Le Va, Aotearoa’s national Pacific primary prevention organisation, hosted a special meet and greet event on Monday 22 September to celebrate and showcase the recipients of its inaugural ‘Inasi disability community fund.
The ‘Inasi Fund was established through a partnership between Foundation North and Le Va, with a shared vision to strengthen Pacific disability leadership, address long-standing inequities, and invest in community-led solutions.
It supports Northland and Auckland based initiatives helping to reduce stigma and discrimination around disability, create communities of care, and empower Pasifika people with disabilities to have a voice and to lead.
Ben Tameifuna
Ben Tameifuna, Le Va’s Senior Manager for Public Health and Disability, said, “The ‘Inasi Fund is about honouring our Pasifika tradition of collective sharing. The Tongan phrase ‘Inasi means everyone eats, or everyone receives their portion. It reflects our Pasifika way of ensuring no one is left out or left behind.”
The event brought together successful fund applicants to share their initiatives and connect with each other and the Le Va team.
Recipients came from as far as Kaitaia and as near as Māngere – tears were shed and laughter heard around the room as they spoke about their lived experiences of disability and their excitement at launching their innovative ‘Inasi projects.
The gathering represented a significant milestone in Le Va’s commitment to supporting disability-focused community projects.
“The ‘Inasi Fund affirms Le Va’s dedication to empowering grassroots disability initiatives and creating positive change within communities,” said Mati Dr Elizabeth Mati, Chief Executive of Le Va.
“This inaugural funding round supported 23 projects, each designed to address specific needs and challenges faced by Pasifika people with disabilities. We wish all our fund recipients every success.”
The ‘Inasi Fund event facilitated networking opportunities between recipients, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the community, and emphasising the collective spirit that drives Le Va’s mission.
Learn more about Le Va’s ‘Inasi Fund.
‘Inasi Fund recipients for 2025
- People in the Pursuit of Success – Will and Marlon Fleming
- Down With Char – Charlize Wilson
- Lego Club for Pasifika Neurodiverse Tamariki – Sarah Waikato
- Voices of Strength, Le’o Malosi – Natasha Barber
- Move together Pasifika – Mathew Elia
- Pacifica Whangarei TBI support group – Vicki Pemberton
- Mau tu – Daniel Te’o
- Tame x Barber – Tame Taufa
- KAVAX: Voices of our Disabled Kainga – Anau Mesui
- Tuvaluan Youth Disability Awareness
- Toa Malosi – Janet Tuitama
- Big Tings – Libby Blore
- Tongan Youth – Seluvaia Latu
- The Lane – Migi Sio
- Hosanna Light House Baptist – Tanya Lameta Sione
- Fale Pasifika Te Tai Tokerau – Johnny Kumitau
- Dominion and Kingsland Women’s Ministry – Lupi Mahina
- Vaini Doves Kava Podcast
- Fetu o le Pasifika – Ilaisaane Mari
- ASD Pasifika Whānau – Jordan Ikitule
Le Va’s Taryn Hainsworth-Fa’aofo, senior project coordinator for our Public Health and Disability portfolio, has written about her experience as part of the Youth Panel at the 2025 Healthy Futures Summit.
For too long, Pacific people have been viewed through a deficit lens. But the truth is, our communities are rich in solutions, strength and innovation.
“In August, I had the privilege of speaking on the Youth Panel at the Healthy Futures Summit, hosted by Health Coalition Aotearoa. The event brought together passionate advocates, leaders and changemakers from across Aotearoa, all committed to creating a healthier, more equitable future for our communities.
It was an honour to share the stage with my fellow panellists, all of whom are doing incredible and impactful mahi across the sector. During the panel, we each explored current health challenges within Aotearoa, and I spoke on our Pacific communities.
We often hear about Pacific health inequities in Aotearoa, but it’s important to pause and ask why they exist.
Our communities continue to navigate systems that were never designed for us. Colonisation, systemic racism, underinvestment in community-led solutions, and inequities across health, housing, education and income have all contributed to the challenges we see today.
For too long, Pacific people have been viewed through a deficit lens. But the truth is, our communities are rich in solutions, strength and innovation. Despite the barriers, Pacific people consistently report some of the highest rates of family wellbeing in Aotearoa – a powerful reflection of our resilience, connection and collective strength.
As the Samoan proverb reminds us, ‘E fofo e le alamea le alamea’ – the solutions lie within. Our communities hold the knowledge, wisdom and heart to create lasting change.
When asked how to encourage youth leadership, my answer was that we already are leading.
In my role at Le Va, I have the privilege of supporting the Faiva Ora Leadership Group, which is the Chief Pacific Advisory Group to Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People.
