Strengthening our Pacific workforce: Navigating new horizons

Around 100 members of the Pacific primary mental health and addiction workforce, alongside students preparing to enter the sector, gathered at Te Puke ō Tara in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for ‘Navigating new horizons,’ a sector Community of Practice event.

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with people reconnecting, meeting new colleagues and celebrating the shared purpose that unites our region.

Guest speaker and chief executive of Le Va, Mati Dr Elizabeth Mati, reminded us that the heart of Pacific workforce development lies in how we collaborate.

She encouraged those present to uplift one another, share knowledge openly, and work in ways that honour relationships and the vā.

“When our workforce connects, collaborates and uplifts one another, everyone benefits – especially the families, communities and vulnerable people who rely on us the most,” she said.

“A strong, united workforce means stronger services and, ultimately, better care for our Pacific people. It means our sisters and brothers, our elders and our young people receive support that truly sees them and meets them where they are.”

Her message was clear – we navigate further and more confidently when we do it together.

A diverse panel brought rich experience and cultural grounding to the day. Participants described the panel as sharing a wealth of knowledge, offering wisdom that was both practical and deeply rooted in cultural values.

Their talanoa affirmed that we are all paddling in the same direction, unified by our commitment to supporting Pacific families and communities.

Jess Ngahere, K’aute Pasifika; Janeta Vasega, Vaka Tautua; Mafiress McGregor Taua’i, K’aute Pasifika; Leolasi Fauena, Pacific Homecare; Dr Christmas Seu, The Fono; Temukisa Tinai, Penina Trust

Feedback from the day highlighted how important connection is for our Pacific primary mental health and addiction workforce. Attendees shared that they felt more connected to others across the sector and valued the chance to share ideas and hear different perspectives.

They appreciated the space for networking and talanoa, and enjoyed learning from the depth of experience represented across organisations.

‘Navigating new horizons’ reinforced what makes our workforce strong: relationships, cultural integrity, generosity and a shared goal of improving wellbeing for Pacific families.

Le Va thanks everyone who attended, contributed, spoke, supported or helped bring the event to life, with a special thank you to the organising committee with representatives from each of our Pacific provider services.

Together, we continue to build a connected, confident and culturally grounded Pacific primary mental health and addiction workforce.