In the heart of Māngere, a tribute concert unfolded, a homage to the melodies that wove through the soul of Tonga. They called her Tonga’s nightingale, Tu’imala Kaho, a luminary whose compositions danced between the realms of poetry and music, shaping the very essence of her island’s spirit. Presented by Fofo'anga South Auckland New Zealand Incorporated (FSANZI) and supported by Pasifika Futures (PFL), the concert was a tapestry woven with the threads of Tongan culture.

Over the weekend, Ōtāhuhu College and Tangaroa College went head-to-head on the rugby field, kicking off the National Secondary Schools 1XV season for 2024. Through Pasifika Futures' sports strategy, delivered in partnership with Ah Mau Sports and Wellbeing, both schools were provided with sports and training equipment in preparation for the upcoming year.

Moana Vā are a collective who were established to identify and address the needs for Pacific Rainbow+, LGBTQIA+, MVPFAFF+ communities in the Canterbury Region. With a foundation of values such as collectivism, alofa (love) and aiga (family), the organisation aims to uplift and advocate for Rainbow+ communities. Earlier this month they entered a netball team in the inaugural Rainbow Games, with support from Pasifika Futures (PFL) through their Sports Strategy.

Situated in Whangarei sits a new hub for Pacific communities courtesy of Pasifika Futures (PFL) partner, Fale Pasifika Te Tai Tokerau. The local community came together to celebrate the grand opening of the new building, which was met with excitement and high spirits. The team at Fale Pasifika is dedicated to supporting the prosperity of Pacific communities in the Northland region and looks forward to their new space becoming a home for their people.

With great pride and optimism, Pasifika Futures (PFL) partner, the Atafu Tokelau Community Group (ATCG) launched their ambitious 30-year masterplan - ‘Taiuli’. The initiative represents a significant leap towards their collective aspirations for economic growth, social harmony and cultural preservation. The community group is excited to embark on a journey where ‘Taiuli’ serves as a beacon of hope and a guide for the sustainable development of their community, ensuring a brighter future for every Tokelaun.

Over the easter weekend, the Tokelau Easter Festival unfolded in Lower Hutt, Wellington, hosted by the Tokelau Hutt Valley community. The event, held bi-annually, celebrated its 49th year, drawing participants from six regional groups across New Zealand - Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Manawatu, Porirua, and Hutt Valley.

In 2023, a group of 11-12-year-old young women, primarily of Polynesian descent, who play basketball in Manurewa, Auckland, participated in both a U13 Auckland-wide club competition and competitions within their local Intermediate School. Through collaborations with their school and club, Pasifika Futures (PFL) sponsored the team to a tournament recognised as one of the top events for U13 basketball in New Zealand. This event not only offers competitive exposure but also connects players with high schools and colleges, offering academic and sporting scholarships that many South Auckland players may otherwise miss out on.

Every Friday after school, the sound of the school bell signals for a group of Pacific youth that it is time to head to the East Tamaki Domain Tennis Club. As part of a weekly programme, the club hosts junior sessions for youth aged 7-18, providing an opportunity to learn key skills in tennis whilst encouraging them to continue growing their love for the sport. Through a partnership with the club, Pasifika Futures (PFL) recently donated new tennis rackets and tennis balls to help support the club with their sessions.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group, through the PMA Knowledge Hub, hosted the inaugural cohort of its 12 week micro-credential course, developed in partnership with the University of Auckland. The commencement of the course will see students navigate various material, equipping them with the knowledge and skillset to contribute to improving the wellbeing outcomes for Pacific families.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) expresses heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Pacific leader and Member of Parliament, Fa'anānā Efeso Collins.

He Whānau Manaaki Kindergarten Association operates kindergarten centres across various regions, including Whanganui, Central Plateau, Horowhenua, Kapiti, Porirua, Greater Wellington, Upper Hutt, and Wairarapa. Their goal is to create an enjoyable and secure learning environment filled with connections and aroha (love). They also provide a home-based service, Etu Ao, in Porirua and Levin.

Last week, the Due Drop centre in South Auckland hosted the annual Sunpix Pacific Peoples Awards 2023, where 12 winners from six categories took the spotlight. In the Pacific Health and Wellbeing Award category, sponsored by Pasifika Futures (PFL), two individuals were honoured: Frank Hicks and Pale Sauni.