‘Tutū maiea marangai, whakatere ana Poupaka – When the easterly wind rises, Poupaka goes sailing’ was the theme for the National Addiction Leadership Day held on 31 July in Māngere, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Hosted by the National Committee for Addiction Treatment in partnership with Te Pou, the event was attended by Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health, who gave the opening address.
Le Va’s senior manager – mental health and addiction, Toleafoa Mark Esekielu, said of the event, “It was great to connect and reconnect with such passionate addiction rangatira and kaimahi.
“Wonderful to hear about all the vast work that is happening across the sector and to share the part Le Va is contributing with our inaugural addiction scholarship programme, funded by Health NZ – Te Whatu Ora.”
Toleafoa presented on Le Va’s work in the sector and our new Addiction and Problem Gambling Harm Scholarship.
Intended to increase the capacity and capability of the workforce, the scholarship is available to those studying towards a qualification that contributes to reducing harms from alcohol and other drugs.
The first cohort of 44 students got underway in 2024, receiving tailored support in the form of financial assistance, cultural support, mentoring and career planning.
Find out more about Le Va’s mental health and addiction scholarships, supporting the development of the mental health and addiction workforce in Aotearoa.
https://www.leva.co.nz/scholarships-funding/
‘Voyage of hope: Charting a course for Pasifika addiction recovery’ was the aspirational theme for Le Va’s Le Tautua Pasifika Leadership 2024 programme, held in Māngere over two days in July.
Twenty-four successful applicants, all working in or adjacent to the addiction sector, took part in the event, which is designed to support Pasifika mental health and addiction leaders to enhance their leadership skills and cultivate their unique cultural perspectives.
A previous participant said of Le Tautua, “What was very good was the space to discuss and drive towards integration of Pasifika concepts into our leadership, with the freedom to explore meanings in the group setting – words and actions are powerful.”
Le Tautua’s speakers and panellists inspired our Pasifika leaders with hope, resilience and determination, helping them to envision a future where addiction-related harms are minimised and individuals can thrive.
Mark Esekielu, Le Va’s senior manager – mental health and addiction said, “There’s a Samoan proverb – ‘E afua mai mauga lelei o nu’u’ that translates to ‘From the mountain flows the blessings for the village’ or in other words, from good leadership flows blessings and wellbeing for families and communities.
“After two days of hearing from established leaders and seeing the calibre of our emerging leaders, I feel comfort for the present and hope for the future of the mental health and addiction sector in Aotearoa.”
This year Le Va also launched a new Addiction and Problem Gambling Harm Scholarship, aimed at increasing the capacity and skills of the workforce to reduce harm in those areas.
Alongside Le Tautua and our Futures that Work Pacific Mental Health and Addiction Scholarship, these initiatives are all intended to support the mental health and addiction workforce to grow, in order to achieve better health outcomes for everyone in Aotearoa.
It is fair to say that in Aotearoa New Zealand we are currently dealing with significant changes to our mental health and addiction services.
The Transforming Mental Health Conference, held in Auckland on 22 and 23 July, sought to address some of the larger questions and challenges this brings.
Le Va’s chief executive and general manager, who are also both clinical psychologists, presented at the conference, turning a Pasifika lens upon the issues facing the mental health and addiction sector.
Chief executive, Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, gave a presentation at the conference on ‘Suicide prevention strategies: Saving lives together’, where she explored a range of global suicide prevention strategies and highlighted the outstanding results we have seen from our internationally renowned LifeKeepers programme.
Delving into the evidence-based suicide prevention strategies that form the basis of her doctoral research, Denise spoke about empowering communities, professionals and individuals to work collaboratively, and how we can learn from each other.
“It has been heartening to hear learn of so many innovative strategies to ensuring our mental health services are accessible and meet the needs of all New Zealanders. Collaboration across the sector and sharing our expertise sets us on a path to achieving an effective and inclusive mental healthcare system in Aotearoa.”
Dr Elizabeth Mati and Ross Phillips, Pathways Business Manager
Dr Elizabeth Mati, Le Va’s general manager, was part of a panel discussion on the importance of sustainable funding for the development of the mental health workforce.
