Connecting for change: Atu-Mai insights from Pasifika fono

‘Celebrating the Transformative Power of Connection’ was the theme for the Pacific Practioners Fono for family violence and sexual violence on 11 April.

Members of Le Va’s Atu-Mai team joined other Pasifika practitioners working in the sexual violence and family violence sectors from all around the country at the one-day fono in Hamilton.

Representatives from Te Puna Aonui, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Development, New Zealand Police, Department of Corrections and other community organisations also attended.

Guest speaker Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann – a renowned figure in Pacific health – shared valuable insights gained from more than 35 years of experience.

Taeao Napo, Hidoria Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Guest speaker Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann and Charles Lavea.

Fuimaono Karl talked about Pasifika cultural frameworks such as Fono-Fale, Sei Tapu: Clinical and Cultural Competency and the Tongan Kalisi Model.

These frameworks and others show the importance of merging clinical and cultural practices and demographic specific approaches to effectively address family violence and sexual violence within Pasifika communities.

Throughout the day, participants shared lived experiences, discussed practitioner wellbeing and presented programme updates within the context of Te Aorerekura – the government’s national strategy to eliminate family violence and sexual violence.

K’aute Pasifika’s fale building provided a safe space for practitioners to reconnect and share knowledge. While Atu-Mai’s focus is on violence prevention, it is important for us to understand the context and issues facing the wider sector.

The value of connecting with others to share knowledge, ideas and experiences helps everyone to work better together so Pasifika communities can thrive.

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Learn more about Le Va’s violence prevention programme: Atu-Mai