Vaka Tautua

01/06/2026

Congratulations to all our graduates who took part in the Growing Strong Pacific Families Programme 💚

Over the last 8 weeks, our group came together every Wednesday morning to learn about health, Work and Income support, legal topics, mental wellbeing, parenting, and financial capability. This programme was led by our wonderful facilitators, Betty and Mary.

Featured here is Ana Latu, one of our graduates, who shared how this programme has positively impacted her life at home and with her parenting skills.

31/05/2026

EFKS Balclutha Health Day.🩺😷

As we mark Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa, we celebrate the voices, stories, and identities that connect us to our culture, our families, and our future.

This year’s theme, ‘E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nuʻu’ — “From the high mountains come the blessings of the village” — reminds us that the strength and wellbeing of our communities are built on the values, knowledge, and love passed down through generations.

On Saturday, we were inspired by 10-year-old Matauaina Seke, who delivered a confident speech about her heritage and the people, values, and experiences that have shaped her Samoan identity. Her pride was a powerful reminder of why nurturing our language and culture in the next generation matters.

It was also a privilege to connect with the families of EFKS Balclutha and bring health services directly into the community. We were encouraged to see so many families taking a proactive approach to their wellbeing, from hearing checks, Hep C testing, and blood pressure screenings, to open conversations about health and the future.

The strength of our communities lies in people coming together, caring for our culture, caring for one another, and caring for our health.

Faʻafetai tele lava to everyone who joined us and helped make the day such a positive start to Samoan Language Week.


Dunedin

29/05/2026

Our Otago Matua Foafoa group gathered together tonight to commemorate Pink Ribbon and honour all those impacted by cancer. It was a special evening to raise awareness about the importance of our health, pay respects to loved ones who have passed, and remind one another that we are stronger together and never walk alone when we have each other.
The room was filled with so much joy, love, and connection as we laughed together, cried together, sang, and danced alongside one another. Everyone left with their hearts full.
A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful partners who joined us and supported the evening , the Heart Foundation, New Zealand Needle Exchange, Age Concern Otago, and Well South. Your presence and support mean so much to our community.

27/05/2026

27/05/2026

Thank You to Our Partners and Community.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our partners — Tangata Atumotu, ScreenSouth, Access Health, Kidney Health NZ, and Esala from Pegasus Health — for generously sharing your time, expertise, and care with our community.
Thank you for providing health checks, vaccinations, information, and support to our Matua and Tagata sa’ilimalo. The knowledge and genuine care you offered were deeply valued by all who attended.

For our team, service to our people is central to everything we do (Tautua).
We are grateful for every opportunity to connect with our community and support the health and wellbeing of our Matua, Tagata Sa’ilimalo, and their families as we move into the colder winter months.

Fa’afetai tele lava to everyone who attended, shared their stories, asked questions, and prioritized their wellbeing.

26/05/2026

💗Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea You’re Invited!💗

Vaka Tautua Dunedin warmly invites our community to a special Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea.

This meaningful event is dedicated to supporting and raising awareness for those in our community who are currently on their cancer journey.

✨ Theme: Pretty in Pink – No one fights alone

Let’s come together to honour, support, and uplift one another. Wear your best pink, bring your smiles, and stand in solidarity with our whānau and friends affected by cancer.

We would love to see you there and share this special afternoon together. 💕

24/05/2026

Last week our Wellington team spent time with the youth in Wairarapa Masterton for Youth Week 2026 🌱

This year’s theme focused on empowering young people, reminding us that the voices of our rangatahi matter and deserve to be heard. 💛

It was an amazing time to talanoa, build connections, raise mental health awareness, and uplift the leaders of our future through fun activities and shared kōrero

"Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard. Taringa whakarongo! Ki te reo o ngā taiohi"

22/05/2026

A big thank you to Breast Screening Aotearoa for coming through and sharing the importance of breast screening with our Pasifika community 💗

Today, many of our women came together to learn about breast screening, connect with one another, and enjoy a beautiful breakfast.

A special thank you also to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ for reminding us why early detection matters. We also want to acknowledge the brave women who shared their own stories and experiences, whether it was about getting screened, their journey with breast cancer, or walking alongside a loved one through it.

We also want to thank Bay Audiology and the National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing for coming through and doing testing too.

In Aotearoa, free breast screening is available for eligible women from 45 years old. So to our Pacific women, our mothers, aunties, sisters and daughters - please take the time to get checked. Your health matters, and early detection can save lives.

A wonderful morning of learning, connection and encouragement 💗

22/05/2026

🩷🩷🩷🌸🌸🩷🩷🩷
Today we joined with our neighbours at Lotus Law to acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness.
We shared food, stories, laughter, and a commitment to get regular check-ups.
It was a reminder that cancer knows no boundaries and impacts every community in one way or another.
Grateful for the chance to gather, uplift each other, and continue building meaningful connections between our two communities.
Thank you for creating such a meaningful space.
🔴⚫️