17/08/2026
Weekly Highlights Report
Tonga National Centre for Women and Children (TNCWC)
1. Antenatal Visits
Counsellors continued the Centre’s weekly antenatal visits every Tuesday. The visits provided an opportunity to offer counselling, emotional support, and wellbeing information to expectant mothers.
2. Consultant Meeting – Statistics
Senior Counsellor Mrs Ilaisaane Halaapiapi attended a consultant meeting focused on statistics. The meeting supported discussions around data collection, reporting, and improving the Centre’s use of information to strengthen its services.
3. In-House Capacity Building
The team participated in an in-house capacity-building session aimed at strengthening staff knowledge, teamwork, and professional development. The session also provided an opportunity to celebrate the birthday of our Senior Counsellor, Mrs Ilaisaane Halaapiapi, and acknowledge her valuable contribution to the Centre.
4. Farewell – St Joseph Volunteer
The Centre held a farewell for Ms Nivana Kisina, a volunteer from St Joseph, following her one-month practical training and placement with TNCWC. The team appreciated her commitment, support, and contribution during her time with the Centre.
5. Huatolitoli Visit
The team conducted a visit to Huatolitoli as part of the Centre’s community outreach and service activities. The visit provided an opportunity to engage with the community, assess needs, and strengthen connections with clients and community members.
6. Women’s Economic Empowerment Grant Meeting with WAGED
Our Programme Manager, Mrs Kalesita Puloka, attended a Women’s Economic Empowerment Grant meeting with WAGED. The meeting focused on updates, progress, and discussions related to the grant programme and its continued support for women’s economic empowerment.
7. Meeting with FFOV
The TNCWC team had a meeting with FFOV to discuss ongoing collaboration, programme activities, and opportunities to strengthen coordination and support for women, children, and families. The meeting provided an opportunity to share updates, identify priorities, and strengthen partnerships between the organisations.
8. Meeting with the Patron of the Centre
The team met with the Patron of TNCWC, Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku'aho, to provide an update on the Centre’s current work, activities, and ongoing programmes. The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss progress, achievements, and priorities for the Centre moving forward.
9. Meeting with Miss Ariane Tuapola – Polynesian Health Corridors Programme
The team met with Miss Ariane Tuapola, who works with the Polynesian Health Corridors Programme, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and delivered by the New Zealand Ministry of Health. One of the programme’s priority areas for the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) team is mental health. The meeting provided an opportunity for Miss Tuapola to seek insights and perspectives from TNCWC.
Overall Highlight
The week focused on counselling services, community outreach, staff capacity building, professional development, volunteer engagement, women’s economic empowerment, and strengthening partnerships and leadership support. The meetings and activities also provided valuable opportunities to improve coordination with key stakeholders and partners. These efforts continue to contribute to the Centre’s commitment to supporting women, children, families, and the wider community.
