Celebrating a Decade of Impact at the 2024 Whānau Ora Conference

Updates / Events , 29 Jul 24

The 2024 Pasifika Futures (PFL) Whānau Ora Conference marked a significant milestone for the Whānau Ora programme, highlighting ten years of impact in New Zealand. Bringing together over 200 PFL partners and families from around the country to Due Drop Events Centre in Auckland last week, the conference shone a spotlight on stories across PFL’s five domains: succeeding in education, living longer living better, community connection, financial freedom and family resilience.

PFL Chair, Dr Kiki Maoate ONZM FRACS, expressed his gratitude in his opening remarks, thanking them for their tireless work to support Pacific families.

"Thank you for your continuous support to achieve our vision of Prosperous Pacific Families. This is a collective effort, and we wouldn't be here today, ten years on, without the support and service of people such as yourselves."

Debbie Sorensen, PFL CEO, reflected on the decade of service that PFL partners had provided to Pacific communities, highlighting key figures from PFL's 10-year report that was launched at the conference.

"We have reached nearly 395,555 Pacific individuals through the Whānau Ora programme over the last ten years; that's nearly 80,000 families. That is 89.4% of the Pacific population in New Zealand, and a testament to all the crucial work that our providers do every day."

Both the Minister of Whānau Ora, Hon. Tama Potaka, and Minister for Pacific Peoples, Hon. Shane Reti, attended the conference, commending PFL for actively working towards better outcomes for Pacific people. Hon. Reti closed the conference by launching the Healthy Homes Initiative (HHI), which aims to increase the number of families living in warm, dry homes. Hon. Reti announced that the initiative will be allocated a $4 million budget, aimed at implementing housing interventions in 600 homes in South Auckland and Porirua.

Over the two-day conference, keynote speakers and panellists also shared their insights and learnings from their area of expertise, including former NZ Prime Minister Sir Bill English KNZM, Black Ferns rugby star Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Whānau Ora navigators and families, and community leaders.

The Whānau Ora Awards also provided an opportunity to celebrate partners and long-service navigators, acknowledging their performance and commitment to their communities.

The conference, with its focus on financial freedom, health, education, community and resilience highlighted the ongoing commitment of PFL and its partners to empower Pacific communities and ensure their well-being across generations.

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