Fa'afaletui - Many
Perspectives, One Vision

At Village Collective, engagement is about more than showing up – it’s about creating safe, vibrant spaces where our Pasifika community can connect, share, and grow. From talanoa sessions and school visits to health pop-ups and cultural events, we meet people where they are. We listen to their stories, celebrate their strengths, and work together to create solutions that reflect our values and voices. 

This approach draws on Fa’afaletui, a Samoan concept of weaving together perspectives to build understanding, as described in Tamasese et al. (1997), cited in the Health Quality & Safety Commission’s “Pacific Models for Engagement” (2023).

Acknowledging Foodstuffs North Island’s Ongoing Support for Our Community

Thu, 05/02/2026 – 12:00 Acknowledging Foodstuffs North Island’s Ongoing Support for Our Community Foodstuffs North Island: Supporting Our Community, Strengthening Our Whānau At Village Collective, our mahi has always centred on uplifting our Pasifika communities with care, dignity, and connection. From our health programmes to our community outreach events, we are committed to ensuring that every person who walks through our doors feels supported and

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ASB Polyfest ’24 – A Celebration of Alofa & Pasifika Pride

Sat, 23/03/2024 – 12:00 ASB Polyfest ’24 – A Celebration of Alofa & Pasifika Pride Held at Manukau Sports Bowl, 20 – 23 March 2024 Village Collective had the exciting opportunity to attend Polyfest 2024, a vibrant celebration of Pacific culture and heritage. Our team set up a colorful and welcoming booth that served as a hub for sharing information about our initiatives, resources, and programs. Through

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E Tipu e Rea Manurewa Wellness Expo – Growing & Flourishing Together

Thu, 02/10/2025 – 12:00 E Tipu e Rea Manurewa Wellness Expo – Growing & Flourishing Together Hosted by Manurewa Community Network, 02 October 2025, 10:00am – 2:00pm. Under the theme “E Tipu e Rea Manurewa” (To Grow and Flourish in Manurewa), the Wellness Expo was a vibrant celebration of community, connection, and holistic wellbeing. Held at Southmall in Manurewa, the event brought together over 50

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McAuley High School Health Expo – Empowering Young Women with Health Education

Fri, 16/05/2025 – 12:00 McAuley High School Health Expo – Empowering Young Women with Health Education Held at McAuley High School, 16 May 2025 Village Collective was honored to be part of the McAuley High School Health Expo, an event dedicated to equipping young women with tools, resources, and knowledge to take charge of their health and wellbeing.  At our stall, students were warmly welcomed and

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Celebrating Gagana Samoa with University of Auckland Samoan Students Association (UASSA)

Fri, 06/06/2025 – 12:00 Celebrating Gagana Samoa with University of Auckland Samoan Students Association (UASSA) Held at the University of Auckland Quad, 06 June 2025 In June 2025, Village Collective proudly partnered with the University of Auckland Samoan Students’ Association (UASSA) to sponsor their Samoan Language Week Showcase, held at the University’s Quad. This marked the beginning of a meaningful partnership with UASSA and their community of young

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Launching Our Youth Hub & Clinic: A New Space for Connection, Care and Community

Sun, 22/10/2023 – 12:00 Launching Our Youth Hub & Clinic: A New Space for Connection, Care and Community On 22 October 2023, Village Collective proudly opened the doors to our Youth Hub & Clinic in Wiri — a dedicated space designed to empower South Auckland’s youth through accessible health services, youth development programs, and a welcoming environment that fosters connections and belonging.  This initiative was born from

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Manafest – Fiefia Night Celebration

Tue, 25/03/2025 – 12:00 Manafest – Fiefia Night Celebration Held at James Cook High School, 25 March 2025 Village Collective proudly sponsored and hosted James Cook High School for their Fiefia night, which they named Manafest. They evening was a vibrant celebration of culture, identity, and school pride – led by students, supported by whanau, and filled with performances that showcased the heart and spirit of

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Talanoa Theatre – One Time Showcase of Youth Storytelling

