LIA Social Solutions

11/02/2026

When jobs go down, pressure goes up. And our families feel it.

Recent data shows Pacific people are now facing the highest unemployment rates in Aotearoa — more than double the national average.

At the same time, the Salvation Army reports that family violence has reached its highest levels since 2018.

These are not separate issues.

When work disappears, income drops. Bills don’t stop. Rent doesn’t stop. Food prices don’t stop. The stress builds.

For many families, especially those already carrying financial pressure, overcrowded housing, or caring for extended aiga, unemployment can create shame, frustration, and strain inside the home.

We also know that alcohol and other drug use often increases during times of stress. And when AOD use and financial pressure combine, the risk of family harm rises.

This is not about blaming our communities.

It’s about understanding the full picture.

Economic hardship, unemployment, AOD use, and family violence are connected. If we want to reduce harm, we must address all of it — jobs, early support, culturally grounded services, and safe spaces to ask for help without shame.

Pacific families are strong. Our culture is strong. But strength doesn’t mean staying silent when things are hard.

Strong families need strong support.

Now is the time to lean in — not step back.

Latest figures from Stats NZ show Pacific unemployment rate rose to 12.3 percent, with the government pinning the blame on the previous government's "dreadful mismanagement of the economy".

11/02/2026

Family violence in Aotearoa is rising – and our families are feeling it

A new Salvation Army report shows that family violence has reached its highest level since 2018. While some other crime has gone down, harm inside the home has increased.

This is hard to hear. But we need to talk about it.

Behind these numbers are real families under pressure. The cost of living is high. Many parents are working long hours. Some households are struggling to make ends meet. When stress builds and support is limited, it can spill over in harmful ways.

For Pacific families, family is everything. Our strength is in our aiga, our community, our faith and our culture. But strength doesn’t mean silence.

Violence in the home is not “just a private matter.” It affects our children, their future, and the wellbeing of our whole community.

We need:
• Early support for families before things reach crisis point
• Safe spaces to ask for help without shame
• Culturally grounded services that understand Pacific values
• Strong partnerships between churches, community leaders and support agencies

Looking after our families means speaking up, checking in on each other, and making it normal to seek help.

Strong families build strong communities. Let’s protect both.

Overall violent crime has decreased but charges for family harm increased by 3.9 percent, a report by the Salvation Army has found.

04/02/2026

1 in 4 women in New Zealand have experienced abuse by a partner.

This is a serious issue that often goes unseen. At LIA, we provide a safe, confidential place for anyone affected by partner abuse to get support, advice, and help with safety planning.

If you or someone you know needs help, you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to the team.

Report shows in Australia and New Zealand, 24.5 percent of women have been sexually or physically abused by a partner.

08/12/2025

At LIA, we believe every child deserves to grow up safe, loved, and free from harm. That’s why we proudly support the “Dear Children” campaign launched this week by the Children’s Commissioner.

The statistics behind the campaign are heartbreaking — and demand action from all of us:

Police data shows that over the last decade, 113 children under 17 were killed by homicide — and shockingly, two-thirds of those were under five years old.

That means in Aotearoa, a child is lost to homicide roughly every four to five weeks.

The Commissioner notes our country has one of the highest rates of death of children under five among comparable nations — nearly three times higher than Australia.

But beyond the grim numbers are real children. Real lives. Real futures.

We call on all adults — whānau, communities, organisations, and leaders — to “front up”. To listen. To speak. To act. The “Dear Children” letter the campaign centres on — addressed to the 1.23 million children in Aotearoa — says: “You have the right to be safe.”

Now is the time to sign, share, and stand up for tamariki.

Because protecting children is not optional. It’s our shared responsibility — as individuals, as communities, as a nation.

The Children's Commissioner's campaign is centred around a letter she wrote to New Zealand children, saying: "You have the right to be safe."

08/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17YUWa3KMg/

02/12/2025

Today we’re sharing our 2025 Annual Report, which reflects the stories, challenges and strength of the families we serve across South Auckland.

Family violence continues to be one of the biggest issues facing our community. Many whānau are also dealing with housing pressure, financial stress, relationship challenges and the long-term impacts of trauma. These are not just numbers — they are the lived realities of our neighbours, friends, families and loved ones.

Through this report, we want to acknowledge the courage of every person who reached out for support this year. Asking for help is not easy, but it is a powerful first step toward safety and healing.

We also want to recognise the strength of our community. Even in the face of hardship, our families continue to show resilience, hope and deep care for one another. LIA is simply here to walk alongside you, offering support, safety and cultural understanding when things feel overwhelming.

Thank you to everyone in our wider community who supports this work: volunteers, providers, teachers, social workers, neighbours, aunties and uncles, and the many who stand quietly behind families doing the hard mahi.

You can read the full report here: https://lia.org.nz/resources/reports/

01/12/2025

🔴 Measles spreads *very easily*. If you think you have measles, stay home and call Healthline on 0800 611 116. Call ahead if you want to visit your doctor's clinic, or urgent care to prevent the spread.
🔍 Symptoms to watch for: High fever / Cough, runny nose, sore red eyes / Rash starting on the face, spreading down the body
💙 Immunisation is your best protection. Two doses of the MMR vaccine protect 99% of people.
✅ Booking options for getting a vaccine: http://spr.ly/61877v6HD
🚶‍♂️ No appointment? No problem! Many clinics and some pharmacies offer walk-in vaccinations.

🚨 Measles Update – 30 November

One new measles case confirmed in Wellington today, bringing the national total to 22. 21 of those are no longer infectious.

📍 Locations of interest are:
- 22 November - New World Wellington City (Chaffers), Wakefield St
- 24 November - BP 2Go, Berhampore
- 27 November - New World Newtown

🔴 Measles spreads *very easily*. If you think you have measles, stay home and call Healthline on 0800 611 116. Call ahead if you want to visit your doctor's clinic, or urgent care to prevent the spread.
🔍 Symptoms to watch for: High fever / Cough, runny nose, sore red eyes / Rash starting on the face, spreading down the body
💙 Immunisation is your best protection. Two doses of the MMR vaccine protect 99% of people.
✅ Booking options for getting a vaccine: http://spr.ly/61877v6HD
🚶‍♂️ No appointment? No problem! Many clinics and some pharmacies offer walk-in vaccinations.

More info: http://spr.ly/61887v6HE
Locations of Interest: http://spr.ly/61897v6H1

20/11/2025

Last week we held LIA’s AGM — a moment to reflect on the year and the impact of our mahi across communities. ✨

A few highlights from the Annual Report:

• Growing demand: More whānau are reaching out for support, reflecting the real pressures many are facing. 📈
• People first: Our staff and volunteers remain the heartbeat of LIA. ❤️
• Stronger partnerships: We’ve deepened relationships across government, community, and funders. 🤝
• Future-focused: We’re aligning around a clearer direction to ensure our services remain responsive and impactful. 🔍

Behind every number in the report is a person, a story, and a moment of care. That’s what drives us. 🌿

Grateful to everyone who contributed this year — and energised for the work ahead. Fa'afetai lava!