amplifying Rainbow+ voices within health, youth, and community settings. Lanu – a celebration of youth and community connections, honoring Pasifika queer joy, identity, and leadership.
Every Rainbow Fale initiatives is led with care, cultural grounding, and the goal of helping our young people feel seen, supported, and proud of who they are.
Navigating the Waves Together
‘Oku tau ki he ngalu; ‘oku ‘i lalo ‘a e tahi | We face the waves, the ocean lies beneath.
Rainbow Fale understands intimately the challenges that our Pacific Rainbow+ community can face. We support our young people, in particular, to face these waves of challenges by accessing their inherent mana and resilience, weaving in new knowledge and skills – all whilst privileging connections to identify, culture and community with the Moana | ocean beneath. Rainbow Fale has a number of programmes that we have co-designed and co-developed, with our Pacific rainbow+ community, and their aspirations at heart. The programmes are evidence-informed based on youth-based, educational and health frameworks (such as the Health and Physical Education Curriculum (Ministry of Education) and the Fonofale Framework (Fuimaono Dr Karl Pulotu-Endemann), relevant research (such as the Manalagi Community Report (Maleulu Seuta’afili Associate Professor Patrick Thomsen and team), and community-based and -driven stories – written, verbal, visual and beyond. Our programmes are tables below. The meanings and backgrounds of these programmes’ names mean a lot to us as they descend directly from the hands, hearts, and minds of our communities. Names are incredibly important in Pacific cultures and traditions, so we begin here.
MATALA
Matala means blossoming, blooming and flowering in a number of Pacific languages. It also means to break off from, become independent, and be open too. We see our Pacific rainbow+ young people as deserving of having their wellbeing blossoming and bloom.
MAFUTAGA
Matala means fellowship and connecting with others in Gagana Samoa. We encourage Pacific rainbow+ young people to Mafutaga through the provision of safe, affirming spaces where pride in identities is fostered.
VAHINE LEI
A collectivisation of a number of kupu Pasifika | Pacific words. Va = the sacred and relational space in many Pacific cultures and languages; Hine = descending from the Atua of the Moana who protects the practice of weaving; and Lei = a garland or necklace that beautifies, adorns and important to gifting processes. Taken together, we weave our relational spaces to beautify the lives of others as collectives.
MAAMA
Maama means light or enlightenment in lea faka-Tonga. MAAMA is an acronym: Moving Action and Awareness for MVPFAFF+ Allyship. The term MVPFAFF+, coined by Phylesha Brown-Acton MNZM, is a mnemonic that collectivises Pacific gender diverse roles, expressions and identities including but not limited too fa’afa’fine (Samoa, fakaleiti (leiti: Tonga) and ‘akava’ine (Kuki ‘Airani).
MATALA (FULL)
| Overview | An in-school programme focused on supporting the health and wellbeing of rainbow+ youth, with a Pacific-first approach. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Weekly |
| Programme Duration | School-year long, except week 1 of each school term |
| Session Duration | Flexible based on provider's needs. For impact, at least 45 minutes |
| Participant Criteria |
|
| Medium | In-person or online |
| Notes | Can be delivered in Church or Community |
MATALA (CONDENSED)
| Overview | A programme focused on supporting the health and wellbeing of rainbow+ youth, with a Pacific-first approach. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Weekly |
| Programme Duration | 6 weeks |
| Session Duration | Flexible based on provider’s needs. For impact, at least 45 minutes. |
| Participants Criteria |
|
| Medium | In-person or online |
| Notes | Can be delivered in schools, Church, or community. |
MAFUTAGA
| Overview | Afterschool programme focused on building connection, providing safety for identity exploration and expression, and developing life-positive skills. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Monthly, Third Thursday. |
| Programme Duration | Year-long, except Christmas and Summer holidays. |
| Session Duration | 2 hours, 4.30pm – 6.30pm |
| Participants Criteria |
|
| Medium | In person. |
| Location | Village Collective with off-site activities as they take place. |
VAHINE LEI
| Overview | A peer support programme for Pacific rainbow+ adults focused on building connection and enhancing professional and personal development. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Monthly, last Friday |
| Programme Duration | Year-long, except Christmas and Summer holidays |
| Session Duration | 2 hours, 7pm – 9pm |
| Participants Criteria |
|
| Medium | In-person |
| Location | Village Collective with off-site activities as they take place. |
MAAMA
| Overview | A programme dedicated to supporting health and social services professionals to elevate their engagement with Pacific rainbow+ communities. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | When needed |