With the topic of ‘Understaffed & overwhelmed: Strategies for the mental health workforce’, the panel led a heartfelt and passionate conversation about exploring innovative approaches to managing workload, preventing burnout and improving wellbeing.
Taking part in and contributing to events such as the Transforming Mental Health Conference reflects Le Va’s important work in supporting the development of the Pasifika mental health and addiction workforce in Aotearoa.
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Learn more about Le Va’s Mental Health and Addiction portfolio of work.
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.
In September and October we reached the significant milestones of hosting Le Va’s inaugural ‘Navigating Mental Health’ and ‘Navigating Addiction’ trainings.
Just as Pasifika people have long understood the moana and how to navigate their way to safe shores, we acknowledge that our frontline Pasifika health providers are expert navigators. This is especially true when it comes to making connections, creating a safe space, and engaging in respectful talanoa with tagata ola.
Both interactive workshops aim to further equip the workforce with relevant knowledge and skills that can be applied with clinical and cultural integrity. They focus on the importance of holistic wellbeing and strategies to support Pasifika people who experience common mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and addiction to alcohol and other drugs.
These trainings were developed after consultation with Pasifika services over many talanoa sessions and our hope is that our people working in this space grow in confidence when working alongside Pasifika who experience these challenges. Fa’afetai tele lava to the Pasifika Access & Choice services and their staff who have come to Le Va’s trainings across Aotearoa. The wisdom and experience everyone brought to the workshops enriched our talanoa.
To find out more about Le Va’s involvement in the Pasifika Access & Choice space, visit Access & Choice. To find out more about our workshops, email pasifikaprimarymha@leva.co.nz.
“O le tele o sulu, e maua ai figota” is a Samoan proverb meaning, “Through collaboration, the most difficult challenges can be overcome.”
Partnership and collaboration are integral to the success of Le Va, Aotearoa’s leading Pacific primary prevention organisation, which is why Le Va’s Board and senior executives were pleased to sign a memorandum of understanding with the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) and the International Initiative for Disability Leadership (IIDL) this week.
Chief Executive of Le Va, Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave said, “Given the prevailing uncertainty in the world, many have voiced their concerns regarding its potential impact on people’s mental wellbeing. To best address these issues, we believe that strong leadership is crucial, which is why we are eagerly anticipating our collaboration with IIMHL and IIDL.”
Signing the MoU signals Le Va’s expansion into a global arena of leadership, representing Pasifika interests to achieve the best outcomes for Pacific people with disabilities and lived experience of addiction and mental health challenges.
Steve Appleton, the President and Chief Executive of IIMHL/IIDL said of his trip to Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia that it was an opportunity to formalise the collaboration with Le Va, and make progress in working together with Pasifika leaders.
“Through sharing experiences and learning from one another, we can build stronger communities, stronger services, and services that can respond more effectively to the needs of our increasingly diverse populations,” Steve said.
IIMHL and IIDL connect international mental health leaders to help them share innovations and solve problems in the areas of mental health, addiction and disability around the globe.
Nine countries are members of the group, with New Zealand being a founding member of IIMHL and the Netherlands the latest country to join IIDL, alongside Australia, Canada, England, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Sweden and USA.
Le Va supports Pasifika families and communities to unleash their full potential, bringing more than 15 years of experience to the primary prevention of suicide, violence, mental health and addiction, and strengthening the Pasifika public health workforce.
At least 80 new scholarships will be awarded annually, to enhance the capacity and capability of the addiction and gambling harm workforce. Successful applicants will receive tailored support in the form of financial assistance, cultural support, mentoring and career planning.
Toleafoa Mark Esekielu
Le Va’s Senior Manager for Mental Health and Addiction, Toleafoa Mark Esekielu, said, “Over the last 15 years, we have seen the growing need for addictions and problem gambling support in our communities. Le Va is excited to partner with Te Whatu Ora to support the workforce with scholarships that will make a real difference in outcomes over the coming years.”
While all students committed to working in the AoD and gambling harm fields will be eligible, particular focus will be on priority groups including Māori, Pacific, Asian, youth, rainbow and lived experience communities, as well as the whānau of those affected by these issues.
Le Va, a Pacific primary prevention organisation, has a long history of partnership with Te Whatu Ora, successfully administering the Futures that Work Pasifika mental health and addiction scholarship since 2009.
