Day One
In the Roots of Resilience stream our aim was to discover ancestral insights for preventing suicide and to empower and equip Pasifika communities with culturally relevant knowledge and tools to prevent suicide and respond safely and effectively when a suicide occurs.
In this talanoa of suicide prevention, the Roots of Resilience stream opened with Matua Witi’s deep reflections on indigenous storytelling.
Matua Witi equipped the audience to explore how indigenous storytelling and whakapapa (genealogy) can strengthen communities to confront and prevent suicide. Matua Witi highlighted how gossip often precedes truth in communal narratives and he emphasised returning to ancestral knowledge to forge better pathways for future generations, using real voices (Heruhāpai and Hera) to surface issues like emotional pain and depression (whakamomori).
Matua Witi talked to the tangihanga (Māori grieving process), showing how expressions of grief (pouri, hotuhotu, etc.) allow emotional release (kua ea). The transformational power of storytelling, reconnecting with identity through tikanga, and warning against oppressive narratives. Matua Witi advocated living lives worthy of the stories our mokopuna (descendants) will tell about us.
Amituana’i Brooke Brake spoke to the Aoake te Rā suicide postvention service, which honours grief and offers culturally grounded support. Amituana’i Brooke spoke to how emotions like anger, guilt, trauma and fear surface in suicide loss and outlined a framework of co-design themes (choice, safety, content) and provider support (training, coaching, kete) for healing communities and building resilience.
Dr Melissa Cragg brought the clinical lens into conversation with culture, unpacking pathways for integrating Pacific values into systems of care. She presented the Kia Piki Te Ora programme, which puts lived experience and whānau voice at the centre of suicide prevention service design. The procurement process highlights identifying suitable partners for co-design and delivery, emphasising a community-driven, kaupapa Māori approach.
Day Two
Day Two of the Roots of Resilience stream centred around frontline initiatives, lived experienced and unwavering dedication to our communities.
Leilani Clarke opened with the Pasifika for Life programme, underpinned by the FLO community fund which empowers Pasifika groups to lead suicide prevention initiatives. Key metrics include $3.55M invested across 41 groups, engaging more than 590,000 people. She reminded us that “connection is protection” – and that our cultural tools are lifelines. Other initiatives, like Mana Restore, Aunty Dee, and NZ Rugby League Wellbeing Waka partnerships, were highlighted as part of a collective effort to ignite hope and preserve life.
Shaqaila Uelese and the Nevertheless Trust advocate for Rainbow Pasifika youth through the AWOL – Ancestral Ways Our Lifeline challenging toxic narratives and amplifies cultural connection and pride (proud to be Pasifika). Shaqaila bravely shared her personal story, illuminating the power of youth voice and peer leadership in suicide prevention. Her authenticity challenged us to listen deeper and lead differently.
Chelsea Cuthers-Munro’s short film ‘The Vaka That Waited’ is a powerful metaphor for answering the call to reclaim one’s truth. It speaks to the experience of masking trauma and silence, and the sacred pivot toward healing through empathy and compassion. The central message: The vaka that waits is you – a call for collective self-discovery and transformation. Her message was clear: “Don’t wait to be ready – just start.”
Together, the speakers for our Roots for Resilience stream embodied resilience in action – a reminder that suicide prevention is not just a programme, but a movement grounded in aroha, culture and community.
On behalf of our suicide prevention teams and senior managers Leilani Clarke and Tiana Watkins, to our esteemed speakers and our amazing vendors, we would like to extend our warm fa’afetai tele lava, malo ‘aupito, fakaaue lahi and thank you for making our Roots of Resilience stream a highlight at our recent Global Pacific Solutions Conference.
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.
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.
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No amount of rain could dampen the spirit of the Le Va team at this April’s 50th anniversary ASB Polyfest in the Manukau Sports Bowl.
The world’s largest Pacific festival opened with a powerful pōwhiri, setting the tone for four days of songs, dances, performances, food and community.
As the official Youth Wellbeing Sponsor of the event, Le Va filled its iconic inflatable fale with a range of activations to engage the young Pacific people and encourage them to complete an online youth wellbeing survey.
Le Va’s temporary Pacific tattoo station and infamous Corned Beef lifting challenge were a huge hit, and those aged 16 or over who completed the survey received Polyfest dollars to spend on delicious Pacific food.
Recently, Le Va published its 2024 Polyfest Mental Health & Wellbeing Survey: Youth insights report, which explores key factors affecting youth mental health.
Responses from 1,150 participants to the 2024 youth wellbeing survey highlighted critical mental health and social needs among Pasifika, Māori and other diverse youth populations.
The report identifies the preferred coping strategies and support platforms of New Zealand youth aged 16-24 years and gives insights into their mental health needs and support preferences.