| Programme Duration | One-off |
| Session Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Participants |
|
| Medium | In-person or online |
| Notes | We accept, with alofa and respect, koha. |
SEI LELEI
Together with our Health & Wellbeing Clinic, Rainbow Fale offers the following initiatives, at no cost, as part of Sei Lelei, our Pacific Access & Choice service aimed at supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Pacific rainbow+ young people and their families. Sei Lelei is more than a service; it is our steadfast declaration to the Pacific rainbow+ community of Tamaki Makaurau | Auckland that Village Collective stand behind, in front of and beside you, to support your mental health and wellbeing journeys. Sei Lelei is Pacific, youth, family, and south Auckland first, but will support all rainbow+ peoples and their families across Tamaki Makaurau | Auckland. Our programmes are tabled below. The meanings and backgrounds of these programme names mean a lot to us as they descend directly from the hands, hearts, and minds of our communities. Names are incredibly important in Pacific cultures and traditions, so we begin here.
Tali Mai Lagi
Taken from a Samoan phrase from chief and warrior, Nafanua, “E tali mai lagi se ao ole malo Samoa”. It means the answer you’re looking for will “come from the heavens”. Gifted to us by a fa’afafine Samoa leader, this phrase speaks to the answers being embodied in the va – the space, the heavens – which form the crux of engaging in supportive talanoa.
Lata’anga
Lata’anga means a place/space of peace or contentment. We want your Pacific rainbow+ young people to know their minds, hearts and selves can be ‘lata’anga’ through the provision of places of peace for them to learn and build skills to live full and meaningful lives.
Flowering Families
We see our families as deserving to flower, together, through the right conditions that nurture their livelihoods and wellbeing.
Kapiti
Kapiti is Te Reo Maori Kuki ‘Airani for join, connect and unite. Through peer support, this unity and connection is key to affirm, uplift and empower.
Alofa in Action
Alofa means love, kindness, compassion, empathy, and mercy in a number of Pacific languages. We see alofa as a value, but also as a verb; and when embodied, brings about understanding, awareness and positive change.
Community Kiki
Kiki is a popular term in rainbow+ spaces that alludes to getting together, connecting, and finding support and solidarity. We see these as keys in the development of all our events.
TALI MAI LAGI
| Overview | Brief intervention talanoa therapy for Pacific rainbow+ people and their families. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | As needed. |
| Programme Duration | No maximum number of sessions |
| Sessions Duration | N/A |
| Participant Criteria |
|
| Medium | In-person or online |
| Notes | We have 5 rainbow+ affirmative talanoa therapists. |
LATA’ANGA
| Overview | A clinical-cultural programme focused on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Pacific rainbow+ young people. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Weekly |
| Programme Duration | 6 weeks |
| Session Duration | Flexible based on provider’s needs. For impact, at least 1 hour. |
| Participant Criteria |
|
| Medium | In-person or online |
| Notes | Can be delivered in schools, churches or community groups. |
FLOWERING FAMILIES
| Overview | A programme focused on supporting Pacific rainbow+ young people and their families – both kin or chosen. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Monthly, last Thursday. |
| Programme Duration | Year-long |
| Session Duration | 2.5 hours – 6pm to 8.30pm. |
| Participant Criteria |
|
| Medium | In-person |
| Location | Village Collective Hub |
KAPITI
| Overview | 1:1 Pacific rainbow+ peer support from one of our Rainbow Fale Youth/Peer Support Workers who are all Pacific and MVPFAFF+. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | As needed. |
| Programme Duration | No maximum number of sessions. |
| Session Duration | N/A |
| Participant Criteria |
|
| Medium | In-person or online. |
| Notes | Can travel across Auckland. |
ALOFA IN ACTION
| Overview | An educational programme focused on supporting the va between Pacific rainbow+ and on-rainbow+ young people. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | As needed. |
| Programme Duration | One-off |
| Session Duration | 3 hours |
| Participant Criteria |
|
| Medium | In-person |
COMMUNITY KIKI
| Overview | Holding community events and workshops focused on specific topics that groups and providers are interested in. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | As needed. |
| Programme Duration | One-off. |
| Session Duration | Flexible based on provider’s needs. |
| Participant Criteria |
|
| Medium | In-person or online. |
| Notes | Can be delivered in schools, churches, or community groups. |
FOR COMMUNITIES & PARTNERS
We collaborate with schools, community groups, and organizations to create inclusive environments for Pasifika Rainbow+ youth.