Sat, 16/11/2024 – 12:00 Talanoa Theatre – One Time Showcase of Youth Storytelling Held at Mangere Arts Centre, 16 November 2024 Talanoa Theatre was a special one-time play co-designed, created, and delivered by our youth. Young people from the Talavou Village Leadership Group (TVLG) dedicated weeks of their time to meet, practice, and refine the production, bringing creativity, commitment, and heart to every rehearsal. This

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From Workshops to Market Day: The Lumana’i Journey

Thu, 24/04/2025 – 12:00 From Workshops to Market Day: The Lumana’i Journey Part 2: Lumana’i Market Evening The Lumana’i Market Evening was buzzing with energy, laughter, and the unstoppable creativity of Pasifika youth. Families, friends, stakeholders, and curious community members stopping by from the street filled the space, turning it into a lively celebration of culture, kai, and enterprise.  Business Spotlight: Our Amazing Entreprenuers The seven young

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Nou Te Ao Careers Expo

Mon, 08/09/2025 – 12:00 Nou Te Ao Careers Expo Held at Papakura Marae, 14 May 2025 On 14 May 2025, Papakura Marae hosted the Nou te Ao Careers Expo, a vibrant event designed to connect local rangatahi from Papakura such as Wesley College, Tipene/St Stephen’s, Rosehill, Alfriston, and more with a diverse range of career opportunities.  This event was inclusive of all cultures, reflecting the Marae’s

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Voices Into
Action

Our projects bring ideas to life and turn community aspirations into action. From innovative health campaigns to creating educational resources, every project is shaped by the voices of our people. Whether we’re developing toolkits for parents, running awareness campaigns, or supporting youth-led initiatives, each project is designed to inform, inspire, and create lasting impact for our Pasifika communities. 

“Voices Into Action” reflects the Pasifika value of collective storytelling and participation, where every voice contributes to solutions that empower and uplift our communities. 

Talavou Village Leadership Group (TVLG)

Tuesday, 7 October 2025 – 15:22 Talavou Village Leadership Group (TVLG) Empowering Pasifika Youth through Co-Design and Leadership The Talavou Village Leadership Group (TVLG) was established by Village Collective as a youth-led initiative created to amplify Pasifika youth voices, strengthen community leadership, and ensure that young people remain at the center of programs and decision-making that affect them.  Born from a shared vision of empowering the

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Matua ma Talavou: Strengthening Connections Across Generations

Monday, 6 October 2025 – 14:11 Matua ma Talavou: Strengthening Connections Across Generations May – June 2024. Village Collective, in partnership with Toa Pacific, proudly facilitated the Matua ma Talavou (MMT) program, a transformative initiative bringing together Pacific elders (matua) and young people (talavou). The program was designed to address loneliness, strengthen meaningful connections, and enhance health and wellbeing, while

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NZRL Secondary School Tournament ’25

Monday, 6 October 2025 – 12:53 NZRL Secondary School Tournament ’25 Held at Bruce Pulman Park, 29 – 30 August 2025. Village Collective was proud to be part of the NZRL Secondary School Tournament 2025, a three-day celebration of youth sport, teamwork, and community spirit. We were present on day 1 and 2, bringing a lively and engaging activation that connected

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Celebrating Nesian Week – Fetu Fest with Village Collective

Saturday, 4 October 2025 – 13:23 Celebrating Nesian Week – Fetu Fest with Village Collective Held at University of Auckland – Quad, 26 September 2025. During this year’s AUPISA Nesian Week, Village Collective joined hands with the University of Auckland Pacific Islands Students’ Association (AUPISA) and UASSA to take part in Fetu Fest – a vibrant celebration of Pasifika identity, culture, and creativity. This partnership was born

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Free Dental Day

Saturday, 4 October 2025 – 12:57 Free Dental Day Held at AUT South Campus, Manukau, 07 September 2025 On 07 September 2025, Village Collective proudly partnered with AUT Niho Ora ki Manukau (Oral Health Clinic) and Dental For All to host Free Dental Day at AUT South Campus, Manukau. The event offered no-cost dental cleanings and basic oral care to members of the community, removing barriers to

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Zumba for Wellbeing – Moving, Learning, and Thriving Together

