Exploring careers in mental health and addiction at Te Herenga Waka

In early August, Le Va was invited by the Pasifika Students’ Council at Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) to be involved in their annual Pasifika Week, a celebration of Pasifika success, identity and culture.

Le Va staff travelled to Pipitea Campus in Pōneke to take part in the university’s second Pasifika Careers Expo. The event showcased Pasifika people in a variety of workforces and organisations and attracted a large audience of current VUW students, local Pasifika high school students and their families.

Le Va, appointed by Te Whatu Ora to provide Aotearoa’s national centre for Pacific mental health and addiction workforce development, welcomed the opportunity to encourage and inspire students to consider a career in the field.

Nicholas Cao, Clinical Lead at Le Va, said, “It’s essential to support the Pasifika mental health and addiction workforce to keep growing, so we can meet the ongoing needs of our communities. Speaking with the young people here at Te Herenga Waka today makes me hopeful for the future of Pasifika mental health in Aotearoa.”

Le Va supports frontline services to enhance the cultural responsiveness of their staff, to better serve our Pasifika communities. This includes equipping the workforce with tools and resources to enhance their practice, deliver innovative and integrated care, and improve outcomes for all New Zealanders.

Nicholas Cao with students at the VUW Pasifika Careers Expo