Across the Tasman: Strengthening NRL wellbeing through Mānava Ola

When Le Va chief executive Mati Dr Elizabeth Mati and senior manager Leilani Clarke touched down in Australia this month, they carried something the NRL’s wellbeing teams had been waiting for – a suicide prevention training built with Pacific people in mind.

Over two workshops in Sydney and Brisbane, Mati and Leilani delivered Le Va’s Mānava Ola: LifeKeepers for Pacific training to NRL wellbeing managers. These are the staff players turn to when the pressure gets too much, when life on or off the field is feeling hard. They are the people quietly holding some of the most complex conversations in high-performance sport, supporting players, staff and wider club environments.

“Rugby League isn’t just a sport for Pacific communities,” says Mati, “It’s identity, it’s pride, it’s family. That’s what makes it such a powerful space for this kind of work.”

Sydney and Brisbane workshops

Mānava Ola gives participants real, practical suicide prevention skills through a Pacific lens – how to spot warning signs, how to respond with confidence while connecting people to the right support. It also strengthens capability to hold safe conversations in a way that protects dignity, relationships and cultural identity.

In Sydney, participants explored how distress can show up differently across cultures, and how important it is to respond early – before someone reaches crisis point. One participant said, “Love the opportunity for more knowledge around supporting people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings for our wellbeing managers.”

In Brisbane, the talanoa turned to how wellbeing practice can be strengthened within clubs and embedded across the whole system, rather than resting on a small number of individuals. Feedback included, “This is so important and valuable. Really appreciate the space to take us on a journey that was so real.”

All participants engaged deeply with Le Va’s Mānava Ola model of C.A.R.E. and the chance to practise real-world conversations – a key part of building confidence to act when it matters most.

Overall, the sessions received a Net Promoter Score of 94 – indicating a world-class, exceptional customer experience score.

Strengthening a long-term partnership

The relationship between Le Va and rugby league runs deep, built over many years on shared values and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of Pacific peoples on both sides of the Tasman.

This visit strengthened our partnership, not only through the delivery of training, but through reaffirmed relationships and shared purpose. It also highlighted the clear need for culturally grounded approaches in suicide prevention, particularly for Pacific peoples and communities, where context, identity and connection matter.

Looking ahead

Mati and Leilani returned to Aotearoa encouraged by how the NRL’s wellbeing staff showed up with openness, leadership and a willingness to grow their practice. When the people who support others feel equipped and confident, the ripple effect reaches far beyond the training room.

Le Va remains committed to strengthening suicide prevention capability across Aotearoa and the Pacific diaspora, and to continuing partnerships that help create safer, more connected environments.

If you would like suicide prevention training for your organisation please contact us at admin@leva.co.nz.