Saturday, 4 October 2025 – 11:59 Zumba for Wellbeing – Moving, Learning, and Thriving Together Held at Alfriston College, 16 June 2025 On a chilly June evening, Village Collective teamed up with local legend and certified Zumba instructor, Jenniene Fleming, and Alfriston College to host a special event: Zumba Community Event. This vibrant night brought together whanau, students, and community members for a

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Lamepa Pathways

Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 17:19  Lamepa Pathways Lamepa Pathways draws inspiration from the Samoan word Lamepa, meaning lamp or candlelight, symbolizing the light, love and acceptance brought to the many Pasifika journeys of families navigating the pathway of raising and supporting their Rainbow+ child or family member.  In 2014, Village Collective released The Clearing Pathways booklet, providing a resource to support Pasifika families

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Matala Ball

Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 17:11 Matala Ball The ballroom scene and culture originated in New York in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s , where queer and trans Black and Latinx communities – excluded from mainstream pageants, created their own underground safe spaces to host ballroom competitions. In the early 2000’s, Aotearoa began to recognize this culture, and in

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Va’hine Lei

Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 17:05 Va’hine Lei was created to connect with the older generation of the Pasifika Rainbow community, offering a safe and affirming space to relax, share food, and engage in deep talanoa. The name Va’hine Lei carries deep meaning: Va speaks to keeping the sacred and respectful space between us as a group, Hine honors women and femininity across the

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Mafutaga

Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 16:56 Mafutaga Mafutaga is a word that carries the spirit of gathering, connection, and fellowship. It reflects the strength of coming together as one, to share stories, wisdom, laughter, and support. Just as woven strands form a strong mat, our Rainbow community weaves bonds of belonging through Mafutaga.  This space is designed for Pasifika Rainbow

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Resources

Explore our collection of community resources designed to support the wellbeing of Pasifika families and young people. From toolkits to guides and helpful information shared at our events, programs, this is your one-stop space to access everything we provide out in the community. 

Protecting our Families: The Fa’amalu Fanau Kit

Mon, 22/09/2025 – 12:00 Protecting our Families: The Fa’amalu Fanau Kit Fa’amalu Fanau is a Pacific emergency preparedness program created to help families prepare, protect, and respond in times of crisis. “Fa’amalu” means shelter or umbrella, and “Fanau” means children. In Pasifika culture, the umbrella represents care and protection – just as a fale roof shelters the aiga (family), this resource is designed to safeguard our

Read More »
Engagement

Fa'afaletui - Many Perspectives, One Vision

At Village Collective, engagement is about more than showing up – it’s about creating safe, vibrant spaces where our Pasifika community can connect, share, and grow. From talanoa sessions and school visits to health pop-ups and cultural events, we meet people where they are. We listen to their stories, celebrate their strengths, and work together to create solutions that reflect our values and voices. 

This approach draws on Fa’afaletui, a Samoan concept of weaving together perspectives to build understanding, as described in Tamasese et al. (1997), cited in the Health Quality & Safety Commission’s “Pacific Models for Engagement” (2023).

Manafest – Fiefia Night Celebration

Tue, 25/03/2025 – 12:00 Manafest – Fiefia Night Celebration Held at James Cook High School, 25 March 2025 Village Collective proudly sponsored and hosted James Cook High School for their Fiefia night, which they named Manafest. They evening was a vibrant

Read More »

From Workshops to Market Day: The Lumana’i Journey

Thu, 24/04/2025 – 12:00 From Workshops to Market Day: The Lumana’i Journey Part 2: Lumana’i Market Evening The Lumana’i Market Evening was buzzing with energy, laughter, and the unstoppable creativity of Pasifika youth. Families, friends, stakeholders, and curious community members stopping by

Read More »

Nou Te Ao Careers Expo

Mon, 08/09/2025 – 12:00 Nou Te Ao Careers Expo Held at Papakura Marae, 14 May 2025 On 14 May 2025, Papakura Marae hosted the Nou te Ao Careers Expo, a vibrant event designed to connect local rangatahi from Papakura such as

Read More »

Voices Into Action

Our projects bring ideas to life and turn community aspirations into action. From innovative health campaigns to creating educational resources, every project is shaped by the voices of our people. Whether we’re developing toolkits for parents, running awareness campaigns, or supporting youth-led initiatives, each project is designed to inform, inspire, and create lasting impact for our Pasifika communities. 