I sit alongside leaders whose collective expertise spans more than 300 years. While I may bring only a few of my own, those years have been deeply shaped by their guidance, wisdom and service. Leadership isn’t measured in years – it’s measured in impact and heart to serve.
Fa’afetai tele lava to Health Coalition Aotearoa for creating a space where youth voices and leadership could be celebrated and for allowing me to contribute, even in a small way, to such an impactful day.”
Le Va and Foundation North are two organisations with a commitment to enhancing the lives of others by enabling, uplifting and empowering communities.
Earlier this year, at Le Va’s Global Pacific Solutions: GPS 2025 conference, both organisations celebrated the announcement of a significant new partnership between Foundation North and Le Va.
Ben Tameifuna, Le Va senior manager for disability and public health, and Sara-Jane Elika, trustee of Foundation North, shared that the partnership will launch a dedicated pool of funding to support innovative, community-led initiatives for Pacific peoples with disabilities and their families.
This partnership marks a powerful step forward in resourcing grassroots solutions led by Pasifika people with disabilities.
Grounded in lived experience, cultural knowledge and deep community connection, it will reflect our shared commitment to equity, inclusion, self-determination and the wellbeing of Pasifika people with disabilities and their whānau.
Ben said of the announcement, “We are excited to reveal the name and details of this new fund in the coming weeks. We know the solutions lie within our communities and that, by equipping our people with the right support and resources, we can enable them to achieve the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes.”
Watch this space to discover more about this kaupapa – the fund’s name, details and how community groups can apply will be announced in August.
In the meantime, learn more about Le Va’s work in the disability support sector on our website: Disability support
Ben Tameifuna and Claire Rosanowski- Grants Advisor Foundation North
Changing the narrative, navigating challenging tides, calling out injustices and centring the voices of Tangata Moana.
In the public health space, Le Va is tasked with creating opportunities for the village to gather, bringing together our Pacific public health workforce and sector providers to strengthen capability and grow capacity. By nurturing these connections and building a thriving workforce, we ensure that “when the coconut tree bears fruit, the village is nourished, and the children will flourish.”
Day One
On Day One of GPS 2025, we were privileged to hear from a powerful line-up of Pacific thought leaders bringing deep expertise and an unwavering commitment to equity, justice and community wellbeing.
We opened with a powerful morning session led by three inspiring Samoan wāhine leaders who reminded us of the importance of putting the growing generation first and staying grounded in purpose.
As Dame Teuila Percival shared, “Don’t fall in love with your business cards or the organisations you work for – fall in love with the children.”
Dr Corina Grey challenged us to reframe how we understand and use data. She spoke to the harmful impact of Pacific people being continually positioned in deficit through statistics and reinforced the need for our communities to lead the analysis and interpretation of data. “For us, by us,” was a powerful call to reclaim narrative control, where Pacific insight and leadership can turn data into solutions, not stigma.
Malaetogia Dr Jacinta Fa’alili-Fidow shared her journey toward completing her PhD, Vā o Tamaiti – a relational resilience framework for Pacific child wellbeing, grounded in Pacific values.
In the afternoon session, Prof. Sir Collin Tukuitonga’s passion for future generations of health workers was admirable. He emphasised that, while political cycles may come and go, we are here to stay and our response must be long-term and grounded in equity, data, justice and Pacific values. His challenge to the sector: “Speak up. Speak out.”
Dr Sione Faletau reminded us that identity and culture are inseparable from wellbeing and that art is not just expression, but an embodiment of who we are as Tangata Moana.
Our Kava Korner was also a much loved feature, thank you to everyone who visited over the two days. A special shoutout to Four Shells Kava Lounge for generously providing the kava and creating space for attendees to connect through this meaningful cultural practice.
The End Game stream was more than a conversation, it was a reaffirmation of the collective strength within our communities, and the transformative power of Pacific leadership in shaping a healthier, more equitable future.
Day Two
Day Two of GPS 2025 brought strong advocacy, honest talanoa and lived experience to the centre. Our speakers challenged us to confront stigma, while elevating the strengths, resilience, and aspirations of our Pasifika disabled communities.
Leuluaiali’i Catherine Poutasi shared her deep expertise on funding models in the disability space, guiding organisations on how to effectively access and utilise funding to deliver better outcomes for our people.
Pakilau Manase Lua reminded us that cultural identity is central to wellbeing. His call was clear Pacific worldviews must be upheld, not sidelined, when shaping policy and services.
Nalei Taufa presented key insights gathered from Le Va’s national talanoa series with Pacific disabled communities. She challenged the system to protect our stories and act on our data, not simply collect it and let it sit unused.
