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.

Pasifika Futures (PFL), held its annual Ngalu Fānifo Mental Health graduation, recognising recipients who successfully completed a Health Coach Certificate and Advanced Mental Health Certificate. In partnership with PreKure, a mental health training organisation, the Ngalu Fānifo mental health programme is purposed with contributing towards building and developing the Pacific mental health workforce, which saw 34 Pacific graduates receive a qualification this year.

Fonua Ola, a wellbeing centre for Pacific families, stands as a pillar of strength with its mission to empower families.

In celebration of Tokelau Language Week, we highlight the work carried out by Pasifika Futures (PFL) partner, Atafu Tokelau Community Group (ATCG), whose goal is to work towards and maintain prosperity for Tokelauans in the region.

Nora Swann, creative entrepreneur and fashion enthusiast, founded community-based wellness programme Dressed in Confidence, in 2016. Her vision was to advocate for Pacific representation across all sectors, and help facilitate the connection between confidence and mental wellbeing.

The Tuvalu Auckland Community Trust (TACT) operates in the community under the vision of Tuvaluans living productively, progressively and prosperously. Through their partnership with Pasifika Futures (PFL), TACT is able to carry out key pieces of their work.

The Trust Arena stadium, Auckland, where the beat of Cook Islands drums set the stage for the Tu Rangatira Awards. VIPs were greeted with a warm Turou (welcoming). It was a night dedicated to celebrating Cook Islands' accomplishments across eight exciting categories, marking the start of a thrilling two-day Te Maeva Nui festival.

The Tongan Health Society (THS) is an integrated healthcare provider, facilitating a range of services and initiatives aimed at providing high-quality, affordable, and culturally appropriate health care services to all New Zealanders.

As Mental Health Awareness wraps up we thought we’d share across some of the meaningful work happening at Community Approach Trust based in Auckland. The organisation runs an eight-week aqua aerobic swim session designed for postpartum mothers. This program aims to promote their mental well-being, enhance their physical fitness, and create a supportive space for them to connect with other mothers while taking valuable time for themselves.

The highly anticipated Te Maeva Nui festival is gearing up for another thrilling edition just a few weeks away. The event is scheduled to take place at Auckland's Waitakere District Trust Arena from September 29th to 30th.