By addressing workforce shortages and promoting equitable representation, the programme has the potential to contribute to the growth and skills of the AoD and gambling harm workforce, ultimately improving the quality and accessibility of mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa.
Opening dates for the first round of applications will be announced later this year.
The award recognised Le Va’s achievements in developing and supporting the Pasifika mental health and addiction workforce with its Te Whatu Ora funded Futures that Work scholarship programme.
Since 2009, Futures that Work has been life-changing for more than 700 Pasifika students who have gone on to work in a wide range of careers supporting the mental wellbeing and improving health outcomes of our Pasifika communities.
The scholarships go beyond financial support, offering students mentoring and pastoral care, as well as tools to help them reach their study goals.
Le Va Senior Manager for Disability and Public Health, Ben Tameifuna, acknowledged the other nominees in his acceptance speech, saying, “We are honoured to walk alongside you in celebrating the work we all do to create a more inclusive society in Aotearoa.
“Receiving the Impact Award tonight is such an honour and will inspire us to continue this important mahi to ensure our communities get the best possible outcomes.”
Diversity Awards NZ is the most significant awards programme in Aotearoa New Zealand to celebrate excellence in workplace diversity, equity and inclusion.
The awards showcase organisations like Le Va who put people at their heart. The Impact Award goes to a private or non-profit organisation that intentionally works towards building a more equitable workplace and a more inclusive society.
Le Va staff travelled to Pipitea Campus in Pōneke to take part in the university’s second Pasifika Careers Expo. The event showcased Pasifika people in a variety of workforces and organisations and attracted a large audience of current VUW students, local Pasifika high school students and their families.
Le Va, appointed by Te Whatu Ora to provide Aotearoa’s national centre for Pacific mental health and addiction workforce development, welcomed the opportunity to encourage and inspire students to consider a career in the field.
Nicholas Cao, Clinical Lead at Le Va, said, “It’s essential to support the Pasifika mental health and addiction workforce to keep growing, so we can meet the ongoing needs of our communities. Speaking with the young people here at Te Herenga Waka today makes me hopeful for the future of Pasifika mental health in Aotearoa.”
Le Va supports frontline services to enhance the cultural responsiveness of their staff, to better serve our Pasifika communities. This includes equipping the workforce with tools and resources to enhance their practice, deliver innovative and integrated care, and improve outcomes for all New Zealanders.
Samoan is a complex language which means we’re always learning – even those of us who are fluent speakers are constantly deepening our knowledge of Gagana Samoa. – Toleafoa Mark Esekielu
Celebrations at Harakeke House throughout the week began with a welcome and official opening led by Taitu’uga Mataafa-Komiti, Le Va’s project manager for the Atu-Mai violence prevention programme. She gave a short presentation on Samoan history, culture and language and a fun lesson on how to pronounce some Samoan phrases.
Pastor Taeao Napo, project coordinator at Le Va, opened the gathering with lotu (prayer) and pese (hymns). Project coordinator Jim Stretton entertained guests with an energetic demonstration of different styles of Samoan siva (dance).
To end the week, the Le Va team brought together staff from all the Wise Group entities at Harakeke House once again to reflect on the week and enjoy a taumafataga (shared meal). The refreshments, which included koko alaisa, panikeke, and falaoa, were prepared by project coordinator and Samoan chef extraordinaire, John Apelu Crouch.
Toleafoa Mark Esekielu, Le Va’s senior manager for mental health and addiction, said, “It’s important to acknowledge that we are all on a journey in terms of our language. Samoan is a complex language which means we’re always learning – even those of us who are fluent speakers are constantly deepening our knowledge of Gagana Samoa.”
In the 2018 census, 182,721 people identified as being ethnically Samoan, making them the largest group of Pacific peoples living in Aotearoa. After English and Te Reo Māori, Samoan was the third most widely spoken language in New Zealand, with 86,403 people (2 per cent of the population) able to speak it.
Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon Barbara Edmonds launched Samoan Language Week nationally online with a video focusing on this year’s theme, ‘Mitamita i lau gagana, maua’a lou fa’asinomaga’, meaning ‘Be proud of your language and grounded in your identity’.
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