We also celebrated an exciting announcement from Sara-Jane Elika, trustee of Foundation North. Sara-Jane confirmed a new partnership with Le Va, launching a dedicated pool of funding for Pacific disability community initiatives a major step forward in resourcing grassroots solutions led by our own communities.
Our Faiva Ora Community Innovation Fund recipients Joshua Peauafi, Daniel Te’o and Tara Aumalesulu showcased their community-led projects, each rooted in their passions, lived experience and cultural values. Their courage, innovation, and leadership lit up the room, reminding us that the solutions are already within our villages.
After many months of community consultation and co-development with more than 1,000 Pacific leaders, disabled people, their aiga, carers and advocates, Le Va was proud to host the launch of Atoatoali’o – Whaikaha’s National Pacific Disability Approach on April 24.
Atoatoali’o represents hours of talanoa and contributions from Pacific communities across Aotearoa New Zealand to uplift the wellbeing goals and aspirations of Pacific disabled people and ensure their voices are heard.
From February to April 2024, Le Va and the Faiva Ora Leadership Group led a nationwide series of talanoa across Aotearoa, creating culturally grounded, safe spaces for Pacific communities to share openly and honestly.
Atoatoali’o is the result of this powerful process. It reflects the authentic voice of Pasifika disability communities capturing their lived experiences, challenges, cultural identity and hopes for a more inclusive future.
Hon Louise Upston, Minister for Disability Issues, and Paula Tesorioro, Chief Executive of Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, were guests of honour at the launch event held at Le Va’s office in Manukau.
Minister Upston said of the event, “I was privileged to launch Atoatoali’o — the National Pacific Disability Approach — a major milestone for the community.
“The priorities from this work will help shape the refresh of the New Zealand Disability Strategy later this year.”
Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, chief executive of Le Va, said, “It has been an honour for Le Va to engage with our Pacific disability communities and the wider sector around the motu, and to hear their stories of stories of strength, challenges, resilience and success.
“We are grateful for the trust Whaikaha has placed in Le Va to coordinate the talanoa series and host the launch of Atoatoali’o, with strong leadership shown by our senior manager for public health and disability – Ben Tameifuna – and his team.”
You can learn more about Atoatoali’o and download the full document at Whaikaha’s website.
Over two impactful days in April, around 700 people joined together at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau for Le Va’s Global Pacific Solutions 2025 conference – uniting Pacific leaders, academics, international guest speakers, workforce and community members in a tour de force of strengths-based solution seeking.
Bringing to light tough topics such as child trafficking, suicide prevention, climate change, child sexual abuse, equity for disabled people and the ever-growing demand for mental health and addiction support workers, GPS 2025 was an event that opened minds, challenged the status quo and inspired hope for all who attended.
At times, the audience was moved to tears upon hearing transformative stories of overcoming adversity, fighting for justice and connecting to culture in a way that enhances our true selves.
Inspirational plenary speakers and breakout presenters communicated passionately, sharing their expertise to advance the knowledge of all who listened.
When opening the ‘Nurturing our Children’ plenary panel at GPS 2025, Le Va’s chief executive, Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, said, “It is both an honour and a solemn responsibility to welcome you to today’s panel discussion on child sexual abuse and child trafficking across the wider Pacific.
“This is a conversation that demands our full attention, our collective expertise and most importantly, our unwavering commitment to action.
“The Pacific is home to diverse and resilient communities, but it is not immune to the global crises of child sexual exploitation and trafficking.”
We know that the solutions lie within our communities – GPS 2025 was an opportunity to bring together into one space the hearts, spirits and minds of hundreds of people, all eager to ignite change and promote the power of Indigenous intelligence.
Over the coming weeks, Le Va will be sharing many of the insights and solutions that were explored throughout Global Pacific Solutions 2025, with gratitude to everyone who was present and contributed to this important kaupapa.
Please subscribe to our eNewsletter to learn more: www.leva.co.nz/subscribe
The 2024 round of Le Va’s Faiva Ora Community Innovation Fund recently closed, allocating up to $10,000 each to community-based initiatives that will enhance access to disability support services and promote the wellbeing of Pasifika disabled people.
This year, Le Va received a record number of applications – the highest since the fund’s inception. We are elated to share the five incredible initiatives that have been selected for funding.
Congratulations to our 2024 recipients:
- Northland Pacific Islands Charitable Trust – Fale Pasifika Te Tai Tokerau
Collaborating with NorthAble and Disability Support Services to raise awareness across Northland.
- ASD Dads
Cultural sessions to support Dads with autistic kids. Weaving cultural values into parenting techniques.
- Vaini Doves Talanoa Kalapu
Using Kava to enhance talanoa around stigma and discrimination for disabled people.