Le Va’s gifting of its youth insights report to our communities is a meaningful reflection of the theme of Polyfest 2025 – “LEGACY – a treasure handed down – He oha nō tua, he taonga tuku iho!”
Download Le Va’s Youth insights report
Mental healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand is at a crossroads, and Le Va is calling attention to the urgent need for change, with a focus on mental ill-health prevention and mental wellbeing promotion alongside early intervention and recovery support.
In spite of increased government investment and better access to support over the last few decades, more people than ever are experiencing mental health challenges, with high rates of suicide, addiction and mental illness.
Dr Stephen Carbone has a passion for promoting people’s mental wellbeing. The founder and former CEO of Prevention United in Australia visited Pasifika-led organisation Le Va in March to speak about the important role primary prevention has in mental health policy.
Senior executives from across the social and healthcare sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand attended an in-person hui and online webinar, to learn more about what primary prevention is and how it can be a crucial complement to existing mental healthcare services.
Dr Carbone spoke about the effectiveness of mental wellbeing promotion and prevention of mental health conditions as a two-pronged tactic to help reduce the number of people who develop depression, anxiety or substance use conditions.
He said, “Mental health conditions are distressing, potentially disabling and contribute to death by suicide. While efforts to provide better treatments and services are important, there is more that we can do.”
Dr Carbone explained that while effective treatments are now more widely available and used, the number of people affected by conditions like depression and anxiety continues to rise in both Australia and New Zealand.
Ultimately, supporting people’s mental wellbeing and preventing the onset of mental health conditions at a population health level, would likely lead to less pressure on an already over-burdened mental healthcare system in Aotearoa.
Le Va chief executive, Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, said of Dr Carbone’s visit, “We are grateful to Stephen for generously sharing his expertise in the field of primary prevention, an approach that underpins almost everything we do at Le Va.
“We want to keep this conversation going with the leaders of our healthcare systems, so we can develop a shared collective approach to primary prevention to benefit the people we serve.”
Adopting a primary prevention approach for mental health means not waiting until people are unwell before taking action, as is already common for physical health conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
At Le Va we believe this is the way forward for the prevention of serious issues such as mental illness, sexual violence, addiction and suicide.
2025 has brought the welcome return of Pakilau Manase Lua to his kainga at Le Va. Joining the team one day a week to advise on cultural matters and support Le Va’s initiatives across Aotearoa, the wider Pacific and the globe, Manase has slotted seamlessly back into the fold.
Le Va’s chief executive, Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, said, “It is with immense gratitude that we welcome one of Le Va’s founding members back into the organisation to share his valuable knowledge, insights and experience with the team.”
Below, Manase shares about his background, his current roles, and the changes he has seen since his earlier days at Le Va.
Talitali fiefia, haere mai, afio mai, welcome home Pakilau!
“Fasi pē sila pea tuku ki Manono. Broken sails are best mended in Manono.”
“I was born in Tonga and hail from the village of Vaini (Mum) where I am a Matãpule (talking chief) for my Chief Lord Ma’afu, and from the island of Ha’afeva (Dad). We migrated here in the 70’s and I am a child of the dawn raids.
As the proverb above suggests, we have long and deep connections to the Moana as Tongans. So, I can also trace my ancestral connections to Fiji, Samoa and Uvea.
I have worked in Government for ten years at the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs and Ministry of Health. I have now also worked in the NGO space for almost twenty.
I am the Pacific Equity Lead for the WISE Group and support the CE and team at Le Va with their extensive programmes especially the Pacific regional networks and international initiatives.
This includes the Pacific Behavioral Health Collaborating Council (PBHCC) of the US Administered Pacific Territories via the Global Leadership Exchange (GLE).
I worked at Le Va from 2008 to 2012, then a small team of three with Talita Fitikefu and led by Dr Monique Faleafa.
It is amazing to see the growth of the team at Le Va, and the awesome talent we have on board to do the scope and breadth of the work.
So, after managing the disability programme at Te Pou for twelve years through stormy seas, especially last year, it’s so good to metaphorically find “Manono” to mend my sails for the challenges ahead. I’m up for it!”
“I knew it took a village to raise me, but now I will carry that village with me everywhere I go.”
More than 300 Pasifika student leaders came together in January to connect, share ideas and prepare for the incredible 50th anniversary of ASB Polyfest.
As sponsor of the 2025 Polyfest Leaders Conference, Le Va was proud to invest in the future of our emerging Pacific leaders as they got ready to shine at the world’s biggest Pacific festival.
Day one of the two-day conference began with an unforgettable sense of mana and connection. It was a humbling reminder of the richness of our Pacific cultures and the strength we draw from our collective identity.
