Manioro Festival unites Māori and Pacific Rainbow communities

“Love us the same, hold us the same” was the theme of the colourful 2024 Manioro Festival held in Hawkes Bay over three days from February 29.

Hosted by Nevertheless Trust, Manioro 2024 brought together people from the Takatāpui, Pasifika Rainbow+, MVPFAFF+ and LGBTQIA+ communities with the aim of disrupting toxic narratives and stereotypes surrounding those communities.

Le Va was a sponsor of the event and our FLO: Pasifika for Life suicide prevention team were proud to support Manioro, enhancing our efforts to provide lifelines for our Rainbow+ communities.

Leilani Clarke, Le Va’s senior manager suicide prevention Pacific, said, “Manioro 2024 served as a vehicle of hope, inclusivity and love for our Pasifika MVPFAFF+ community members, aiga and friends.

“It provided a space to grow, learn and share through education, creative arts and celebration of self. The theme of ‘Love us the same, hold us the same’ spoke volumes.”

Festival attendees engaged in authentic dialogue and storytelling to challenge harmful narratives, highlighting the importance of family support, meaningful talanoa (conversation), creative arts, fashion, and cultural expression in breaking down stereotypes.

Over three days, whānau, including communities, organisations and churches, enjoyed enriching education, inspiration from guest speakers and mana enhancing stories.

Our FLO: Pasifika for Life team and Rainbow+ staff at Le Va gained invaluable insights, affirming our responsibility to be strong allies and create positive change so our diverse communities can flourish.

Visit our FLO knowledge bank to learn more about our FLO: Pasifika for Life suicide prevention programme.