- Pacific Autism Support Group – PASG Canterbury
Events to celebrate and promote awareness of neurodiversity across Canterbury.
- Kulupu Nasaleti
Home visits with elderly people for cultural/clinical/spiritual care and talanoa sessions within branches of church community in Auckland.
These projects are set to make a strong and lasting impact, promoting empowerment and enhancing the wellbeing of Pasifika disabled people across the country.
About the fund
Le Va’s Faiva Ora Community Innovation Fund was created to support Pasifika disabled people, their families and carers to access resources and support to lead fulfilling lives.
Each year, the fund allocates up to $10,000 to help Pasifika community groups that enhance community development and ensure the further wellbeing of Pasifika disabled people.
Le Va works in partnership with Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People to administer the fund and mobilise community groups to help Pacific people with disabilities to live life the way they choose and promote inclusion and acceptance.
The fund also prioritises initiatives that focus on meeting the needs of Pasifika young people and show collaboration with support services and community groups.
We are excited to see our successful Faiva Ora Community Innovation Fund recipients breathe life into their initiatives in the coming year.
Learn more about Le Va’s Faiva Ora Community Innovation Fund.
In Whangārei, Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch, our team invited Pasifika youth with disabilities, Pasifika people on the autism spectrum and their aiga or whānau (family) to share their experiences of the disability support system.
The goal was to understand the challenges faced by those groups and individuals and to capture things that are working well along with those that are not, and how to make the system and sector better.
Following the talanoa session in Ōtara on 3 April, Le Va’s senior manager for disability and public health, Ben Tameifuna, said, “Last night, we gathered with passion and purpose to discuss the National Pacific Disability Action Plan for autism and youth with disabilities.
“This plan, co-developed with our incredible community, will pave the way for vital changes in the disability support system and services for Pacific people.”
All the stories that have been shared will inform the National Pacific Disability Action Plan to help Whaikaha advocate for changes that Pacific disabled people and their families have been calling for.
For anyone who was unable to attend a talanoa session, there is an online survey available on Whaikaha’s website: National Pacific Disability Action Plan Survey.
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Learn more about other ways Le Va supports the Pacific disability community: Disability support
The National Pacific Disability Action Plan, co-developed with the community, will help guide changes to the disability support system and services for Pacific people that Whaikaha manages. By co-developing this plan with the community, we make sure that the Pacific community’s needs and goals guide important changes that understand and appreciate their culture.
On Tuesday 19 March we were privileged to hold our first Talanoa session with community where insights regarding life experiences were shared freely and met with compassion by our Faiva Ora Leadership Group and Le Va team.
Our next Auckland Talanoa is on the 3 April from 6-8:30pm at a location to be advised on the Le Va Facebook account. Kai (food) will be provided.
We would love to extend a warm invitation to Pasifika youth with disabilities, Pasifika people with Autism and their aiga or whānau (family) to share their experiences with us. We want to understand the challenges you and your aiga face, current systems that are working well along with ones that are not, and how we can make the system and sector better.
Here is the link to register for our April Talanoa.
In attendance are representatives from the Pacific Behavioral Health Collaborating Council (PBHCC), which is a partnership between six US affiliated Pacific Island jurisdictions – the Republic of Palau, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, American Samoa and the Federated States of Micronesia.
PBHCC’s vision is: ‘Pacific Island communities, families and individuals who are substance abuse free and have access to optimal mental health care.’
Their visit to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is co-hosted by Le Va, the Global Leadership Exchange (GLE) and Te Pou to connect Pasifika leaders in the fields of mental health, addiction and disability.
Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, Chief Executive of Le Va, said of the event, “Last year Le Va and GLE signed a memorandum of understanding with the intention of growing an international network of strong leadership to support the wellbeing of our communities in Aotearoa.
“This international exchange is the first tangible outcome arising from our partnership, which we hope will lead to improved wellbeing outcomes for all of our Pacific peoples.”
The week-long event began with a traditional Tongan kava ceremony to welcome the international guests from PBHCC, who included Reyna Saures (Vice President), Dr Theresa Arriola (Director), and James Arriola (Executive Director).
Acting US Consulate General Alexia Branch and Mara Hosoda Su’a (US Pacific Regional Engagement Specialist, US Consulate General Auckland) joined the welcome, alongside representatives from Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, and Manatū Hauora – Ministry of Health.
Discussions and presentations followed on international collaboration and implementation strategies to enhance mental health and addiction services globally.
Future collaboration between the organisations present will connect leaders in these sectors to help find solutions for our communities in Aotearoa, the Pacific and around the world.
Le Va is part of the Wise Group. Copyright ©2025