Our partnerships aim to raise awareness, build understanding, and foster belonging through: MVPFAFF+ Professional Development Training – tailored workshops helping workplaces, schools, and families build confidence in supporting Pasifika third-gender and Rainbow+ identities. Community Collaborations – working alongside local groups and youth organizations to host inclusive activations. Health & Wellbeing Partnerships – Collaborating with our Care team and health partners to ensure accessible, affirming services for Rainbow+ youth and their whanau.
Together, we aim to shift perceptions, strengthen support systems, and create safe spaces across Aotearoa where all our Rainbow+ Pasifika people can thrive.
VOICES FROM THE VILLAGES
“Stunning training delivered in such a warm, generous, and safe way. YOU HAVE REALLY ENHANCED
MY PRACTICE” – MVPFAFF+ PD Workshop Attendee.
“Matala Ball reminded me of the power of community, self expression, and being seen. It’s helped me embrace more of who I am and showed me that there’s beauty in every identity and story. Being part of that energy was both empowering and healing” – Matala Ball Attendee
“Matala has impacted me in alot of ways on a personal scale through educating me about sexuality education and prior knowledge for LGBTQIA+ students. these things i wish i had learnt sooner but thankful that diversity has allowed me to be informed with these aspects of our identities and learning to embrace them rather than hiding them. i have also been privileged to feel a sense of acceptance outside of diversity itself and feel comfortable in my own skin which I believe had alot to do with diversity & truly being proud of my identity in cultural and social settings” – Matala (school initiative)
Our Work in Action
Recent highlights include: Matala Spaces – workshops across South Auckland schools, supporting Rainbow+ youth to express identity with pride.
- Matala Ball – an evening hosted by Village Collective in collaboration with Ballroom Aotearoa, celebrating the vibrant ballroom scene in Aotearoa and the community that uplifts it. The event showcased the creativity, diversity, and self-expression of our Rainbow+ community through fashion, performance, and storytelling.
- Leading up to the event were the Matala Workshops – curated by prominent ballroom community leaders – where participants learned about voguing, creative expression, and the deeper cultural significance behind ballroom art forms.
- Lanu 2024 – an evening celebrating Pasifika Rainbow+ excellence and community leadership.
- MVPFAFF+ PD sessions with Penina Trust, Fale Pasifika, Strive.
- Va’Hine Lei advocacy series featuring community talanoa on identity, belonging, and visibility across Pasifika spaces.
- Mafutaga hangouts creating lasting friendships and safe spaces for young people to connect and grow.
Each of these initiatives reflects our ongoing mission – to uplift, educate, and empower Pasifika Rainbow+ communities with love, authenticity, and pride.
SEI LEILEI
Our Village Collective Clinic is a safe and trusted space for all Pasifika Rainbow+ peoples and their families with therapists experienced in working with our rainbow+ communities. At Village Collective, we understand intimately, the need for our Pasifika Rainbow+ young people to feel safe and resilient to navigate life’s challenges. As such, our Village Collective Clinic and Rainbow Fale, have united to offer unique supports for the mental health and wellbeing of our Pasifika Rainbow+ young people and their families:
- Talanoa Therapy
- Group-based programmes
- Peer Navigation
- Family & Parental Support
If you, or someone you care for, is interested in accessing these supports, complete our Clinic Referral Form or email us at rainbow@villagecollective.nz
