Engaging Pasifika: Culturally responsive care matters

At the heart of Le Va’s Engaging Pasifika cultural competency training is the desire to truly show up for Pasifika communities. We do this by strengthening the confidence, capability and cultural responsiveness of the health and disability workforce that serves our people.

The Engaging Pasifika training is practical and values-led, grounded in real experiences that bring learning to life. Participants leave with more than knowledge, they leave with a deeper understanding of why culturally responsive care matters, and the tools to put it into practice.

This year, that work has been reaching more people than ever.

Across seven workshops in Auckland, Whangārei, Christchurch, Wellington and Dunedin, 224 health and disability workers were open to learning about Pasifika peoples, our values, our stories and what it means to be truly seen and supported.

The feedback says it all:

“This was honestly amazing, informative, engaging and interactive. The perspectives provided and resources we are able to use long term, great networking and kai, definitely keen for future training.” – Wellington participant.

“Thank you for the careful and engaging way you presented the course. Loved the use of humour to get points and information across. Good mix of activity and listening.” – Christchurch participant.

Participants have described the training as informative and welcoming. Many say that hearing real-life stories helps contextualise learning in a personal and relatable way, giving a deeper understanding into Pacific ways of being.

When health and disability workers across Aotearoa are empowered to build stronger, more respectful connections with Pasifika families and communities, real change can follow – stronger relationships, better access to services, and improved outcomes over time.

This is what Le Va’s work is about, helping to build a workforce with the foundational skills, knowledge and attitudes to support these outcomes – a workforce that genuinely engages with our Pasifika communities in a meaningful way.

Learn more about Engaging Pasifika.