“Voices Into Action” reflects the Pasifika value of collective storytelling and participation, where every voice contributes to solutions that empower and uplift our communities. 

Talavou Village Leadership Group (TVLG)

Tuesday, 7 October 2025 – 15:22 Talavou Village Leadership Group (TVLG) Empowering Pasifika Youth through Co-Design and Leadership The Talavou Village Leadership Group (TVLG) was established by Village Collective as a youth-led initiative created to amplify Pasifika youth voices, strengthen community leadership, and ensure that young

Read More »

NZRL Secondary School Tournament ’25

Monday, 6 October 2025 – 12:53 NZRL Secondary School Tournament ’25 Held at Bruce Pulman Park, 29 – 30 August 2025. Village Collective was proud to be part of the NZRL Secondary School Tournament 2025, a three-day celebration of youth sport,

Read More »

Free Dental Day

Saturday, 4 October 2025 – 12:57 Free Dental Day Held at AUT South Campus, Manukau, 07 September 2025 On 07 September 2025, Village Collective proudly partnered with AUT Niho Ora ki Manukau (Oral Health Clinic) and Dental For All to host Free Dental Day at AUT South

Read More »

Lamepa Pathways

Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 17:19  Lamepa Pathways Lamepa Pathways draws inspiration from the Samoan word Lamepa, meaning lamp or candlelight, symbolizing the light, love and acceptance brought to the many Pasifika journeys of families navigating the pathway of raising and supporting

Read More »

Matala Ball

Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 17:11 Matala Ball The ballroom scene and culture originated in New York in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s , where queer and trans Black and Latinx communities – excluded from mainstream pageants, created their

Read More »

Va’hine Lei

Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 17:05 Va’hine Lei was created to connect with the older generation of the Pasifika Rainbow community, offering a safe and affirming space to relax, share food, and engage in deep talanoa. The name Va’hine Lei

Read More »

Mafutaga

Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 16:56 Mafutaga Mafutaga is a word that carries the spirit of gathering, connection, and fellowship. It reflects the strength of coming together as one, to share stories, wisdom, laughter, and support. Just as woven strands

Read More »

Matala

Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 16:33 Matala Matala carries many beautiful meanings across the Pacific, in Tonga it speaks of blossoming, and in Samoa of opening. Flowers are gifts to the world, and so are we as Rainbow people. Like

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Digital Connections Supports Mafutaga

Thursday, 23 March 2023 – 12:10 Digital Connections Supports Mafutaga Mafutaga is a Samoan word that describes a fellowship or get together. For us, it describes our mentoring programme where we bring together young people and adults to talanoa. We

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Red Carpet Time

Thursday, 23 March 2023 – 11:21 Red Carpet Time Recently we held a red carpet event at Event Cinemas Manukau where we invited participants in Matua ma Talavou to come along and watch a short documentary of our journey to

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Resources

Explore our collection of community resources designed to support the wellbeing of Pasifika families and young people. From toolkits to guides and helpful information shared at our events, programs, this is your one-stop space to access everything we provide out in the community. 

Protecting our Families: The Fa’amalu Fanau Kit

Mon, 22/09/2025 – 12:00 Protecting our Families: The Fa’amalu Fanau Kit Fa’amalu Fanau is a Pacific emergency preparedness program created to help families prepare, protect, and respond in times of crisis. “Fa’amalu” means shelter or umbrella, and “Fanau” means children. In Pasifika culture, the umbrella represents care and protection – just as a fale roof shelters the aiga (family), this resource is designed to safeguard our loved ones, especially our children.  This guide focuses on building an emergency preparedness kit for your household. Having the right supplies ready can make all the difference when unexpected events happen. The resource outlines what to pack, how to keep items safe and accessible, and tips for tailoring your kit to the needs of your family.  Download the full Fa’amalu Fanau Emergency Preparedness Kits guide below to start preparing your family today.   

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