It has been a dynamic year for our Atu-Mai team – equipping Pasifika with the tools and knowledge to live violence-free. We have spent time in schools across Auckland and Wellington, supporting youth to increase their self-worth through culture, having respectful relationships and learning about the journey of our ancestors. Our team have presented vibrant and creative talks at assemblies, held lunch time stalls in schools and engaged in classrooms.
Meeting our people where they are has been a big theme of the year. We have been fortunate to have opportunities to mobilise Pasifika at many community events including the Oceania Tag Tournament and Auckland Polyfest 2021. We have also had more than 6000 people register on our free e-Learning modules.
The past 12 months have also seen us officially launch our Fathers Fono programme and our professionals training workshops. We have connected with more than 150 like-minded organisations and individuals to share and promote Atu-Mai.
The new dawn is a bright one and we look forward to connecting with more Pasifika across Aotearoa to stand together against violence. #violenceisnotourculture
Over the past year, we have provided workshops at schools, churches, and community events. We also upgraded our e-learning website to increase access for our people.
There were several highlights throughout the year. In October 2019, we partnered with the Pacific Fashion Fusion Show to deliver the ‘Dressed in confidence Wellness Day’ to over 70 Pasifika youth from across South Auckland. It was an inspiring day, harnessing our Pasifika culture to strengthen self-worth in our future generation of leaders.
In the beginning of the year, Le Va’s Atu-Mai team performed assembly promotions in seven South Auckland secondary schools. The assemblies were lively and involved a creative presentation where our youth development lead Marina Alefosio delivered a spoken word on cultural identity and promoted Atu-Mai resources and tools.
Engagement with our community and organisations has provided many opportunities to ‘stand together violence’. This past year we collaborated with over 70 organisations and community groups. One such collaboration resulted in the team uniting with the Pasifika Media Network on their Divas tour in Auckland and Christchurch, which involved a showcase of well-known Pasifika singers and artists. The Atu-Mai team delivered pre-show masterclasses to young Pasifika creatives on wellbeing, respectful relationships, and cultural identity.
Le Va’s Atu-Mai team looks forward to ongoing connections and coming together to empower our communities to prevent violence. Check out a snapshot of our results.
Le Va’s Atu-Mai team sat down with some amazing youth in a talanoa series we are developing called KOKO CHATS.
Le Va is committed to providing a platform for the voice of Pasifika youth where they can gather and share their views on the issues that affect them to lead and co-design solutions with us. We caught up recently to discuss the Covid-19 pandemic, violence prevention, culture, relationships and mental health that has been distributed on our social media platforms in a 4-part series.
Off the back of Ara Taiohi’s #Youthweeknz theme 2020 “We are speaking, are you listening?”, our 2016 youth participation guidelines and the development of our new Le Va youth strategy, we are conscious that our young people provide us with the insight and knowledge to create the sustainable change we need within our communities to promote and harness safe and strong relationships for Pasifika peoples.
Fa’afetai tele lava to Titiana Popoa’i Tulua, Luseane Valu, David Tupou, Patrick Alesana and John-Paul Foliaki for contributing their voices and time to the first series. Please email us at atumai@leva.co.nz if you know of any Pasifika young people who would like to be part of the next series!
You can also download these top tips as a PDF.
1. Make your own disinfectant cleaner
For a simple cleaner to wipe down household surfaces there’s no need to go out and buy fancy brands – especially when the supermarkets are out of stock!
Simply mix 10% Janola or other household bleach and 90% water into a spray bottle (very important: pour the bleach in first). Check out the full instructions.
2. Look at what financial support you might be entitled to
If you haven’t already, make sure you go to the Government’s COVID-19 website or contact their Helpline on 0800 779 997. There are several different types of financial support for people who are worried or struggling financially right now.
3. Cook creatively
There are lots of ways to save money in the kitchen. Try to plan your meals for the week and cook in bulk, this means fewer trips to the supermarket and is often cheaper. Or why not learn a new recipe? Try making your favourite takeaway at home, like this recipe for homemade KFC, which you can keep making as a cheaper alternative to the real thing even when takeaways reopen.
4. Get some free support with your mental health and wellbeing
There are several free options for talking to a trained counsellor at any time by phone, text or webchat. Try calling or texting 1737, calling Youthline on 0800 376 633, or try Aroha now Headstrong, a free chatbot to support young people’s wellbeing during COVID-19.
5. Free online fun
Getting bored of Netflix? Auckland Libraries have loads of eBooks, audiobooks, eMagazines and free movies to stream online. Just sign up for a free eMembership here.
6. Use the Wi-Fi
Many of us will be spending a lot of time online, and phone data can be expensive! Most Internet providers in New Zealand have lifted their limits on internet use, so make sure you connect your phone to Wi-Fi at home if you have it.
7. Save power
With all this extra time at home, power bills can shoot up. Take short (but thorough) showers, turn lights and power off in rooms you’re not using, and try blankets and warm clothes before turning on heaters.
8. Keep moving, stay healthy
Exercise is important for our physical and emotional wellbeing. Les Mills are showing daily free workouts on TVNZ, or there are lots of different free options online (like this free Zumba for kids). Try working out with your family at home, or video calling other family members and friends to join you as a great way to stay connected.
9. Know your rights
People may be struggling to pay rent and meet other financial obligations at the moment. Citizens Advice Bureau are providing free online and phone support for people needing advice and support. Call 0800 367 222 or go to www.cab.org.nz
10. Ask for help
If you’re struggling, ask for help. There are many charities and food banks that are still operating as essential services during lockdown. www.foodbank.co.nz has a list of food banks across New Zealand, and Auckland Council have a free service to deliver food parcels to those who need it. IMPORTANT: Do not just show up at a food bank, call ahead to check how to access support safely.
Download this as a PDF.
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