Le Va celebrates inaugural ‘Inasi disability community fund

Le Va, Aotearoa’s national Pacific primary prevention organisation, hosted a special meet and greet event on Monday 22 September to celebrate and showcase the recipients of its inaugural ‘Inasi disability community fund.

The ‘Inasi Fund was established through a partnership between Foundation North and Le Va, with a shared vision to strengthen Pacific disability leadership, address long-standing inequities, and invest in community-led solutions.

It supports Northland and Auckland based initiatives helping to reduce stigma and discrimination around disability, create communities of care, and empower Pasifika people with disabilities to have a voice and to lead.

Ben Tameifuna

Ben Tameifuna, Le Va’s Senior Manager for Public Health and Disability, said, “The ‘Inasi Fund is about honouring our Pasifika tradition of collective sharing. The Tongan phrase ‘Inasi means everyone eats, or everyone receives their portion. It reflects our Pasifika way of ensuring no one is left out or left behind.”

The event brought together successful fund applicants to share their initiatives and connect with each other and the Le Va team.

Recipients came from as far as Kaitaia and as near as Māngere – tears were shed and laughter heard around the room as they spoke about their lived experiences of disability and their excitement at launching their innovative ‘Inasi projects.

The gathering represented a significant milestone in Le Va’s commitment to supporting disability-focused community projects.

“The ‘Inasi Fund affirms Le Va’s dedication to empowering grassroots disability initiatives and creating positive change within communities,” said Mati Dr Elizabeth Mati, Chief Executive of Le Va.

“This inaugural funding round supported 23 projects, each designed to address specific needs and challenges faced by Pasifika people with disabilities. We wish all our fund recipients every success.”

The ‘Inasi Fund event facilitated networking opportunities between recipients, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the community, and emphasising the collective spirit that drives Le Va’s mission.

Learn more about Le Va’s ‘Inasi Fund.

‘Inasi Fund recipients for 2025

• People in the Pursuit of Success – Will and Marlon Fleming
• Down With Char – Charlize Wilson
• Lego Club for Pasifika Neurodiverse Tamariki – Sarah Waikato
• Voices of Strength, Le’o Malosi – Natasha Barber
• Move together Pasifika – Mathew Elia
• Pacifica Whangarei TBI support group – Vicki Pemberton
• Mau tu – Daniel Te’o
• Tame x Barber – Tame Taufa
• KAVAX: Voices of our Disabled Kainga – Anau Mesui
• Tuvaluan Youth Disability Awareness
• Toa Malosi – Janet Tuitama
• Big Tings – Libby Blore
• Tongan Youth – Seluvaia Latu
• The Lane – Migi Sio
• Hosanna Light House Baptist – Tanya Lameta Sione
• Fale Pasifika Te Tai Tokerau – Johnny Kumitau
• Dominion and Kingsland Women’s Ministry – Lupi Mahina
• Vaini Doves Kava Podcast
• Fetu o le Pasifika – Ilaisaane Mari
• ASD Pasifika Whānau – Jordan Ikitule