The vibrant sights, sounds, and spirit of the Cook Islands came alive at Te Rauparaha Arena for Kia Orana Day, a special celebration of Cook Islands culture, heritage, and community right in the heart of Porirua.

Dunedin came alive over the weekend as the Moana Nui Festival celebrated the vibrant cultures of the Pacific, drawing families, performers, and cultural groups from across Aotearoa. Held at Forsyth Barr Stadium, the festival showcased traditional music, dance, arts, and food, offering a space for the Pacific community to connect and share their heritage with the wider public. The festival was led and organised by the Pacific Trust Otago (PTO), a Pasifika Futures (PFL) partner.

After 50 long years, Ōtāhuhu College is back making waves in the rowing world, and leading the charge is former UCLA rower, Lanea Tuiasosopo. Through the Pasifika Futures (PFL) Sports Strategy, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) donated brand-new uniforms for the team as the students prepared for the Blue Lakes Rowing Regatta in Rotorua, which took place over the weekend; Ōtāhuhu College was the only public South Auckland school participating.

Based in Christchurch, Tagata Mai Saute Dance Academy (TMSDA) has developed a close relationship with Pasifika Futures Ltd (PFL), working together on various community initiatives. Their recent performance at the Pasifika Medical Association's annual conference, as part of the Voyager’s Dinner, was a testament to their impact. Today we highlight TMSDA’s journey and their most memorable moments of the year.

As the year draws to a close, Pasifika Futures Limited (PFL) reflects on the significant work accomplished by partners in supporting Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training, and economic development. One such partner, The Fono, has been a longstanding leader in health and wellbeing for Pacific communities for nearly forty years.

Oceania Career Academy (OCA) has made significant strides in transforming the lives of Pacific youth, with their success recognised by the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA), whose recent External Evaluation Review praised OCA for its culturally responsive, wrap-around support services. This achievement has been supported by Pasifika Futures (PFL), whose support has enabled OCA to break barriers and create opportunities for its students and their families.

Reflecting on the year, Tāmaki College have created transformative opportunities through their Tereora Academy for Pacific students and their families, achieving significant milestones across key programs.

Pasifika Futures (PFL) partner, Pacific Homecare, is celebrating a year filled with meaningful projects and community support, marking 2024 as a time of growth and dedication to Pacific families. Proud of their Whānau Ora services, the team has delivered high-quality support with passion, from practical support to personal empowerment.

The Etu Pasifika Canterbury Whānau Ora Day was a heartwarming celebration, bringing together Pacific families from across Canterbury to mark another year of growth, connection, and community support. Organised by Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC), the day provided a joyful space for families to reflect on their achievements as we near the end of 2024.

Tokelau Language Week 2024 has arrived, and the Atafu Tokelau Community Group (ATCG), based in Porirua, has shared their plans for the week and how recent events have reshaped their celebrations. Project Lead for ATCG, Zechariah Reuelu, explained that while they initially planned a series of activities, these were cancelled in light of a community member’s passing. Reuelu emphasised the importance of this moment, highlighting that in Pacific cultures, honouring the deceased is a deeply respected tradition and an integral part of cultural identity.

Last week, Niue communities across New Zealand celebrated Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue (Niue Language Week), providing a timely opportunity for Tupumaiaga A Niue Trust (TANT) to reflect and build excitement for their upcoming 2025 projects.

As Fiji Language Week comes to a close, we highlight our Fijian staff members who continue to embrace this year's theme of ‘Vakamareqeta na Vosa Vakaviti - Nurture and sustain the Fijian language.’