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.
In early November, Le Va welcomed a delegation of mental health and addiction sector leaders representing government, health and NGO services from Fiji.
The delegates, who were part of a study tour sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and hosted by the Salvation Army New Zealand, were keen to learn about Le Va’s successful Pacific health workforce development programmes, particularly in the addiction sector.
Fiji is currently facing a drug use crisis with widespread methamphetamine addiction, especially among their young people, and an associated rise in drug-related mental health problems.
Like many Pacific nations, Fiji is also experiencing similar challenges in health and social issues. The Fijian government is seeking solutions and taking measures to tackle the surge in drug use, which is a problem affecting the wider Pacific and also Aotearoa.
Alongside sharing information about Le Va’s mental health and addiction initiatives, the Le Va leadership team presented on its innovative suicide and violence prevention programmes, such as LifeKeepers and Atu-Mai.
Many connections were made at the meeting, which was a rich opportunity for talanoa and the exchange of ideas and possibilities.
Le Va’s senior manager for mental health and addiction, Toleafoa Mark Esekielu, said of the visit,
“Vinaka vaka levu to our Fijian colleagues for taking the time to join us at Le Va. It was rewarding to connect with high-level government and health sector leaders from Fiji to share ideas and make plans to collaborate in the near future.
“We are grateful to our friends at the Salvation Army New Zealand for reaching out to Le Va, and to MFAT for sponsoring the study tour. We all left the meeting filled with knowledge, inspiration and alofa.”
Le Va acknowledges the importance of trans-Pacific collaboration for the mental health and addiction sector, so all nations across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa can support each other and our people to achieve improved outcomes.
Explore Le Va’s addiction workforce resources.
At the end of October, Le Va held a traditional Samoan ‘ava ceremony to warmly welcome 16 visiting professionals and young people working in violence prevention initiatives in Wales.
The Welsh delegation represented Plan International UK, Her Voice Wales, Vale of Glamorgan Council, Greenhill School, Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Youth.
The delegates came to learn about the work being done in the violence prevention sector here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Their visit came about after She Is Not Your Rehab founder, Matt Brown, visited Wales last year.
Dr Elizabeth Mati, Le Va’s general manager, shared about Atu-Mai’s spearhead nationwide violence prevention programme with its focus on Pasifika youth and their families.
Le Va senior manager Paul Tupou-Vea spoke about Atu-Mai’s current community mobilisation approach to sexual violence prevention.
“It was great to share insights about our important work and hear from our visitors. The group are doing some amazing work in Wales, and it was really encouraging to see how involved young people are,” he said.
Youth delegates from Greenhill School felt moved by the conversations and the safe environment created.
One student said, “The group had an incredible day with a really moving emotive day. Thank you, Le Va, for sharing space with us and we look forward to working with you in the future.”
With the support of ACC, Le Va’s Atu-Mai team was glad to share space to enable the exchange of knowledge and insights into violence prevention work with each group’s respective communities.
For Le Va’s learning and evaluation lead, Hidoria Onesemo-Tuilaepa, the visit was uplifting.
“I left our engagement with the Welsh delegates feeling inspired by the various initiatives and projects they are facilitating, especially by the youth! Also inspiring how the Welsh Government has invested in the prioritisation of primary prevention,” she said.
Le Va community engagement lead, Charles Lavea, said it was a prime opportunity to learn.
“It allowed me to connect with people from the other side of the world who share a deep passion for advocacy and community support in violence prevention. I am grateful for the opportunity to share knowledge and experience working in the prevention space.”
ACC’s Dr Hala Nasr reflected that the experience allowed her to learn professionally and fill her cup personally. She added that Charles’ conversation with the group about Atu-Mai’s Father’s Fono programme resonated strongly.
“(Charles) made such an impact on the two young men in the group – the mana and compassion you showed in the small interactions you had with them were so appreciated,” she said.
Wales Programme and Advocacy Manager, Anne-Marie Lawrence, said the group loved their time at Le Va.
“We did a reflection session with the young people before they left to fly home and some of them said the meeting with you was the highlight of the trip. I don’t think accolades come much higher than that,” she said.
“We learnt so much from you and we really enjoyed our time with you, the memories created from such a special day will stay with us for a lifetime. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
On 30 October 2024, the Chief Coroner released the latest annual provisional suicide statistics for Aotearoa.
These figures play a vital role in shaping and guiding suicide prevention efforts across the motu, supporting the work of organisations like Le Va that are dedicated to saving lives.
The data shows that, overall, there has been no change in the rate of suicide. In the financial year to 30 June 2024, 617 people died by suspected suicide and the rate was 11.2 people per 100,000.
Le Va chief executive, Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, said, “While understanding these statistics and monitoring any changes is important to our suicide prevention efforts, we must not lose sight of our people behind the numbers – those who have died by suicide and the individuals, family members, whānau, friends and communities who have tragically lost their loved ones.”
In 2023, Aotearoa witnessed a significant and encouraging decline in the provisional suicide rate among Pacific people, dropping from 9.2 to 5.1 per 100,000 people while this year, there has been a slight increase to 7.7 per 100,000 people.
Community-focused solutions
At Le Va, we believe the solutions to preventing suicide are found within our communities. On 25 October 2024, Le Va held a community fono (meeting), ensuring a safe space for communities to provide insights and recommendations on the government’s draft suicide prevention action plan for 2025-2029.
With more than 20 community members actively contributing, the fono was a successful collaborative event. Co-facilitated by Le Va’s senior managers for suicide prevention – Leilani Clarke and Tiana Watkins – the gathering encouraged open, bold discussions, bringing a grassroots perspective to both health-led and cross-government actions to suicide prevention in Aotearoa.
Feedback from the fono was that in Aotearoa we need to focus on prevention and make sure the voices of those with lived experience are heard. Our communities said that addressing factors like poverty, family violence and mental health is a form of suicide prevention, and we should prioritise support for the people, families, whānau and communities who have experienced suicide.
Suicide prevention training
Le Va has two groundbreaking national suicide prevention training programmes:
LifeKeepers – New Zealand’s national suicide prevention training programme – has trained more than 18,000 everyday people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to intervene when someone is at risk of suicide. These are ordinary people playing their part in the prevention of suicide.
FLO: Pasifika for Life is Aotearoa’s first national Pasifika suicide prevention training, designed to engage and empower Pasifika communities to prevent suicide by enhancing protective factors and reducing risk factors associated to suicide.
These programmes, grounded in evidence and culturally responsive methods, ensure clinically safe, community-driven interventions.
Suicide prevention resources
Recently Le Va launched a new digital resource – ‘After a suicide attempt’ – providing critical guidance for those supporting individuals post-attempt. This resource is freely accessible and aims to bolster support systems during vulnerable recovery periods. Our resource can be downloaded from the Le Va website.
Le Va remains committed to supporting our Pasifika and Māori communities to find their own solutions to suicide, through initiatives such as our Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund, referrals to Te Rau Ora Māori Suicide Prevention Community Fund, and Mana Akiaki: LifeKeepers for Māori.
We will continue to work collaboratively with our communities and other agencies in the suicide prevention sector to help reduce the rates for Pasifika, and for Māori who are still overrepresented in these statistics.
Our approach of enhancing protective factors and mitigating risk factors can foster resilience and lead to improved wellbeing to help prevent suicide. Through our collective efforts we hope to see a reduction in suicide rates for all people of Aotearoa.
Le Va is part of the Wise Group. Copyright ©2026
