Nesi recalls their early days in New Zealand, where the transition was anything but seamless.  

“Back in the islands, it’s different; there is a lot of family and whānau support. But we didn’t get that, so we struggled.” 

Initially on work visas, they eventually gained residency and discovered the Pacific Islands Community Trust (PICT) Tauranga.  

“We’ve been with them, and they supported us—you know, food boxes,” Nesi reflects.  

Their involvement with PICT revealed a wealth of resources available to them and the support they received was culturally resonant, allowing them to share their stories openly. 

“Our first meeting with the navigators at PICT was how they did it our way, the Pacific way. They didn’t sit behind a desk; they sat around and had a good old Talanoa—with food.”  

PICT provided invaluable guidance, particularly in budgeting. 

“They came around us, asked us questions. It wasn’t too professional, but it was warm. That’s what really encouraged us to update our budgets and communicate when we needed help.”  

This partnership empowered Nesi and Api to pursue their dreams, including a desire for education. Their desire for personal and professional growth did not go unnoticed by the PICT team.  

“We shared with them our desire to study; it was amazing. They dreamed with us. They were so encouraging. We didn’t at all feel like we were alone.”  

Api highlights the transition's challenges, noting, “The biggest challenge was the transition from the islands to New Zealand. Back home, you can just knock on a neighbour’s door for help. But it doesn’t work that way here.” This realisation prompted them to rethink their approach to community support. 

Both Nesi and Api, with years of ministry experience, felt called to give back through counselling. They recognised mental health struggles in their community. 

“Staff and students that come to our programs struggle with the same things over and over.”  

Their upbringing in Fiji fostered a deep understanding of resilience and community support.  

“It’s not only for us as Pasifika; it’s always about the wider family,” Api states. 

Their children also inspire them. “We’re doing this in our 40s. You can do it when you’re young,” Nesi encourages, emphasising resilience and education's importance. 

Navigating financial support posed challenges, particularly early on. 

“Sometimes it’s a bit like you feel exposed at first because you have to share your financials with the navigators. But that’s small compared to the support you get. You’re not bearing your debt by yourself.” 

In sharing their journey, Nesi and Api highlight a powerful truth: success is not merely an individual achievement, but a collective experience grounded in support, resilience, and the bonds of family and community.