Pacific naming policy

Le Va is committed to the creation of a strong Pacific presence within the mental health and addiction sector, both nationally and internationally. This is the reason why most of our key projects and programmes of work have been given Pacific names.

The policy and process for naming initiatives and programmes with a Pacific name must involve consultation with key leaders and groups within the Pacific community, including the Matua Council of Waitemata DHB and Le Va's own Pacific Reference Group which has been given a Tokelauan name Le Leo o Le Va - or the voice of Le Va.

Appropriate and relevant names are chosen from amongst the main Pacific ethnic languages. A robust process is undertaken to ensure that the words selected are not derogatory, rude or have any negative connotations - not just for the Pacific ethnic group that it comes from but also for the others.

If there are any Pacific phrases or words that you would like to present for Le Va to add to our pool, or if you have any specific feedback on the names and terms we have used, please feel free to email Manase Lua.

Page last updated: 14 July 2008