Jim Stretton, senior project coordinator at Le Va, said of the event, “The Polyfest Leaders Conference was truly something special. For me, it meant so much to be part of something that uplifts and empowers the next generation. Seeing so many of our future Pacific leaders together in one space was incredibly powerful.”
Jim added, “I was fortunate to lead our I AM workshop, and it was evident how much it resonated with the students. Strengthening our culture strengthens our self worth, and this message fits beautifully with the enduring legacy of Polyfest.”
By embracing our cultural roots, we honour the treasures of our ancestors and shape a stronger future for generations to come – an approach that aligns well with this year’s Polyfest theme of ‘Legacy – a treasure handed down. He oha nō tua, he taonga tuku iho!’
Our Le Va team was deeply inspired by the energy and passion each student brought to the workshop, and honoured to stand alongside these emerging Pasifika leaders as they pave the way for the future.
One student said, “I knew it took a village to raise me, but now I will carry that village with me everywhere I go.”
That sentiment summed up the entire experience – helping these young leaders realise that when they perform, excel in school, and embrace their culture, they’re not just building their own legacy but also honouring their ancestors.
On 3 January 2025, Le Va’s general manager, Dr Elizabeth Mati, had the honour of receiving an ali’i or high chief title from her family’s village in Samoa.
Elizabeth, a proud Aotearoa-born Samoan, believes that leadership is an ongoing journey rather than a destination. She is dedicated to upholding her Pacific values in her work at Le Va and in her role within her family.
Below, she shares her experience of the ceremony and thanks those who have supported her on a journey of culture and leadership.
Our entire team congratulates Elizabeth on this important milestone which is the perfect embodiment of the cultural leadership she shows every day as general manager of Le Va.
“I am deeply honoured to be bestowed an ali’i (high chief) title, Mati, from my father’s nu’u (village), Sa’anapu.
The saofa’i (ceremony) was an emotional and humbling experience, reflecting on the significance of the title and the memory of my late father, Luaitaua Matuisa Mati.
Thank you to my husband, parents, children, and siblings for their support.
I am also grateful to the many others who have guided and helped me on this journey of culture and leadership—your contributions have played an important role in shaping the person I am today.
My growth, my achievements are not mine alone.
‘O le ala i le pule o le tautua’ – The pathway to leadership is through service.
My hope is to honour my dad and family and make them proud. May I continue to serve, lead and stay true to my values, family and village.”
Congratulations to the joint winners of the Pacific Emerging Leadership Award, sponsored by Le Va, at the 2024 SunPix Pacific Peoples Awards on 22 November.
Selu-Kian Lealiifano Faletoese is a Samoan storyteller, producer, and co-founder of Lalaga Niu, dedicated to preserving Indigenous and Pasifika stories.
A 2021 AUT graduate in TV and Screen Production, she has worked on films like ‘E lele le Toloa’ and ‘Koroseta’ and has contributed to research on marginalised communities.
Through Lalaga Niu, Selu-Kian empowers youth and amplifies Pasifika voices in storytelling.
Tristan Petelo Ah-Sui, currently a student at the University of Auckland, is a passionate advocate for Pacific youth.
As co-founder of the Village Arts Association, a Samoan teacher at Dilworth School and organiser of the Le Manumea conference, he empowers Pacific students through education and cultural pride.
Through his platform, The Tautua Movement, Tristan amplifies Pacific voices and supports community causes.
The Pacific Emerging Leadership Award recognises Pacific youth leadership and the valuable foundation that creates for the future.
Le Va looks forward to seeing what both Selu-Kian and Tristan continue to achieve in the years to come.
Watch the ceremony
You can watch coverage of the SunPix Pacific Peoples Awards ceremony below:
November’s Te Hīkoi mō te Tiriti was a powerful manifestation of kotahitanga – unity, togetherness – in action.
Tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti of all generations walked alongside each other from Te Rerenga Wairua at the top of the North Island to Parliament’s grounds in Pōneke Wellington, where more than 42,000 people assembled to affirm the mana of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
On day three of the hīkoi, the Le Va team gathered at the Ihumātao activation in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland to show support for the Toitū Te Tiriti kaupapa as tangata moana.
Le Va, a Pasifika-kaupapa organisation, recognises the rights of Māori as the indigenous people of Aotearoa and upholds the values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a framework for a shared, inclusive future.
We have a commitment to stand in solidarity with tangata whenua, ensuring Te Tiriti is honoured to protect the rights of all our mokopuna.
The Toitū Te Tiriti movement looks to prove the power of tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti working together to create a more cohesive country to live in, and the hīkoi advocated for the enduring strength of Te Tiriti to live on.
We believe Te Tiriti o Waitangi represents our collective journey toward a future based on unity, shared decision-making, and wellbeing for our communities and environment.
Le Va is part of the Wise Group. Copyright ©2025
